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What to Do When a Desert Rose's Caudex Turns Soft? Causes and Solutions

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There are many reasons why a desert rose's caudex turns soft. If it is caused by a pot that is too large or too deep, you need to repot it into a smaller pot; if it is caused by unsuitable soil, you need to change the soil and give it loose, breathable soil that does not easily retain water; if it is caused by overwatering, you need to reduce watering or repot it.

1. Repotting

1. Cause: It generally does not grow very large, so if the pot it is planted in is too big, many problems will arise. If the pot is too large and too deep, the plant cannot be planted down to the bottom, and a lot of water will collect at the bottom that cannot be absorbed. If water accumulates, its caudex will turn soft.

2. Solution: When planting it, try to choose a small, shallow pot. This kind of pot will not hold standing water; even if you water too much at once, it will be dried out by the sun and will not directly affect the desert rose's health. Generally speaking, choosing a pot twice the volume of its roots is enough.

2. Changing the Soil

1. Cause: The soil a desert rose grows in cannot be fertile, moist soil, because it is a desert-type plant, and soil that is too moist will cause its caudex to turn soft.

2. Solution: The soil for growing a desert rose must be well aerated and not retain water, so choose river sand soil and regular soil mixed at a ratio of six to four. To increase aeration, you can place some river cobbles or expanded clay pebbles at the bottom of the soil.

3. Stopping Watering

1. Cause: The desert rose is a drought-tolerant plant, and too much water is actually harmful. It will affect its health and cause the caudex to turn soft.

2. Solution: When growing this kind of drought-tolerant plant, watering follows one principle: you must only water when both the potting soil and the branches and leaves are completely dry, otherwise root rot will occur. Generally, during the growing season, watering two or three times a month is enough; at other times, about once a month is fine.

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