When buying a plant, it can be easy to overwater them, especially if you're not used to raising plants. One of the most common reasons why a succulent dies are due to overwatering.
Make sure to identify whether your succulent has been overwatered or set in direct sunlight as both can be damaging to the plant.
Overwatered succulent plants have a number of signs that could indicate that the soil and roots have excess water that they are unable to take in.
The poor plants are wilted, and the mushy leaves may even be turning yellow or brown. You may decide to give up on reviving your succulent, but don't throw your plant away just yet.
Here's the scoop on how to save overwatered succulents!
Can Overwatered Succulents be Saved?
You can save your overwatered succulent with a few simple steps. If your plant is in the early stages of damage from overwatering, there is a better chance that the succulent can be saved over a plant that has rotted all over.
Moreover, the best way to save your overwatered succulent is to remove the parts damaged by water and save a couple of succulent leaves or a stem to start a new plant through propagation.
Watering Schedule
To help your new succulent plant grow, water less frequently and avoid watering it with extra water. Succulents are unique plants that can thrive with very little water.
Depending on the condition of your succulent, the time of year, and the environment, water your succulent 3 times a week with indirect sunlight during the growing season.
In the winter, it is ideal to water your succulent 2 times for the whole season in its dormant state.
Signs of an Overwatered Succulent
The first sign of an overwatered succulent is usually squishy leaves. When a plant has too much water, the roots can't take in what they need and can start to rot from being submerged for extended periods.
The rot usually starts at the bottom of the succulents with the roots, specifically the root ball, and then spreads to the lower leaves.
If you notice that your succulent's leaves are turning soft or mushy, this could be one of the early signs that it has been given too much water.
One of the most common signs of overwatering is the color of the leaves, which may turn a lighter color like yellow or translucent, occasionally dropping leaves.
Additionally, if the root system looks dark and discolored, this is another indication that it might have been watered excessively.
Signs of a Healthy Succulent
A healthy succulent is easy to spot! A healthy plant should have healthy leaves that are firm and plump with vibrant colors, and well-defined edges.
The stems of a healthy succulent plant should be sturdy and free of any signs of disease or rot.
It's also important to keep an eye out if your plant is getting more or less water than is recommended. Look for any new growth on the plant and make sure all of the leaves are still green and healthy.
How to Know if Your Succulent is Being Underwatered
The signs of an underwatered succulent can be subtle but they are important to recognize. Underwatering a succulent plant is just as bad, if not worse than overwatering one.
If you don't give your succulent enough water, it will start to show signs of distress and eventually die from dehydration if the problem isn't addressed quickly.
Signs that your succulent is underwatered include wilting leaves and stems, wrinkled or dry-looking foliage, discolored leaf tips or edges, and stunted growth.
It's important to act fast when you notice these symptoms so that you can save your beloved plant!
How to Know if Your Succulent is Rotting?
When a succulent is overwatered, it can cause the plant roots to rot, resulting in a variety of signs and symptoms. One of the most obvious signs of rot is the leaves of an overwatered succulent.
When a succulent has been overwatered, the plant's leaves will often turn brown, yellow, or black due to the lack of oxygen in its roots.
The stems will also become mushy or soft, and eventually, the entire plant might collapse due to root rot.
How to Identify a Fungal Disease in a Succulent
Fungal infections are a common problem for succulent plants and can cause a variety of symptoms. Fungi thrive in damp, warm conditions and can quickly spread to other nearby plants.
If left untreated, fungal infections can cause root rot, black spots, discolored leaves, wilting stems, stunted growth, and even death in extreme cases.
Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent and treat fungal infections on succulents.
Moreover, by understanding how the disease spreads and how to identify it early on, you'll be able to keep your succulent healthy for years to come!
Steps on How to Save an Overwatered Succulent
- The first thing to do is to remove the plant from the pot and ensure that all of the wet soil is away from the roots
- You may have to remove part of the plant's roots
- The only way to save a rotting succulent is by putting it in a new pot with potting soil mix and propagating it.
- Let the plant dry out at least 3 days to a week
- Put the plant in a place with indirect light to avoid the succulent from burning
- When the plant is dry, replant part of the stem or a whole leaf in well-draining soil, but don't water it until a week or so later
- Give your succulent a good drink of water after a week and make sure to monitor the leaves and roots as these plants prefer a dry area without too much water.
- When planting your succulent in new potting mix, get rid of the excess soil to help your plant with new growth
- If you water your succulent leaves correctly, the new leaves should grow another plant
Things to Keep in Mind
As a succulent owner, the best thing to do is follow the tips below to prevent succulent stem rot, dead leaves, and excess moisture for your hardy plants.
- Make sure your pot has enough drainage holes for excess water to escape from the soil.
- Remove affected parts of the succulent such as soft or mushy stems and replace them with pieces from a healthy new plant.
- Reduce how much moisture and water your succulent gets, so as not to cause overwatering again.
- If the leaves on top of the plant are turning soft or mushy with brown spots, this could be a sign that it has been given too much water and your rotting succulent won't live for much longer.
- Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to provide good drainage in clay-based soils, and avoid pots that don't have adequate drainage holes.
- Identify fungal infections early on and take appropriate measures like removing diseased parts of the plant and using fungicides if necessary.
- Allow soil to dry out every couple of days and don’t leave the plant and the bottom of the pot standing in water.
- If you want to have a better way of ensuring your succulent doesn't get overwatered, it is important to invest in a digital tool that measures the soil moisture meters.
- Buy specific succulent soil like succulent mix or cactus mix as these desert plants don't do well with regular plant soil. You can also try peat moss when replanting your succulent.
Final Thoughts
Although succulents might seem like simple plants, they still require just as much love and care as other plants even if they live in dry climates.
Pay attention to the base of the plant and measure out the water effectively for healthy roots. Depending on the type of succulent and the time of the year, watering, and the amount of sunlight can vary.
As succulent growers, it is a good idea to research and have a bit of patience when it comes to succulent care as you don't want an overwatered plant with mushy leaves.
You can easily save the overwatered succulent plant and give them the life they deserve! So don't be discouraged if your succulent gets a lot of water.
Good news! With a few simple steps, it's easy to get back on track and provide the proper care for your beloved plant to stay healthy and thriving.
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