Soft or blackening trunk base
A soft, dark or foul-smelling base is the most serious sign — usually root rot from staying too wet. Act quickly.
Likely causes
Root rot from overwatering
How to tell: The soil is constantly soggy, the base feels soft, and the roots are black and smell bad.
The fix: Unpot the tree, cut away every black, mushy root, repot in fresh gritty soil, and water sparingly while it recovers.
Poor drainage
How to tell: A pot with no drainage holes, or dense soil that holds water.
The fix: Always use a draining pot and open, free-draining bonsai soil.
How to prevent it
Gritty, free-draining soil, a pot that drains, and watering only when the tree needs it.
Common questions
Can a tree recover from root rot?
If you catch it early and enough healthy root remains, yes — but it needs dry, careful aftercare to pull through.
General guidance based on 20+ years of practice. Every tree is different — when in doubt, ask us.