Sagging succulents can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering and can be fixed easily. The best way to do this is to take the succulent out of its pot and inspect the roots. The roots should not be overly dry or mushy.
If the roots look healthy and hydrated but the succulent is still sagging, then the problem is most likely due to overflowing water. In this case, the soil should be given some time to completely dry out before re-potting the succulent in a cactus/succulent soil mix.
If some of the roots are damaged or mushy, instead of re-potting, simply cut away the damaged roots, allow the base to dry, re-pot it into a fresh soil mix and keep it dry for a few days. Once the succulent has had some time to recuperate, resume watering it and make sure you let the soil dry out completely before each time you water it.
What does Overwatered succulent look like?
An overwatered succulent will appear limp and mushy, and its leaves will be a darker shade of green than usual. Other signs to look out for are soft, yellow or brown spots on the leaves, as well as wilting or drooping.
Additionally, if you look closely at the soil, it will appear too wet, and you may even see signs of root rot. Overwatered succulent plants also often emit a sour or musty odor. It is important to identify these signs of overwatering quickly, as it can be fatal to succulent plants if it is left untreated.
Do succulents need direct sunlight?
The answer is yes, many succulents do benefit from and need direct sunlight. Plants need sunlight to produce the energy they need to grow. It’s important to note that different types of succulents require different amounts of light.
Succulents that originate from desert-like areas with bright direct sunlight will require a lot of direct light, while those from areas with mostly indirect sunlight, such as in the shade of other plants, will prefer more partial shade.
To thrive indoors, succulents need plenty of bright light that mimics their natural habitats in the wild. An ideal indoor location for succulents would be near a window that faces east or south that gets direct sunlight for at least part of the day.
It’s important that the succulent doesn’t get too close to the window, as the intense light and strong air currents can cause sunburn or generally weaken the plants health.
Succulents require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive. If they are not getting enough sunlight, it’s likely that the succulent will become pale, weak, and start to stretch (becoming “leggy”).
These signs can be indicative of an under-lit succulent and move action may need to be taken. If you are unable to provide enough sun, you might need to provide extra lighting for the plants to stay healthy – grow lights, cool white florescent bulbs, or LED bulbs are all good sources of additional light.
How do you treat an overwatered succulent?
If you have overwatered your succulent, the first step is to identify the cause. Too much water is usually the result of one of the following conditions: watering too often, not draining excess water after watering, watering with high-mineral content water, or too much rainfall or humidity.
Once you’ve identified the problem, you can begin the process of nursing your succulent back to health.
For immediate action: Remove the plant from its pot and gently remove any excess soil that’s heavier than you’d expect; this may be soil that absorbed a lot of water. Trim back any brown or soft leaves.
If the stem of the plant is soft, you can gently snip off an inch or two and discard it; the succulent should regrow a replacement stem. Repot the succulent in a potting soil designed for succulents and cacti, as this will help with drainage.
Place the succulent in an area with plenty of sunlight and airflow.
For long-term care: Try to avoid overwatering in the future by applying the “soak and dry” method. This consists of watering your succulent heavily when the topsoil is dry, and then waiting until the topsoil is dry again before watering again.
Additionally, if your tap water has a high mineral content, try to use filtered or distilled water when watering your succulent. Allowing excess water to drain after watering is also important, to avoid the soil staying too wet.
If your weather is especially rainy or humid, consider adding a passive ventilation system or a small fan to your growing area to help with airflow. Lastly, try to find the ideal pot for your succulent.
Succulents need a good amount of airflow to their roots, so using a smaller but wider pot can help with water drainage and air circulation. Finally, remember to only water your succulents when the top two inches of soil are dry; this will help you avoid over- and under-watering your plant.
How do you tell if you are over or under watering a succulent?
When determining if you’re over or under watering a succulent, the most important factor is soil moisture. The first step is to inspect the soil in your succulent’s pot to see if it is moist. If the soil is extremely dry, your succulent may be underwatered.
If, on the other hand, the soil is soggy or wet, your succulent may be overwatered.
Another good indication of over- or under-watering is the appearance of the succulent’s leaves. Over-watering can cause leaves to appear to be swollen, soggy, pale, yellow, or brown. Under-watering can cause leaves to appear dry and wrinkled and may result in some leaves dropping off.
Finally, if you experience a combination of both soil moisture and leaf indicators of over- or under-watering, the best approach is to allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. If the soil is consistently too dry or wet, you may need to consider changing the potting mix you’re using or adjusting your watering schedule.
How do you tell if Underwatering vs overwatering?
It can be difficult to distinguish between underwatering and overwatering, so it pays to pay close attention to your plants and be mindful of the conditions they are in.
Underwatering is indicated by plants having dry, wilting, drooping, or foliage that is turning yellow or brown. The soil you’re growing the plant in will be dry and crumbly and won’t feel very damp when you dig into it.
Overwatering is often indicated by yellow or chlorotic foliage and plants that appear to be waterlogged. The soil will be soggy and damp, and may even develop patches of white mildew on the surface of the soil.
Plants that are overwatered can get root rot, which causes the roots to decay, stunting the growth of the plant.
To check the moisture level of the soil, the best method is to use a soil moisture meter. Alternatively, you can stick your finger into the soil for about an inch, and if the soil still feels damp to the touch, then it does not need to be watered.
If it feels dry, then it will need to be watered.
How do I know if my succulent needs water?
It can be difficult to determine the exact watering needs of succulents since the amount of water needed varies quite a bit depending on the type of succulent, the size of the container it’s planted in, the temperature, and other environmental factors.
Generally speaking, succulents do not need to be watered as often as other plants and can last quite a while without being watered. The best way to determine if a succulent needs water is to check the soil.
If the soil feels dry to the touch, it’s likely a good indication that the succulent needs water. Another good way to tell is to look at the leaves. If they appear wilted or droopy, it may mean that the succulent needs more water.
However, if the leaves are plump and look healthy without any signs of wilting, then it’s likely the succulent does not need water at that time. Additionally, if the container your succulent is in does not have drainage holes, be sure to not over-water as the excess water can cause the roots to rot.
Lastly, to ensure your succulent is getting the proper amount of water, be sure to check the soil and leaves before you water it to make sure it actually needs it.
How often should I water indoor succulents?
Watering indoor succulents is an important part of keeping them looking their best, but it is also one of the most challenging parts of their care. As succulents are desert plants, their natural habitat tends to be dry and it’s important to replicate the same kind of environment in order to keep your succulents thriving.
The key is to water them deeply and then wait until they dry out completely before watering again. This could be anywhere from one to four weeks, depending on environmental factors like light and humidity.
A useful technique you can try is to use the “soak and dry” method, whereby you soak the succulent in a bowl of lukewarm water for 15 minutes, then pour out any excess water. Allow the succulent to completely dry out before you water again, and check the soil with your finger or a soil moisture meter to make sure it is dry.
Should I Bottom water succulents?
No, bottom watering succulents is not recommended, as it encourages root rot, which can eventually kill your plants. Instead, it’s better to top water your succulents. This helps to keep their roots dry, promoting better growth and preventing disease.
To top water succulents, simply fill a container with water and submerge the pots of your succulents for a few minutes. This will allow them to take up water through their drainage holes and keep their soil moist.
Be sure not to leave them in the water for too long, as this can cause root rot. When you’re done, allow the excess water to drain away before replacing the pot on your windowsill or wherever it usually lives.
This helps ensure a healthier, longer life for your succulents.
How do I bring my succulents back to life?
If you think your succulents have seen better days, the good news is that they’re relatively easy to revive. Here are a few steps you can take to help bring your succulents back to life:
1. Water Your Succulents with Care: The most common cause of succulent death is overwatering – not underwatering. Succulents should only be watered when the soil is completely dry to the touch, and you should water deeply until it starts to drip out of the pot’s bottom.
2. Give These Sun Loving Plants Lots of Sunlight: Place your succulents in a sunny spot, preferably in an area with at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight. Succulents need at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day to remain healthy.
3. Air and Fertilize: If your succulents are kept indoors, a periodic airing can be of great benefit. Bring your plants outside for a few hours a couple of times a week, so they can ‘breathe. ‘ Also, fertilizer is a great way to give your succulents the boost they need to thrive.
Choose a fertilizer specifically for cacti and succulents, and use it sparingly.
4. Pinch off Dead Leaves and Blossoms: To keep your succulents looking their best, pinch off any dead leaves and blossoms. This will give them room to breathe and less chance of infection.
5. Repot Your Succulents with New Soil: If your succulents are in a potting mix that is not designed for these type of plants, it’s best to repot them in a good-quality soil made especially for them.
Everybody makes mistakes, so don’t worry if you’ve possibly overwatered or underexposed your succulents. Taking the above steps should help your succulents to recover in no time!
Can a succulent repair itself?
Yes, succulents can repair themselves if they receive the right environment and care. Succulents are hardy plants that are well-adapted to their natural environment and will often repair themselves if damaged.
To help succulents heal, place them in a place with plenty of light and adequate air circulation. Make sure they have well-draining soil to prevent root rot and overwatering. In addition, fertilizing with a balanced, soluble fertilizer can help support healthy growth.
For severely damaged succulents, pruning of the damaged or dead parts is often necessary. However, if you can work around the unsightly parts, it’s not necessary as the succulent may be able to repair itself.
Lastly, ensure that the succulent’s soil and environment are conducive to regrowth and adequate nutrition for the roots and leaves. With this kind of environment and care, succulents can repair themselves and be healthy and thriving.
What does it mean when a succulent gets leggy?
When a succulent gets leggy it means that the stem of the succulent has become excessively elongated and thin, often appearing weak, spindly, and with few leaves. This is generally an indication that the succulent is not getting enough light and the plant must be moved to a brighter area or given more light.
In some cases, it may indicate the plant is pot-bound and will need to be re-potted in a larger container with new soil. Additionally, leggy growth can occur if the succulent is not properly watered and is being over-watered.
In this case, make sure you are providing the succulent with only enough water to moisten the soil between waterings. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings will help the plant retain its optimal form.
How often should succulents be watered?
Succulents should be watered roughly every two to three weeks in the summer, depending on the climate and conditions the succulent is kept in. In cooler months, such as winter, watering should be reduced to once every four to six weeks.
When watering, always water thoroughly and make sure that any excess moisture is allowed to drain away. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It is generally easier to underwater than overwater, so if in doubt, wait an extra couple of days and check the soil again before watering.
As a general rule, if the soil is dry roughly 1–2 inches down, it is time to water. If you notice drooping or yellowing leaves on your succulents, this could be an indicator that they need more frequent waterings.
Can I cut the top off my succulent and replant it?
Yes, in many cases it is possible to cut off the top of a succulent and replant it. It is important that the succulent is healthy and acclimated to its environment in order to ensure a successful replanting.
Make sure the stem and leaves are free of damage and that the soil is not overly wet or dry. When taking a cutting, cut the stem as close to the base of the plant as possible. The cutting should be at least 2-3 inches long, with at least two sets of leaves.
After taking the cutting, it will be necessary to allow the plant to dry out and callus over before planting. To do this, place the cutting in a dry, shaded area and leave it there for a few days. Once the succulent has callused over, it can be replanted in succulent and cacti mix soil.
Water the soil until completely moist before planting and then allow the soil to dry between waterings. After a few weeks, new roots and new growth will start to form and the succulent will resume its normal growth cycle.
Can a succulent come back from overwatering?
Yes, a succulent can come back from being overwatered. Although it may take some time, it is a possible recovery. The first step of recovery is to stop watering the succulent and give it plenty of time to dry out.
If it is root-bound, carefully free up the roots and repot in fresh well-draining soil. Make sure to water the succulent sparingly until the recovery process has been completed. To cut off any dead growth, use sterile pruning shears and cut off the dead portions.
If the succulent appears to be yellow and limp, use a liquid fertilizer to boost the succulent back to health. Lastly, place the succulent in indirect sunlight and monitor the soil moisture to make sure it is not allowed to completely dry out.
With these steps, it is possible for the succulent to make a full recovery.
When should you repot succulents?
Succulents should be repotted when either the roots appear to be coming out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the container, the succulent outgrows the current pot, or when the soil has become compacted and no longer drains quickly.
Generally, succulents should be repotted every couple of years, preferably during the spring or summer when they are actively growing. To repot a succulent, gently remove all of the soil and remove any dead roots or decaying leaves.
Place the plant in a new, slightly larger pot with well-draining soil. Water lightly and then let dry thoroughly before watering again.
What do you do with long succulent stems?
The best way to use long succulent stems is to propagate them. Propagating succulents from long stems is easy and can be done several different ways. To propagate succulents from a stem, you can use leaf or stem cuttings.
For leaf cuttings, hold the leaf firmly and with a sharp, clean knife, cut it off just above the base of the plant where there is a node or dry bit of stem. Place your cutting in a dry, well-lit spot and await new growth.
To propagate succulents using stem cuttings, you will need to cut the piece of stem off at a node. Once your cutting is taken, you’ll want to let it dry out and form a callus. Allow the callus to form and then you can either plant the cutting directly into moist soil or propagate in water.
Whether you’re planting the cutting directly into soil or trying to propagate in water, it’s best to use a succulent mix and be sure not to overwater. Keep your succulent in a warm, sunny spot and make sure the soil or water is always damp but never soggy.