Quick Fixes To Some Of Your Succulent Problems
Succulents have grown in popularity because they are easy-to-grow and low-maintenance. These plants require less water and little or no pruning. Succulents are available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. They also are not prone to many pests.
While there are so many great things about succulents, they do have problems, and I myself have even killed a few of them. Here are some common problems you might encounter and how to fix them:
Brown Spots – There are several things that can be causing this problem. One is known as succulent sunburn. The symptom the succulent has is large brown spots or patches. This problem is not reversible but does not mean your plant is doomed. I have seen this happen when you bring the plant indoors from being outside and you put it in direct sunlight. The solution is to move the plant to a location where it gets some sun but also gets shade too.
You might also experience this if you have overwatered your plants. It could be a fungal rot. If the roots are dead you can take clippings from healthy tissue and replant them in new soil.
Tall Stretched Out Plant – This means the plant is looking for the light and growing towards it. This can be a serious problem. The best thing to do is prune the stem near the root base, leaving just a few leaves. Make sure you move the plant to a sunnier location or you will continue to have this issue.
The Plant Has Lost Its Shine And The Tips Are Shriveled – If you see this, it means you are not watering your plant enough. The remedy for this is easy. A good way to look at it is to think the soil should be as dry as a wrung-out sponge.
Mushy Leaves – This issue can be caused by frost. Try covering your plants and move them indoors until the temperature rises.
Leaves Falling Off – The reason this has occurred is the plant is being overwatered. Too much water can cause the leaves to swell, they become mushy and fall off. Withhold watering until the top of the soil is dry. Make sure you have good potting soil, which is well-drained. Before transplanting the succulent, let it dry out for a few days. Leaves can also fall off from too much heat. If that is the case, move the plant to a shadier location.
Dead Leaves – This is not really a serious problem. It is common that the lower leaves will die on the plant. Dead leaves can be pulled off or they will drop off on their own. It is important to clean them up and pull off the leaves so insects and bugs do not hide in there.
If you have some different problems you have come across, let us know and we will help you out!
Photo courtesy of Jill Mazur
