Common Problems With Succulents And How to Fix Them
Last Updated on July 8, 2023
Although succulents are easy to care for, they sometimes experience problems. The most common problem is overwatering, which can cause the leaves to yellow and fall off. Underwatering can also be a problem, causing the leaves to shrivel and turn brown.
If your succulent is not getting enough light, it will become etiolated, or stretchy. All of these problems can be fixed by adjusting your watering schedule and giving your plant more or less light.
SUCCULENTS and CACTUS CARE | PROBLEMS, SIGNS and HOW TO FIX
If you’re like me, you probably can’t resist a good succulent. They’re just so darn cute! But as with any plant, there are bound to be some problems from time to time.
Here are some of the most common problems with succulents and how to fix them!
1. Overwatering
One of the most common problems with succulents is overwatering.
This can cause the leaves to soften and collapse, and in extreme cases, it can cause root rot. If you think your succulent might be overwatered, stop watering it and let the soil dry out completely before giving it a drink again.
2. Underwatering
Underwatering is another common problem that can cause your succulent’s leaves to wrinkle and turn brown. If you think your plant might be thirsty, give it a good drink and then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
Succulent Leaves Drying Up And Falling off
If your succulent leaves are drying up and falling off, there are a few things that could be happening. First, check to see if the plant is getting enough light. Succulents need bright, direct sunlight to thrive.
If your plant is in a shady spot or isn’t getting enough light, the leaves will start to dry out and fall off.
Another possible reason for dried out and falling leaves is overwatering. When succulents are watered too frequently, the roots can’t get the oxygen they need and the plant starts to suffocate.
This causes the leaves to dry out and eventually fall off. If you think you’re overwatering your succulent, let it dry out completely between watering and make sure the pot has good drainage so excess water can escape.
Finally, sometimes succulents just naturally shed their older leaves as they grow new ones.
This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about! Just trim off any dead or dying leaves and enjoy your healthy plant.
Succulent Losing Leaves at Bottom
If you have a succulent that’s losing leaves at the bottom, it’s likely due to one of two reasons: either the plant is getting too much sun or not enough water. If your plant is in a sunny spot, try moving it to a shadier location. If it’s in a shady spot, try moving it to a sunnier location.
If you think your plant might be under-watered, give it a good soaking and then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
How to Fix Brown Spots on Succulents
If your succulent has brown spots, it is likely due to sunburn or dehydration. To fix brown spots on succulents, you will need to provide them with more water and protect them from the sun.
Water your succulent deeply about once a week, making sure that the soil is completely saturated.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. If you live in a hot climate, you may need to water your succulent more often.
Provide your succulent with some protection from the sun by placing it in an east-facing window or under an umbrella or tree.
You can also buy a special succulent potting mix that has added sunscreen.
If the brown spots on your succulent are severe, you may need to cut off any affected leaves or stems. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears and make clean cuts just above the brown spot.
Dispose of any trimmed leaves or stems so that they don’t spread disease to other plants.
Overwatered Succulent
If you have ever had a succulent that died on you, it is likely because you overwatered it. Overwatered succulents are very common, especially among new plant parents. While succulents are drought-resistant plants that can store water in their leaves, they can still be overwatered.
This often happens when people forget to check the soil before watering or water their plants on a schedule instead of checking for signs of thirst.
Signs that your succulent is overwatered include:
– Soil that is constantly wet or mushy
– Leaves that are soft and limp
– Leaves that are turning yellow or brown
Succulent Turning Brown And Soft
If your succulent is turning brown and soft, it’s likely that the plant is not getting enough light. Succulents need bright, direct sunlight to thrive and if they’re not getting enough light, they will start to stretch out and turn brown. If your succulent is in a pot, try moving it to a sunny spot.
If it’s outdoors, make sure it’s in a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
There are other reasons why succulents may turn brown and soft, such as too much water or fertilizer, pests, or disease. If you suspect one of these issues, be sure to address it immediately.
With proper care, your succulent should start to look better within a few days.
Credit: succulentplantcare.com
How Do You Fix Damaged Succulents?
If your succulent is looking a little worse for wear, don’t despair – there are plenty of ways to revive it back to good health! Here are some tips on how to fix damaged succulents:
1. Check the roots
One of the first things you should do if your succulent is looking unhealthy is to check the roots. If the roots are rotted or diseased, then the plant will struggle to absorb water and nutrients, which can lead to further problems. To check the roots, gently remove your plant from its pot and inspect them.
If they look blackened or mushy, then they’re probably rotted and will need to be trimmed away. You can also check for root rot by poking around in the soil – if it feels wet and mushy, then there’s a good chance that the roots are affected.
2. Prune away any dead or dying leaves
If your succulent has any dead or dying leaves, it’s best to prune them away. This will help encourage new growth and stop the spread of any potential diseases. To prune your plant, simply use sharp scissors or a knife to cut off any affected leaves at their base.
Once you’ve done this, dispose of the leaves in the bin – don’t compost them as this could spread disease to other plants.
3. Give it a good watering
Another way you can revive your succulent is by giving it a good watering.
However, it’s important not to overdo it as this can cause root rot (as we mentioned before). When watering your plant, make sure that the soil is completely dry before adding more water – otherwise you run the risk of drowning your plant! A general rule of thumb is to water once every week or two; however, this may vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity levels.
If you’re unsure whether your plant needs watering, stick your finger into the soil – if it feels dry an inch down then give it a drink!
What am I Doing Wrong With My Succulents?
If your succulents are looking unhealthy, there are a few things you might be doing wrong. Here are some tips on how to keep your succulents healthy:
1. Water them properly.
Succulents need very little water, so it’s important not to overwater them. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions, and water deeply but infrequently.
2. Give them enough light.
Succulents need plenty of bright, direct sunlight in order to stay healthy. If they’re not getting enough light, they’ll start to stretch and become leggy.
3. Don’t fertilize too often.
Fertilizing succulents is not necessary, and can actually do more harm than good if done too frequently. Once every few months is sufficient for most succulents.
4. Avoid extreme temperature changes.
Sudden changes in temperature can stress out succulents and make them more susceptible to disease and pests.
Can a Succulent Repair Itself?
The short answer is yes, succulents can repair themselves. The long answer is a little more complicated.
Succulents are able to repair themselves because they have a high water content in their leaves.
This water content allows the plant to heal any wounds that may occur. The process of healing for a succulent is similar to the healing process for humans. When we get a cut, our body sends out cells to repair the damaged tissue.
Succulents do the same thing, but on a much smaller scale.
The ability for succulents to heal themselves also depends on the type of injury. If the injury is just a small cut, then the plant will likely be able to repair itself without any problems.
However, if the injury is more severe, such as a broken stem, then the plant may not be able to completely heal itself and will need some help from you, the gardener.
If you see that your succulent has sustained an injury, there are some things you can do to help it along in the healing process:
-Apply a layer of fresh soil over the wound area – this will help protect it from infection while it heals
-Give your plant extra water – this will help it create new cells faster
What Does an Overwatered Succulent Look Like?
An overwatered succulent will have leaves that are soft and mushy to the touch. The leaves may also be yellow or brown in color, and they may fall off easily. The stem of the plant may be weak and thin, and the roots may be soggy or rotting.
Are Pests the Main Cause of Common Problems With Succulents?
Are pests the main cause of common problems with succulents? Yes, they can be. Common succulent pests, such as mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites, can infest succulent plants and cause damage. It is important to identify and treat these pests early on to prevent further issues. There are various common succulent pests treatments available, including organic and chemical options, to help maintain the health and beauty of your succulents.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble with your succulents, you’re not alone. These plants are finicky, and even experienced gardeners can have problems with them from time to time. Here are some of the most common problems with succulents, and how to fix them.
If your succulent is wilting, it’s probably because it’s not getting enough water. The best way to water a succulent is to soak the roots in water for about 30 minutes, then let the plant drain thoroughly before putting it back in its pot. If you think your succulent is overwatered, take a look at the leaves.
If they’re brown and mushy, that’s a sure sign that too much water is the problem. Allow the plant to dry out completely, then start watering it less frequently.
If your succulent looks pale or has yellow leaves, it could be lacking nutrients.
Use a fertilizer made specifically for cacti and other succulents once every month or so to give them a boost.
If your plant is growing slowly or seems stunted, it might be because it’s getting too much sun. Succulents need bright light to thrive, but if they’re in direct sunlight all day long they can get sunburned.
Move them to a spot that gets plenty of light but isn’t in full sun all day long.
With a little care and attention, your succulents will be healthy and happy!
