Succulent care and common problems

Of all the plants to grow, succulents are the most forgiving. They are some of the easiest plants to grow and they are also known for being able to bounce back really well even if they start showing signs of trouble. Here are some common problems and fixes to ensure excellent succulent care.

Mushy leaves that fall from the plant

This is usually a sign that your succulent is getting too much water. In many cases, this usually means that your plant will not last too much longer and it can be tough to save. Of course, this does not mean that you shouldn’t try. You can start by removing your plant from the soggy soil and plant it in dry soil. Avoid watering your plant. Another option is to cut the plant as you would when cutting a piece off to grow as a shoot. In other words, you want to cut away all the leaves and the roots. Grow your succulent as you would a new shoot. If the stem is still healthy, it should grow new roots. It will require some effort to get your succulent back in shape which is why moderate watering is such an important part of succulent care.

Wilting leaves

If the leaves of your succulent have started to wilt, it’s usually a sign that you are not watering your plant enough. Start by watering your plant thoroughly and allow water to flow through the drainage holes. Remember, once you have watered the plant, you should allow it to rest for several days. Do not water too often or you could end up doing more harm than good. A good rule to remember when it comes to succulent care is that you only need to water every two weeks or so. If you notice that your plant needs more frequent watering, you can water every ten days or so.

Large gaps in between leaves

This is the direct cause of a lack of sunlight. Your succulents need plenty of light in order to thrive. Make sure that your succulent receives at least 6 – 8 hours of sunlight every day. You might need to place it in a different window during the winter so that it can soak up the sun.

Brown or black spots

Yes, your succulents can receive too much sun although many people don’t address this issue when talking about succulent care. If you notice such signs on the leaves of your plant, move it to a somewhat shadier area so that it does not spend too much time in direct sunlight.

These are a few of the most important succulent care tips for you to keep in mind. Whether you have one plant or a collection, they will all require very similar care. Of course, they are still easier to grow than most other types of potted plants so you don’t need to worry about giving them daily attention.