Question
my desert rose root base is soft and rotting from the inside.  haven't watered it in a month. do you have any suggestions. i live in Georgia and the plant is inside the house in good sun.


thanks

Answer
Judy
Dessert rose (Latin binomial name - Adenium obesum) is very susceptible to root rot...Most succulents are...The best way to control root rot is to water properly...
I water most of my plants in the following manner -
WATER BY WEIGHT...Check how much the plant weighs when thoroughly watered VS its' weight when it is ready to be watered again. Sometimes it helps to put a saucer under the pot and let the plant sit in water for 10-15 minutes (WITH SUCCULENTS DO NOT USE THE SAUCER WITH THIS WATERING TECHNIQUE)...Pick the pot up (or lean it if it a large pot) and feel how heavy it is after watering it thoroughly. Don't water it again until it feels considerably lighter and the top of the soil is light in color. It is always better to err on the "too dry" side VS "too wet" with succulents...Plants are usually killed by too frequent waterings, not too much water at one time...Depending on plant types, sunlight exposure and pot size plants will need water at many different rates from once a day to once a month or more...
Also, you do not want to let the plant stay too dry too long...This can cause similar symptoms to plant rot (especially with cacti)...
To help your plant in particular:
1. Cut out or remove the soft rotting material back to good base flesh...After removing wipe with a clean paper napkin...This will allow the wound to heal and hopefully help the plant recover.
2. Depending on the amount of soil Vs roots in the pot you could also remove the old soil and replace with a good cactus mix...
3. Start watering using the weight method described above...
4. Add a good indoor water soluble fertilizer every other month or so...

Good luck...And let me know if this works for you...
Rick in Southern NJ