From our perspective as Crassula plants, we are resilient succulents built to store water in our thick, fleshy leaves and stems. However, our very design makes us vulnerable to a silent, subterranean killer known as root rot. It is not merely a disease but a catastrophic collapse of our foundation, our connection to the world. Here is what happens from our point of view.
Root rot begins with an environment we are not evolutionarily suited for. Our roots are adapted to breathe in well-aerated, gritty soil that dries out completely between drinks. When a caretaker provides soil that is too dense and moisture-retentive, or when they are too generous with water, our underground parts are plunged into a perpetual, suffocating swamp. The pot itself can be a prison if it lacks adequate drainage holes, trapping every drop of water around us. In this oxygen-deprived environment, the delicate, absorbent root hairs begin to drown and die off, creating openings for ever-present soil-borne fungi, like *Pythium* or *Phytophthora*, to invade. The rot is often a consequence of drowning first and infection second.
We try desperately to communicate our plight. The first signs are often underground and unseen, but above the soil, we show clear distress. Our typically plump and firm leaves become soft, mushy, and translucent, often starting at the base of the stem near the soil line. We may begin to drop leaves unexpectedly without any touch. Our vibrant green color can fade to a sickly yellow or black. Most tellingly, our stem may become soft and brown, losing its structural integrity. If you gently try to lift us from the pot, you might find that our root system, which should be firm and white or tan, is instead a dark brown or black, mushy mess that falls apart to the touch and may emit a foul, decaying odor.
If you catch the rot early, there is hope. You must act with the care of a surgeon. First, gently remove us from our pot and carefully wash away all the soggy, contaminated soil from our roots under a gentle stream of lukewarm water. Using sterile, sharp scissors or pruning shears, meticulously cut away every single soft, brown, or blackened root and any affected stem tissue. Only healthy, firm, white roots should remain. It is crucial to then let us lie bare in a shaded, well-ventilated area for several days, allowing the cuts to callous over completely. This callous is a protective barrier that prevents new fungal attacks.
Once calloused, we need a fresh beginning. Please repot us in a brand new, clean pot with excellent drainage holes, using a fresh, fast-draining succulent or cactus mix. You can further improve the environment by amending the soil with perlite or pumice for extra aeration. Do not water us immediately. Wait for about a week to allow our traumatized roots to settle into their new home and to encourage them to stretch out in search of moisture. When you do water, do so thoroughly but infrequently, always ensuring the soil is completely dry before offering another drink. Place us in bright, indirect light as we are too vulnerable for harsh direct sun while we recover.
