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Succulents are stealing the spotlight lately, thanks to their incredibly easy upkeep. But truth be told, even the sturdiest succulents can stumble now and then. If your succulent is looking under the weather, you might find yourself asking, “is my succulent dead?” In this guide, I’ll walk you through common succulent issues and how to revive your plants back to health.
YayImagesIs My Succulent Dead?
Let’s get straight to the point. If you’re wondering whether your succulent is dead, here’s a quick way to determine its condition.
A dead succulent typically exhibits the following characteristics:
1. Mushy Stems and Leaves
When you gently press the stems or leaves of your succulent, they feel mushy and may collapse or break easily.
2. Brown or Black Spots
Dark, discolored black or brown spots on the leaves or stems often indicate fungal disease or rot, which can be a sign of a dying succulent.
3. Drooping, Shriveling, and Yellowing
Succulents are known for their plump and fleshy leaves. If you notice them drooping, shriveling, or turning yellow, it’s a sign of distress.
4. Foul Odor
A foul smell coming from your succulent is a definite sign of rot, and a strong indicator of a dying plant.
5. No New Growth
A healthy succulent usually sprouts new leaves and offsets regularly. Lack of new growth is a cause for concern.
If your succulent displays most of these symptoms, it’s likely not in good health.
But before you give up on it, let’s explore the five most common reasons for succulents dying and their solutions that might help you bring your succulent back to life.
iStockCommon Causes of Dying Succulents
Let’s take a look at the most common causes of succulents dying and how to save them:
Issue #1: Overwatering
Overwatering is one of the primary culprits when it comes to succulent problems.
Many succulent owners mistakenly think that more water is better, but succulents have evolved to thrive in arid environments with occasional rainfall.
Overwatering causes several issues:
1. Root Rot
Excess water can lead to root rot, a condition in which the roots become mushy and start to decay.
Root rot is a severe issue that can be challenging to reverse.
It’s a result of waterlogged soil and can quickly spread throughout the root system.
2. Mushy Leaves and Stems
Too much water can cause the leaves and stems to become mushy, as the cells become overfilled and burst.
The bursting of cells results in a loss of structural integrity, making the plant appear limp and prone to damage.
How to Prevent Overwatering
The best way to prevent overwatering is by following these guidelines:
1. Good Drainage
Ensure your pots have drainage holes, allowing excess water to escape.
This is crucial to prevent water from pooling at the bottom of the pot, where it can lead to root problems and an overwatered succulent.
Check out these pots on Amazon that are perfect for succulents!
2. Use Less Water, More Often
Water your succulents sparingly, but do so consistently.
A good rule of thumb is to wait until the top inch of the soil is dry before watering.
This ensures that you don’t overwater and gives the roots a chance to absorb moisture.
3. Water the Soil, Not the Plant
When watering, direct the water at the soil, avoiding the leaves.
Water on the succulent leaves can lead to issues like powdery mildew and damage the aesthetics of the plant.
4. Use a Moisture Meter
A moisture meter can help you accurately gauge when it’s time to water your succulent.
It takes the guesswork out of the process, ensuring that you water at the right time.
You can find great moisture meters on Amazon!
Petra / PixabayIssue #2: Underwatering
While overwatering is a common issue, underwatering can also lead to a dead succulent.
Signs of underwatering include:
1. Dry and Shrinking Leaves
Underwatered succulents often have leaves that appear dry and start to shrivel.
This is a defense mechanism that helps the plant conserve water.
The leaves lose their plumpness and become visibly dehydrated.
2. Lack of Growth
A healthy succulent should exhibit new growth.
If your plant isn’t producing new leaves or stems, it may not be getting enough water.
Insufficient water availability hampers the plant’s ability to generate new growth, resulting in stunted development.
How to Save Underwatered Succulents
To revive underwatered succulents:
1. Ensure Proper Drainage
Adequate drainage is still crucial to prevent waterlogged soil, even when correcting underwatering.
Without good drainage, overcompensating with water can exacerbate the problem by creating a waterlogged environment.
2. Gradual Rehydration
Gradually increase the amount of water you provide.
Do not inundate the plant with water all at once to avoid shocking the roots.
A slow rehydration process allows the plant to recover without experiencing undue stress.
3. Monitor Growth
As you increase watering, monitor your succulent’s growth.
The appearance of new leaves or stems is a positive sign, indicating that the plant is rebounding from its previously dehydrated state.
YayImagesIssue #3: Not Receiving Enough Light
Succulents are adapted to thrive in bright light conditions, whether indoors or outdoors.
Lack of sunlight can result in issues such as:
1. Etiolation
When succulents do not receive enough light, they may stretch out and become elongated, a condition known as etiolation.
Etiolated succulents lose their compact form and become more fragile.
2. Weak Growth
Succulents kept in low-light conditions tend to grow weak and become more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Weak growth diminishes their ability to thrive and makes them less resilient.
The Best Way to Ensure Adequate Light
To provide your succulents with enough sunlight:
1. Place in Bright Light
Position your succulents where they can receive at least 6 hours of indirect or direct sunlight per day.
South and west-facing windows are usually the best locations for indoor succulents.
2. Use Grow Lights
If you’re growing succulents indoors and lack natural light, consider using a grow light to provide the necessary illumination.
Full-spectrum grow lights mimic natural sunlight and can be an excellent alternative for supplementing light.
Check out this full spectrum grow light on Amazon!
3. Rotate for Even Growth
To ensure even growth, occasionally rotate your potted succulents.
This prevents them from leaning toward the light source and helps maintain their symmetrical shape.
YayImagesIssue #4: Soil and Drainage Issues
Succulents require well-drained soil to avoid waterlogged roots.
Common soil issues include:
1. Excess Moisture
Succulents planted in soil that retains too much moisture are prone to root rot and other problems.
The retention of excess water creates a conducive environment for pathogens and negatively impacts the root system’s health.
2. Lack of Nutrients
Using soil that lacks organic matter and nutrients can stunt the growth of succulents. Succulents need a balanced mix of nutrients to support their growth and maintain their vibrant appearance.
The Best Way to Ensure Proper Drainage and Soil
To create the ideal soil environment for your succulents:
1. Use a Specially Formatted Succulent Soil
A good idea is to use a specially formulated succulent potting mix that provides the right balance of drainage and nutrients.
These mixes are designed to replicate the natural conditions in which succulents thrive.
Have a look at this succulent potting mix on Amazon!
2. Repot with Fresh Soil
If you suspect your succulent is suffering from soil-related issues, consider repotting it with fresh soil to help it recover.
Repotting allows you to address any underlying soil problems and provide a fresh start for your plant.
3. Add Organic Matter
Amending the soil with organic matter can improve its nutrient content.
Compost or well-rotted organic matter can be added to the potting mix to enhance its fertility and water-holding capacity.
YayImagesIssue #5: Pests
Pests can plague succulents, causing significant harm if left unchecked.
Some common pests that can cause a dead succulent include:
1. Spider Mites
These tiny arachnids can sap the life out of your succulents by feeding on their juices.
Spider mites often appear as tiny dots on the leaves and produce fine webbing on the plant.
2. Scale Insects
Scale insects attach themselves to the succulent, drawing nutrients from it and creating unsightly, hard shells.
They come in various shapes and sizes and can be challenging to eliminate.
3. Fungus Gnats
These tiny, dark-winged insects lay their eggs in moist soil and can infest your succulent.
Their larvae feed on the plant’s roots and can cause significant damage.
The Best Way to Deal with Pests
To address pest problems:
1. Isolate Affected Plants
Isolate infested succulents to prevent the pests from spreading to others.
Isolation is essential for preventing the infestation from spreading to your other plants.
2. Insecticidal Soap
You can treat mild infestations with insecticidal soap, but it’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully.
Insecticidal soap can effectively eliminate soft-bodied pests like spider mites.
You can find an insecticidal soap on Amazon to use!
3. Neem Oil
Neem oil is an organic alternative to combat various pests, including spider mites and scale insects.
It disrupts their reproductive cycles and can help control infestations.
Check out this Neem oil on Amazon!
4. Cotton Swab Method
For small-scale infestations, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to target individual pests.
This method allows you to focus on specific problem areas and reduce pest populations.
iStockHow to Revive a Dying Succulent
In some cases, succulents that appear to be on the brink of death can be nursed back to health.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to reviving a dying succulent:
1. Isolation
First, isolate the succulent to prevent any potential issues from spreading to other plants.
This step is vital to contain the problem and avoid further infestations.
2. Assess the Problem
Identify the specific problem your succulent is facing. Is it overwatered, underwatered, or infested with pests?
Understanding the root cause of the issue is essential for providing the right treatment.
3. Trimming
If your succulent has extensive damage, consider trimming off dead leaves, stems, or roots.
Removing damaged portions can help redirect the plant’s energy toward healthier growth.
4. Repotting
Repot your succulent in fresh succulent soil with good drainage.
This step allows the roots to recover and prevents further issues related to poor soil.
Ensure that the new pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
5. Sunlight and Water
Place the repotted succulent in a location with ample indirect or direct sunlight.
Adequate light is essential for the plant’s recovery.
Water sparingly, following the guidelines for your specific succulent species.
6. Patience
Be patient. Reviving a succulent can take time, and it may not show signs of recovery immediately.
Monitor its progress and make adjustments to your care routine as needed.
For more information about how to revive a dying succulent, see our guide How To Revive A Dying Succulent (10 Easy Fixes).
Gary Barnes / PexelsHow to Prevent Future Issues
While it’s crucial to know how to address succulent problems, prevention is the best course of action.
Here are some key tips to prevent your succulent dying:
1. Proper Care
Ensure your succulents receive enough sunlight, water, and the right type of soil from the start.
Establishing a strong foundation of care is the best way to prevent issues from arising.
2. Regular Monitoring
Regularly check your succulents for early signs of issues, such as discolored upper and lower leaves or pests.
Detecting problems early makes them easier to address and can prevent severe damage.
3. Good Drainage
Always use pots with drainage holes and well-draining soil to prevent overwatering.
Proper drainage is a fundamental aspect of succulent care.
4. Quarantine New Plants
Isolate new succulents for a few weeks before placing them near your existing collection.
This precaution helps prevent potential pest or disease transfer from new arrivals to established plants.
5. Clean Surroundings
Keep the area around your succulents clean and free from debris.
A clean environment reduces the risk of pests and provides a healthier setting for your succulents.
6. Winter Protection
During cold temperatures, provide protection for outdoor succulents to prevent frost damage.
Succulents are adapted to warmer climates and are vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
Proper winter care is essential for their survival.
YayImagesConclusion
Succulent care is a delightful mix of joy and the occasional worry. Throughout this guide, we’ve tackled the common concern: “Is my succulent dead?”
We’ve learned to spot signs of distress from overwatering, underwatering, pests, light issues, or soil troubles. And we’ve uncovered tricks to bring our succulents back.
Remember, shower them with care, keep a close watch, and act when needed. With these insights, your succulent haven will thrive, letting you enjoy their beauty effortlessly!
