Is this root rot on my century plant pups and can I still save them?

What's likely going on

From the photo, the base of the agave (century plant) shows dark, soft, decaying tissue around the attachment point. That’s consistent with rot starting at the base, usually from:

• Soil staying wet or poorly drained
• Damage while removing pups, letting fungi/bacteria in

Minimal roots on offsets (pups) is common if they’re taken too early or from a stressed mother plant. A healthy pup can still survive if there’s firm, white or pale tissue inside once you cut away the rot.

I can’t see the whole root ball, so to confirm, gently press the dark areas: if they’re soft, smelly, or smear on your fingers, it’s rot; if they’re dry and hard, it may just be old, dead tissue.

What to do

1. Unpot or uncover the base of the affected plants so you can see all the soft, dark tissue.
2. Cut away all rotten parts with a clean, sharp knife until you reach firm, clean, pale tissue. Disinfect the blade between cuts (alcohol or flame and cool).
3. Let the plants dry and callus: place the cleaned pups (and any salvaged part of the mother) in bright shade, dry and airy, for 3–7 days. The cut surfaces should dry and feel leathery.
4. Optional protection: dust fresh cuts with dry sulfur powder, cinnamon, or a commercial fungicidal powder to discourage further rot.
5. Replant in very gritty, fast‑draining mix (cactus/succulent soil with extra pumice, perlite, or coarse sand). Plant shallowly; don’t bury the base deeply.
6. Water sparingly: after replanting, wait 5–7 days before the first light watering. Then water only when the mix is completely dry. Rootless pups may sit for weeks before growing new roots.
7. Give strong light but avoid harsh midday sun until you see new growth, then gradually move to more sun.

How to prevent it

• Use pots or ground with excellent drainage; avoid heavy garden soil.
• Water agaves deeply but infrequently, letting soil fully dry between waterings.
• When removing pups, choose ones that are fist‑sized or larger and already show some roots.
• Always use clean tools and avoid leaving fresh wounds in wet soil.

When to worry

• If the rot smell is strong and the soft area keeps spreading after you’ve cut it out.
• If the remaining core turns hollow, mushy, or collapses.
• If pups shrivel from the center and don’t firm up after weeks in dry conditions.

In those cases, discard badly affected plants to protect any healthy agaves growing nearby and start fresh with clean, dry offsets in new soil.