nurtomi

Soft or mushy stems

Soft tissue can indicate rot, but the cause needs investigation.

Bacterial soft rot on Chinese cabbage.
Bacterial soft rot on Chinese cabbage. Photo: Scot Nelson from USA · CC0 · Resized and converted for display.

What to look for

Check whether the stem base or other tissue is wet, soft and collapsing, rather than naturally flexible. Persistent wetness can contribute; different pathogens and injuries can cause similar decay.

What to do

Separate the plant and keep tools clean. Remove only clearly rotten parts when practical, discard severely affected material, and avoid keeping the mix saturated. Monitor any remaining firm growth.

Sources