As an experienced gardener, I’ve had my share of struggling plants, and succulents are no exception. Despite their tough nature, they’re not invincible.
If your once-thriving succulent has started to look sad and shriveled, don’t despair! With some patience and a few expert tricks, you can bring it back to life. Let’s go step by step through the process.
1. Diagnose the Problem First
Before rushing into any treatment, it’s essential to identify what’s going wrong with your succulent. The issue could be anything from improper watering, lack of light, to pest infestation.
Common signs of a problem include:
Overwatering: Mushy, translucent leaves or black spots.
Underwatering: Wrinkled or shriveled leaves.
Sunburn: Brown, crispy spots on the leaves.
Pests: Sticky residue or tiny bugs crawling around.
Figuring out the root cause allows you to implement the correct solution. A visual inspection of the leaves, stems, and roots will help you narrow it down.
2. Correct Your Watering Habits
Succulents are sensitive to both too much and too little water. The golden rule is to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Here’s how you can adjust your watering based on the symptoms your succulent shows:
Overwatered Succulent
If you’ve been a little too generous with the water, your plant’s roots might have started to rot. You’ll notice squishy leaves, a rotting smell, or dark patches.
How to fix it
Step 1: Remove the succulent from its pot, and check for rotting roots. Any mushy or blackened roots should be trimmed away using sterile scissors.
Step 2: Let the succulent air out for a day or two to ensure all moisture is gone.
Step 3: Repot the succulent in dry, well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes. Hold off on watering for at least a week.
Underwatered Succulent
On the flip side, if your succulent is parched, you’ll see wrinkled, thin leaves that have lost their firmness. This is usually less common than overwatering but can happen when succulents are neglected for too long.
How to fix it
Step 1: Water your succulent thoroughly but don’t let it sit in standing water. A good soak once a week should be enough, depending on the climate and season.
Step 2: Don’t try to “catch up” by overcompensating with excessive water. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
3. Adjust Lighting Conditions
Light is one of the most critical factors for healthy succulents. If they’re not getting enough light, you might notice the plant stretching toward the light source (a process called etiolation) or a pale appearance.
How to fix it
Step 1: Move the succulent to a location with plenty of indirect sunlight. Most succulents need about 6 hours of light a day but be careful with direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.
Step 2: If you’re growing your succulent indoors, consider adding a grow light. This can help prevent leggy growth and keep your plant looking its best, especially during the darker winter months.
For succulents that have suffered from sunburn, the treatment is simple: trim away the burned leaves with sterilized scissors and move the plant to a shadier spot. Unfortunately, once leaves are sunburned, they won’t recover, but new growth will come in healthy as long as the plant is given the right conditions.
4. Repotting: Time for a Fresh Start
Succulents love space to breathe, and cramped conditions can stifle their growth. Over time, roots can become root-bound, leaving no room for further expansion. If you notice stunted growth or roots poking out of drainage holes, it’s time for a bigger pot.
How to fix it
Step 1: Choose a pot that’s about an inch or two wider than the current one. It should have drainage holes to prevent water buildup.
Step 2: Use a cactus or succulent mix, which provides the perfect balance of nutrients and drainage. If you can’t find succulent-specific soil, mix regular potting soil with sand and perlite.
Step 3: Once repotted, allow your succulent to settle in without watering for a few days, especially if you’ve pruned the roots.
5. Deal with Pests
Sometimes, a succulent’s decline is caused by pests rather than environmental factors. Common culprits include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale.
How to fix it
Step 1: Isolate the affected plant to avoid spreading the infestation to others.
Step 2: Gently wipe away visible pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For more extensive infestations, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Step 3: Keep a close eye on your plant after treatment, repeating the process if necessary. Inspect your other plants as well to catch any early signs of pests.
6. Water Therapy: A Controversial Lifesaver
If you’ve tried everything and your succulent still looks like it’s on its last legs, you might want to give water therapy a go. This is a last-resort method for succulents that have been severely underwatered or stressed from shipping.
How to perform water therapy
Step 1: Remove the plant from its soil, rinse off any remaining dirt, and place its roots in a jar of water. Make sure the leaves stay above the waterline to avoid rot.
Step 2: Let the roots soak for 24–72 hours, depending on the plant’s condition. Afterward, replant the succulent in dry soil and avoid watering for a while.
Water therapy is not for every plant and should only be used in emergencies, but it can help rehydrate a severely dehydrated succulent.
Conclusion: A Little TLC Goes a Long Way
Succulents might be tough, but like any plant, they can struggle under the wrong conditions. The key to bringing them back from the brink is paying close attention to their specific needs—whether it’s adjusting your watering schedule, moving them into the light, or simply repotting them.
The most important thing to remember is that succulents are resilient. Even if they look a little rough now, with the right care, they can often bounce back and thrive again.
By following these steps, your succulent will have a much better chance of recovery, and you’ll gain even more confidence in your gardening skills!
