Succulents are beloved for their low-maintenance reputation and their ability to thrive indoors and out. But if your once-vibrant succulent is now shriveled, discolored, or drooping, it’s a sign that something’s gone wrong. Understanding the causes behind your succulent’s decline can help you nurse it back to health and avoid similar issues in the future.
1. Overwatering: The Silent Killer
Succulents are desert plants, adapted to store water in their leaves, stems, and roots. Too much water can overwhelm them, leading to root rot—a common cause of death.
Signs of Overwatering:
- Mushy or translucent leaves.
- Leaves falling off with a slight touch.
- Foul smell from the soil (indicating rot).
How to Fix It:
- Stop watering immediately.
- Gently remove the plant from its pot, check for black or mushy roots, and trim away the damaged areas.
- Let the succulent dry out for a few days before repotting it in fresh, well-draining soil.
Prevention Tips:
- Water only when the soil is completely dry, usually every 1-2 weeks.
- Use pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
2. Underwatering: The Dehydrated Succulent
While succulents are drought-tolerant, they do need occasional watering to stay healthy. Underwatering can cause them to deplete their stored moisture, leading to shriveled leaves and stunted growth.
Signs of Underwatering:
- Wrinkled, dry, or deflated leaves.
- Slowed or stopped growth.
How to Fix It:
- Water thoroughly, ensuring the soil is soaked but not soggy.
- Allow the plant to absorb the water and watch for plumped-up leaves within a few days.
Prevention Tips:
- Establish a consistent watering schedule. Adjust frequency based on your climate and the season (less water in winter).
3. Poor Lighting Conditions
Succulents thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Too little light can make them weak and leggy, while too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.
Signs of Poor Lighting:
- Too little light: Stretched-out stems (etiolation), pale leaves, leaning toward the light source.
- Too much light: Brown or white spots on leaves, a sign of sunburn.
How to Fix It:
- Move the plant to a location with better lighting. For insufficient light, a south- or east-facing window is ideal. For sunburned plants, shift them to indirect light.
- Consider using grow lights if natural light is scarce.
Prevention Tips:
- Gradually acclimate your succulent to stronger light when moving it outdoors or closer to a bright window.
4. Wrong Soil or Pot
Succulents need well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Standard potting mixes can retain too much moisture, suffocating the roots.
Signs of Inadequate Soil or Pot:
- Persistent sogginess after watering.
- Mold growth on the soil.
How to Fix It:
- Repot the succulent in a cactus or succulent-specific soil mix. You can also make your own by mixing regular potting soil with sand or perlite.
- Ensure your pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Prevention Tips:
- Avoid decorative pots without drainage unless you use them as outer covers for functional pots.
5. Pests or Disease
Succulents are usually pest-resistant, but infestations can still occur. Common pests include mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Diseases like fungal infections can also wreak havoc.
Signs of Pests or Disease:
- Cotton-like white patches (mealybugs).
- Tiny webs on leaves (spider mites).
- Yellowing, black spots, or wilting (fungal infections).
How to Fix It:
- For pests: Remove bugs manually or spray the plant with diluted isopropyl alcohol.
- For fungal issues: Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
Prevention Tips:
- Inspect new plants for pests before bringing them home.
- Avoid overwatering, as damp conditions encourage pests and diseases.
6. Temperature Stress
Succulents prefer stable temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C-27°C). Extreme cold or heat can damage them.
Signs of Temperature Stress:
- Blackened leaves from frostbite.
- Soft, scorched leaves from heat.
How to Fix It:
- Move your succulent to a more temperature-controlled environment.
- Trim away any damaged parts to encourage healthy growth.
Prevention Tips:
- Bring outdoor succulents inside during cold winters.
- Avoid placing plants near drafts, heaters, or air conditioners.
Key Takeaway
Succulents may be hardy, but they need the right balance of water, light, soil, and care to thrive. By paying close attention to your plant’s needs and environment, you can revive a struggling succulent and enjoy its beauty for years to come.