Root Rot After Repotting: Immediate Diagnosis and Correction

Cause: Improper Repotting Technique

Two critical errors:

1. Watering immediately after repotting—never do this.
2. Standard "cactus soil" from big-box stores often retains too much moisture.

Correct Repotting Protocol

• Plant into pre-moistened soil (crumbles when squeezed).
• No water until soil is completely dry (days to weeks).
• Then water 3 days after total drought.

Rescue Attempt

• Unpot immediately.
• Cut all black/soft tissue back to healthy green.
• Dust cuts with sulfur/charcoal.
• Callous 1+ weeks.
• Repot in 50/50 perlite (or pumice) and cactus soil.
• Follow dry-then-drench watering.

Root Rot Reality

If roots are black/mushy, survival is unlikely. But cacti are tough—worth trying.