Succulents are some of the lowest maintenance and longest lasting houseplants. There are some problems that can pop up. Some of the most common succulent problems include yellowing of the leaves, leaves falling off, mushy leaves, root rot, pest problems, slow growth, and mold. Most problems are easy to solve by moving your succulent or changing your watering schedule. Overwatering and underwatering are common issues. Some problems require a bit more time to treat. This guide outlines 17 common succulent problems and explains how to fix them.
1. Overwatering
Overwatering is probably the most common cause of succulent problems. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow or become soft and mushy. If you continue overwatering, the leaves can start falling off. Eventually, you succulent will die. Overwatering also makes it easier for mold and fungus to grow on the soil surface. Fungi grow in moist environments. Pests can also become an issue. They are attracted to the moisture.
If you suspect that overwatering may be causing your plant problems, stop watering immediately and asses. To avoid overwatering, let the soil dry out completely before you water again. You may only have to water once every two weeks. Watering weekly is usually too much.
Also, make sure the container that your succulent is in has drainage holes at the bottom so the water can escape. Make sure the tray that it’s sitting in isn’t full of excess water. Check the soil to make sure it doesn’t retain too much water. If the soil stays wet for too long, consider replacing it with a faster draining soil.
If you’ve overwatered for a long time, it may be too late. Overwatering is one of the fastest ways to kill a succulent. Removing any soggy or yellow leaves can help. You could also take a cutting from a healthy part of the plant, wait for it to callous over, then plant it in new soil. Wait a few days before you water it. You should see new growth relatively quickly.
2. Underwatering
Underwatering is another common cause of succulent problems. Succulents can go a long time without water. They are desert plants. Most species can survive at least a couple of months between watering.
When your succulents don’t get enough water, the leaves can turn brown, shrivel up, and eventually fall off. The stem can also shrivel up. Over time, the roots can slowly die off. When you water, there may not be enough root mass to soak up the moisture.
To avoid underwatering, check the soil moisture frequently. Water when the soil feels like it’s dry. One method you can use is to stick a chopstick into the soil. If it comes out dry, it’s time to water. When it’s wet, wait to water.
If you have underwatered your succulent, give it a healthy watering and see what happens. Most likely, it will survive. The leaves should return to normal over the next couple of waterings. Be careful not to start overwatering.
3. Root Rot
Root rot is usually caused by overwatering. It can also be caused by using soil that holds too much water or by growing succulents in a pot that doesn’t drain well. Trying to grow a succulent in a low-light environment or a cold environment can also lead to root rot.
When the soil stays too wet for too long, the roots can’t get enough oxygen and they start to die. The leaves can start turning yellow or black, shriveling up, and falling off. When this happens, the plant can show the same signs as underwatering.
If you suspect root rot, stop watering your plant immediately. If the root rot is minor, the plant will often recover. When the root rot is advanced, the plant will likely die. You could take a cutting from a healthy part of the plant and propagate it.
The best way to avoid root rot is to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. When you water, wet the soil completely. Also, use a soil that drains quickly. Avoid soils that hold too much water. Make sure the pot you’re using has plenty of drain holes. Also, make sure your succulents are in a well lit area with good air circulation so the soil can dry out.
4. Leaves Falling Off
If leaves start falling off your succulent, there is probably a problem. The most common cause of leaf drop is overwatering. When you overwater, the leaves swell and become mushy. Eventually, they fall off. Underwatering can also cause leaf drop. Succulent leaves eventually dry up and fall off. They shed leaves to preserve moisture.
To fix the issue, change your watering habits. Monitor the soil moisture level. Wait until the soil is dry before you water again. Also, make sure the potting soil you’re using is quick draining. If the soil holds too much moisture, repot your plant in a faster draining soil. Also, make sure you’re also using a pot that has plenty of drain holes. Before repotting your plant, let it dry out for a few days.
Another potential cause of leaves falling off is extreme temperatures. Succulents can withstand a wide range of temperatures. Sometimes, when a succulent plant gets too hot, the leaves can start falling off. The plant does this to conserve energy, maintain water, and survive. This is a natural response to drought.
To reduce stress on the plant, you can move it to a shadier location where it will be cooler. You may also need to water a little more frequently when the weather is extremely hot.
Leaf drop can be normal. If a couple of leaves fall off, that’s not really cause for concern. If multiple leaves start dropping off all at once, there is likely something wrong.
5. Leaves Turning Yellow
If your succulent plant’s leaves are turning yellow, that can be a sign that something is wrong. Probably the most common cause of yellow leaves is a watering issue. Both overwatering and underwatering can cause the leaves to yellow.
If you overwater, the leaves can turn yellow and swell up. They will feel mushy to the touch. If you underwater, the leaves can turn yellow and shrivel up and wilt.
To solve this problem, change your watering habits. If you have been overwatering, wait for the soil to dry out between waterings. If you have been underwatering, water more thoroughly when you water. For most succulents, you should water them until water drips out of the bottom of the pot. You should wait for the soil to dry out completely before you water again.
Another potential cause of yellow leaves is a lack of nutrients. Most potting soil comes with fertilizer mixed in. Eventually, those nutrients will be used up. Your plant will absorb them and some will be washed out with watering. When the nutrients are gone, your plant’s health can start to decline and the leaves can yellow.
To solve this issue, fertilize your succulent or repot it in fresh potting mix. Use a fertilizer that is designed for houseplants or cacti and succulents. Succulents do not need a lot of nutrients. It’s a good idea to dilute the fertilizer. Apply it when you water. Apply half the recommended dose first to see how your plant responds. If you choose to repot, be sure to use a potting mix that is well-draining.
Pests can also cause the leaves to turn yellow. Over long periods of time, certain pests can eat enough of the roots that the plant has to drop some leaves to try to save itself. Of course, pests can also eat the leaves. Inspect your plant for pests if you notice leaves yellowing and use a pesticide to get rid of them.
Leaf yellowing can also be normal. Leaves don’t live forever. Sometimes they turn yellow and fall off. If a small number of old leaves turn yellow, it may not be an issue at all. Leaf yellowing is an issue when new leaves or a lot of leaves start turning yellow.
6. Sun Damage and Brown Spots on Leaves
Brown spots on the leaves are most likely caused by sun damage. The leaves can get scorched when too much sunlight hits them. This is kind of like sunburn on a human. A succulent can experience sunburn if it is exposed to direct intense sunlight for long periods of time. Sometimes, sunburn can happen if you move your succulent from a shady spot to a very sunny spot. The change shocks the plant. This condition is more common in succulents with thin leaves. Thicker leaves are harder to burn.
The solution is to move the plant to a shadier location during a heatwave. Also, if you plan to move succulents outside or to a sunnier location, try to slowly increase the amount of sunlight it gets to acclimatize it. Don’t put newly propagated succulents in direct sunlight.
If you notice sun damage on your succulent, you can remove the leaves with brown patches. They will eventually drop on their own. Brown leaves won’t recover.
Generally, succulents prefer full indirect sunlight. Place them behind a thin shade cloth or a glass window. That will block some of the sun’s harmful UV rays. They don’t like full sun.
7. Withered or Shriveled Up Leaves
If you notice that the leaves look like they are withered or shriveled, the most common cause is underwatering. This usually affects the top of the plant first.
If underwatering is the issue, it’s an easy problem to solve. Start watering your succulent more thoroughly and more frequently. The plant will quickly recover in most cases. Succulents need more water during the growing season and during heatwaves.
Be sure not to start overwatering. It’s easy to overcompensate. Let the soil drain and dry out completely before watering again. When you do water, water thoroughly so water is leaking out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
In some cases, overwatering can also cause the leaves to look withered and shriveled. The leaves can appear limp and they may fall off. If you think overwatering is the issue, let the soil completely dry out between waterings. Consider repotting the plant in a soil that drains better.
8. Mushy Leaves
Mushy leaves are a sign that you have been overwatering your succulent. If you notice the leaves start to turn mushy, immediately stop watering your succulent and let the soil dry out completely. Also, make sure your succulent is in a pot that drains well.
There is a chance that your plant will make it. There is also a good chance that it won’t. Overwatering is the fastest way to kill a succulent. If it’s too far gone, it won’t recover. Overwatering can damage the leaves beyond repair.
Cold weather can also cause mushy leaves. Frost can quickly kill the leaves. When they thaw out, they will be mushy. If this happens, the plant is unlikely to survive unless the frost was minor. In that case, you may be able to remove the dead leaves. If you expect cold weather, make sure your succulent is in a warm place in your home. Cold weather is only an issue with tropical succulents. Cold hardy species can survive in freezing weather.
9. Frost or Cold Damage
The cold can damage tropical species of succulents. Tropical species do best when the weather is at least 50-60 degrees. A mild frost can cause serious damage. It could easily kill your plants. If you have tropical succulents outside and you expect the temperatures to drop below freezing, bring them inside. If you just expect cool weather, cover them with a frost cloth, just in case. In the spring, trim off any leaves that have died.
Cold hardy species of succulents can survive a mild frost. They are usually okay down to 30-40 degrees. Some can tolerate even lower temperatures. If you expect particularly cold weather, it’s a good idea to bring them inside.
10. Stretching
Stretching happens when your succulent doesn’t get enough sunlight. Your plant will look thin and spindly. This condition is known as etiolation.
The stem will stretch out toward the light source in an attempt to find more light. The leaves may also become flatter and wider to try to collect more light. The space between leaves will also be wider. This is how plants naturally respond to a lack of light.
This condition doesn’t happen overnight. It takes months for a succulent plant to etiolate because they are naturally slow-growing.
If you notice your succulent starting to become kind of spindly, move it to a different location where there is more light. Ideally, it should have full, indirect light. A south or east facing window will work well.
Try to slowly give your plant more light. You don’t want to move it from a dark spot indoors to a spot with full direct light outdoors. This could give your plant sun damage or shock it. Try to slowly increase the amount of light. It’s also a good idea to rotate your plants so they grow evenly. You don’t want one side always facing the sun and one side always facing away from the sun.
If you can’t provide more natural light for your succulent, you can use a full-spectrum grow light. Fluorescent or LED will work fine. Set the grow light up so it is within 12 inches of your plants. Put it on a timer so it runs for 12-16 hours per day. The bright light will help your succulents grow.
Some species of succulents can naturally recover from a lack of light. They will fill out over time. Others will need to be pruned. You will need to cut off the lanky sections and allow them to regrow. Other species will never recover. This is often the case with barrel-type cacti. They may be permanently misshapen by a lack of light. They will always look a bit thin and spindly.
11. Mealybugs
Pests can infest succulent plants. One of the more common types of pests are mealybugs. They look kind of like a white mass on your plant. They are usually found where the leaves meet the stem. Mealybugs feed on the plant’s sap. They release a sticky substance onto your plant’s leaves.
The most common way to bring mealy bugs into your home is on a plant. Once one plant is infested, they can easily spread to nearby houseplants. Before bringing a new plant into your home, it’s a good idea to inspect for pests. Of course, mealybugs can also enter your home through an open door or window and find their way to your plants.
If you notice mealybugs on your succulent, immediately, isolate it from your other plants so the bugs don’t spread and treat them. Start by physically removing any white masses on your plants. This will reduce the infestation. Use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and dab it on the bugs to kill them. You could also spray the plant with diluted rubbing alcohol. You can also use neem oil or an insecticidal soap to kill them.
Mealybugs are fairly easy to treat if you catch them early. it will likely take 3-5 treatments to get rid of them completely. Keep an eye on your other plants to make sure you don’t end up with an infestation. If you can’t get rid of the mealybugs, you may have to get rid of the plant so the infestation doesn’t spread.
For more info, check out my guide: How to Get Rid of Silver Bugs on Houseplants.
12. Scale Insects
Scale insects are some of the most common succulent pests. In small numbers, they are pretty harmless. They can do a small amount of damage to your plant’s leaves. They also leave a sticky sap on the leaves. If you don’t treat them, they can multiply. In large numbers, they can cause significant damage to your plant.
Before bringing new plants into your house, inspect for scale insects. They can be hard to spot because they usually don’t move after they latch on to your plant. They look like little brown discs. If you put your plants outside, inspect them before bringing them inside again.
13. Brown or Black Spots
Small brown or black spots on the leaves is a relatively common problem on succulents. There can be a number of causes.
If the tips of some of the leaves start to turn brown, it could be a sign of overwatering. Sun damage could cause one part of the plant to turn brown if the sunlight was focused on a particular area. Physical damage can also cause a brown spot. Maybe someone bumped into the plant and damaged some leaves or maybe some pests chewed holes into the leaves. Frost could also create brown spots by damaging parts of the plant. A fungal disease could also create brown or black spots.
Generally, brown and black spots are permanent. They are a way for a plant to protect itself after it was damaged. They are kind of like a scab but they don’t go away. In some cases, you may be able to remove the section where the dark spots are. For example, if there a couple of leaves that were damaged, you could remove them.
14. Slow Growth or No Growth
Slow growth can take a long time to notice. Your succulent may look perfectly fine but it just doesn’t produce any new growth. This is a problem. Succulents grow slowly but they do grow.
There are a few potential causes of slow growth. Most likely, your succulent isn’t receiving enough light. Without sufficient light, the plant will grow extremely slowly. If there is any new growth, it will be sparse and spindly.
The solution is to move your plant to a location with more light. For indoor plants, a south or east facing window is ideal. It’s best to slowly give your plant more light so you don’t shock your plant or allow it to burn. Don’t move it from a dark location indoors to full direct sunlight outdoors. Move your plant to a brighter location and keep an eye on it to see how it reacts.
A lack of nutrients can also cause slow growth or no growth. If your succulent has been in the same pot for over 2 years, it could have depleted all of the nutrients in the soil. Most potting soil comes with some compost or fertilizer mixed in. Over time, the nutrients get used up by the plant. Some get washed out as you water.
To replenish the nutrients, you can add fertilizer. Look for a fertilizer that is designed for houseplants or cacti and succulents. Follow the directions on the bottle. Succulents do not need a lot of nutrients. Consider applying half the recommended dose to see how your plant responds then add more if necessary.
Instead of applying fertilizer, you could repot your succulent in fresh potting soil. The potting soil will have nutrients already mixed in. Look for a well-draining soil or look for a potting mix that is specifically designed for succulents. The nutrients in the new potting soil will last for around 2 years.
Your succulent could also be growing slowly because it’s in a pot that is too small. If the roots are growing out of the drainage holes, this is a sign that the pot is too small. If your succulent has outgrown its pot, transplant it into a larger pot.
15. Corking
Corking is a condition where older sections of the plant turn brown. The brown material will be tough and somewhat spongy. Usually, it will start at the bottom of the plant. It could also appear randomly all over the plant. Corking is a way for a plant to protect itself from damage. Kind of like humans develop a callous or scab.
There are a few potential causes of corking. Age is the most common cause. On an old succulent, sometimes older sections will have trouble replacing cells so they will start to turn brown and cork. In this case, there is nothing you can do. The plant is just growing old.
Corking can also develop on sections of the plant that were physically damaged. Maybe the plant was knocked over and a section was broken. Maybe pests damaged some leaves. The plant may cork those sections in an attempt to protect itself from disease.
It’s also possible to cause corking by overwatering or underwatering. Sometimes leaves can be damaged when you overwater. They can swell too much. They can then cork if they get damaged.
Corking is permanent. It won’t go away on its own. There isn’t really any treatment for it. In some cases, you may be able to cut off some of the old sections of the plant that are corking. If there is corking near the base of the plant, it will probably just have to stay there.
16. Disease
Succulents are pretty hardy but there are some diseases that can affect them. Usually, disease won’t kill a succulent. They have pretty strong immune systems. It could disfigure your plant and make it less attractive.
Before buying a new succulent, inspect it carefully for disease. Look for any unhealthy sections or strange blemishes. You don’t want to bring a diseased plant into your home because it could spread to your other plants. A fungal infection can easily spread.
When you’re caring for your plants, always use clean tools. If you prune your plant with contaminated tools, you could spread disease. Also, make sure there is good air circulation around the plant. Fungal diseases like humid areas with stagnant air.
If you spot pests on your plants, deal with them quickly. Most pests won’t really harm your plants but they can spread disease that can cause serious damage. Aphids and thrips are particularly dangerous. Use a pesticide to get rid of them if you spot them.
If your plant does get infected with a disease try to treat it quickly. Use a fungicide. Repotting your plant in fresh soil can also help. If you do this, be sure to clean the pot out and sanitize it. Also, remove as much soil as possible from the roots. Usually, plants can be saved if you act fast.
17. Dead Lower Leaves
Over time, the lower leaves will naturally wither, dry out, and fall off. This is natural. It is not a cause for concern. These are the old leaves. They will fall off naturally or you can pluck them off when they’re dead.
It’s a good idea to pick any leaves that have fallen off out of the soil. This will help prevent insect infestations and mold.
Can You Save Your Succulent?
If you damage your succulent by overwatering, underwatering, or giving it too much or too little light, there is a good chance that you can save it if you catch it early. Succulents are pretty hardy plants. There are cases where a succulent is damaged beyond repair.
When you notice a problem with your succulent, immediately stop doing whatever you were doing wrong. Examine your succulent carefully to check the extent of the damage. Check the roots to see if there is root rot. Look at the leaves to see how many of them are damaged.
If you find that there are a good amount of healthy roots and leaves, your plant will likely recover. If there is extensive damage to the root system such as rotted, dried, or black roots, or if the stem and leaves are mushy, the plant likely can’t be saved.
My Experience
I have always kept a few succulents in my home. I like them because they’re so low maintenance. They only need to be watered once every couple of weeks and fertilized once every couple of years. I think they look nice as well.
Over the years, I have had a few issues with them. I killed a couple by overwatering when I first started keeping them. Quickly, I learned to only water when the soil was dry. I have also damaged a couple through lack of light. One looks pretty spindly but it’s still hanging in there.
The most common problems for succulents are overwatering, underwatering, and insufficient light. Nutrient deficiency can also be an issue. Pests like mealybugs can be an issue in some places.
To keep your succulent healthy, water it completely until water starts flowing out of the drain holes then let the soil dry out completely before you water again. Keep your succulent in a place where it gets full indirect light. It should get at least 8-10 hours of light per day. If you’ve kept your succulent in the same potting soil for the past 2 years, consider applying a bit of fertilizer or repotting it in a new potting mix. These tips will keep your succulent healthy for years to come. Healthy succulents will last for many years.
Have you had any problems with your succulent plants? Share your experience in the comments below!
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