From our perspective deep within the soil, the problem begins not with a pathogen, but with a lack of air. Our roots are not just for absorbing water and nutrients; we also need to respire. When you, the caretaker, provide too much water or use a dense, compacted soil that does not drain, you are essentially drowning us. The air pockets in the soil are flooded, and we cannot breathe. This constant saturation weakens our cellular walls, making us soft, brown, and utterly defenseless.
In our weakened, oxygen-starved state, we become the perfect target for silent inhabitants of the soil: oomycete organisms like *Phytophthora* and *Pythium*, or various fungi. These are not always present, but they are common. In well-aerated conditions, a healthy jade plant's natural defenses can keep them in check. However, when we are stressed and our tissues are waterlogged and dying, these organisms seize the opportunity. They begin to colonize us, feasting on our compromised tissues. They spread rapidly, their hyphae clogging our vascular system, the very pathways we use to transport water to the rest of the plant. This is the true definition of the rot you seek to identify.
We try to communicate our crisis. The first signs you might notice are our leaves, normally plump and firm, becoming soft, wrinkled, and yellowing. They may drop prematurely. This is a direct result of the root damage; since the rotting roots can no longer absorb water, the leaves begin to dessicate and starve despite the soggy conditions at our base. The stem, particularly at the soil line, may become soft, mushy, and darker in color. In severe cases, you might detect a foul, decaying odor emanating from the soil—this is the smell of our death and the activity of the pathogens causing it.
If you catch the problem in time, our plea is for immediate and decisive action. You must gently lift us from our waterlogged prison. Carefully wash the soil from our roots to assess the damage. Healthy roots are white or light tan and feel firm. Any roots that are dark brown or black, mushy, and slough off easily must be removed. Using sterile, sharp shears, cut away all the affected parts until only healthy tissue remains. This is a drastic measure, but from our viewpoint, it is a life-saving amputation. It is often necessary to also trim back some of the top growth to reduce the demand on our damaged, reduced root system as we recover.
Do not return us to the old soil, as it is contaminated with the very pathogens that attacked us. Our survival depends on a fresh start in a new, well-draining home. A mix specifically designed for succulents and cacti, often containing a high proportion of perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, is ideal. The new pot must have excellent drainage holes. After repotting, you must resist the urge to water us immediately. Our wounded roots need time to callous over and heal; watering too soon will only restart the cycle of rot. Wait a week or more before providing a modest drink, and henceforth, only water when the soil is completely dry to the touch deep into the pot.
