Why is My Succulent Dying?

You may be getting some mixed messaging when it comes to succulent care. Some say they are low maintenance, easy-care plants while others say for the life of them they cannot keep succulents alive. If you are part of the latter group, we are here to help you answer the question, why is my succulent dying?

You’ve done your best and poured as much love and care as possible into your succulent plant, but still, things aren’t looking so hot. Your succulent has seen better days and dare we say, may not make it. Whether you can revive your current succulent or are hoping to be a better plant parent to future succulent generations, we can help you identify what may have gone wrong along the way. Sooo...

Why is my succulent dying?

It’s had too much to drink.

The easiest (and most common) way to kill a succulent is to overwater it. While your other houseplants may be used to frequent waterings and lots of attention, your succulents won’t ask too much of you. Since they are native to drier, desert environments, they store water in their fleshy leaves and roots. 

You may be wondering how often to water succulents. A good rule of thumb is to allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. This may mean you wait a few weeks before you water again. Just stick your finger into the soil ever so often to check on the moisture level. There are other signs to tell if your succulent needs watered. An under-watered succulent has curled, shriveling leaves with crusty soil. An overwatered succulent will have mushy leaves with lighter or even translucent coloring.

Find more succulent watering tips here.

It doesn’t have proper drainage. 

Another common problem with succulent care is your plant may not be getting proper drainage in its current pot. A drainage hole in the bottom of your pot will allow excess water to escape so that your plant and its roots aren’t sitting in a pool of water. Since the nature of succulent tissue and roots is to soak up water and store it, they are prone to root rot if left to sit in excess water. Now, if you just have to use a pot that doesn't have a drainage hole, there are special ways you can water and care for your succulent.

It isn’t getting enough light.

Lighting is an important part of succulent care. Succulents like bright, indirect sunlight. If possible, expose them to at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. If you notice the leaves on your succulent stretching and becoming spaced out, or stems growing long, it means the plant is seeking more light. Another sign your succulent isn’t getting enough light is when you see it’s leaves tipping downward (this is to maximize the surface space of the leaves to receive light). You also need to be careful that your succulent isn’t getting too much direct sunlight. Brown or black spots on your succulent leaves means it’s getting too much direct sun. 

It’s ready for a new pot.

Like most plants, succulents don’t do well if they have outgrown their current digs. There are a few tell-tale signs that will let you know it’s time to move your succulent to a larger pot. If you see the roots sticking out or growing through the hole in the bottom of your pot, it has run out of room! If the soil dries out quickly after watering (within a few hours) this is a sign that it is time to repot and use fresh potting medium. When water runs through your pot too fast, it does not give enough time for the plant's roots to absorb. When you notice your succulent tipping or toppling over, it definitely is telling you it needs a bigger pot. Lastly, if your succulent just doesn’t look healthy and you’ve been providing it with proper care and watering, it is time to repot. Check out the plant’s roots, they may need to be cut back to where they appear healthy and then repot the plant in fresh medium and in a larger pot.

Typically, you may need to repot your succulent every two years to ensure it has fresh soil and it has enough room for the plant and its roots to grow.

Hopefully, these tips will no longer have you asking, why is my succulent dying and you will be enjoying a thriving succulent collection at home in no time!