---
title: "When i received the delivery of this plant, the stems were floppy and…"
description: "When i received the delivery of this plant, the stems were floppy and i understand that happens with overwatering. Is there anything i can do to fix this? (I…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/FuPsAXXtDwuT8PWOKqkEUq"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Khushi"
published: "2026-09-03T14:20:31.520447Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/everythingHousePlants.jpg"
---

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# When i received the delivery of this plant, the stems were floppy and…

_Posted by Khushi on 2026-09-03_

When i received the delivery of this plant, the stems were floppy and i understand that happens with overwatering. Is there anything i can do to fix this? (I have read that nothing can be done) does it mean the plant is a lost cause?😔

## 8 comments

### Heather commented on 2026-09-03

Are the rhizomes still in good shape? Even if the stem is “floppy”, if the root rhizome is still firm you may still be able to rescue it. You are wanting them to feel like a potato and be light colored. If they a mushy the plant won’t recover.

If the rhizomes are still healthy, just remove and black mushy roots or floppy foliage and let it sit out for a few days to dry out. This will let any cuts you made to callous over and prevent plant from rotting when repotted. When you repot it, make sure you used a really well draining soil. Use 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite and 1 part fine to medium bark.

If the plant was a purchase from a nursery you should request a refund or replacement as it would have been overwatered at the nursery before shipping.

#### Khushi replied on 2026-09-03

Thank you so much. The Rhizomes are very firm, and very light in colour. I didnt find any rotting roots when i repotted in a well draining soil

#### Heather replied on 2026-09-03

That’s great news. Just cut off the rotting stem and, if it is already repotted move the soil away from the top of the rhizome that stem was attached to so it can dry out.

I always err on the side of overly dry with mine before watering. The rhizomes are water storage so I wait to water until the entire pot is dry and feels light to pick up.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/pnXnsRbEbVfHs29czNYzK4jB6BFd3BsI9bsKKyqia8I/LC6ytGNhSSaos3bmh71jsA.webp?size=large)

#### Khushi replied on 2026-09-04

I do have a silly question, how do you normally check if the soil deep down is dry or not?

#### Heather replied on 2026-09-04

I have all my plants in nursery pots inside a decorative pot. Makes it easy to water and repot and and make sure plants aren’t being over watered. To check the soil I pull the nursery pot and poke a finger in the bottom drain holes. If it is only slightly damp or dry, I give it water. Sometime the soil can get hydrophobic between waterings so I can water it while it sits in the decorative pot and let it site for 30 minutes for the soil to actually absorb the water. Then I pull out the nursery pot and pour out the water that remains in the decorative pot.

If your plant isn’t double potted (nursery pot inside decorative pot) get a good hydrometer to check soil. Just know you risk spearing a rhizome when pushing it into the soil which can damage the plant and give you incorrect water info.

#### Khushi replied on 2026-09-04

Thanks so much, i like the poking idea better than worrying about damaging anything. I have double pots too!

### Karzdan commented on 2026-09-03

Exactly what Heather said. I have several ZZs and as long as their ryzomes are in good shape, it's still alive. These plants naturally grow in an arid environment that gets infrequent heavy rain. They adapted to store excess water in the ryzome and survive long periods of dryness. Try to mimic that at home.

### Khushi commented on 2026-09-03

Thanks both 🧡

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