7 Reasons Your Succulents are Dying

Give these 7 reasons your succulents are dying your consideration, make the changes needed, and enjoy the succulents you have always dreamed of.

Do you love the look of succulents but can’t seem to keep them alive? Do you typically have a green thumb (or not!) but succulents just don’t appear to be your thing? It sounds like you need a little Succulents 101!

There are several reasons why succulents just don’t make it, and by making a few tweaks, you can get some amazing results. Take a look below at 7 reasons your succulents are dying so you can give your succulents the care they need for success!

Overwatering or Underwatering

You are giving them too much water. Succulents don’t need to be watered like your ordinary or typical houseplant. They are a type of cacti after all, so they can get by with less water and enjoy well-drained soil. The soil should feel cool and damp to the touch, but never saturated or watered down and NEVER muddy. You might want to mist the ground instead of feeding directly for best results. If you have prolonged wet soil there could be a problem.

Just like overwatering can kill your succulents so can under-watering. Research the water needs of your plant and set up a watering schedule to keep the moisture level accurate for its needs.

Space

Did you find a cute teacup or flower pot for your succulent? Sure it looks nice, but does it give the roots the room it needs to grow? Probably not. The depth of the container should be twice as deep as the roots of the plant, while the width should be at least three times as wide. Doing this gives the plant plenty of room to spread out! Use quality succulent soil, and give your plant room to grow.

Drainage

People love planting succulents in cute containers, cups, boots, and all sorts of other containers, but the truth is if they don’t have proper drainage they will never work. Your container should have several drainage holes where water can escape. A piece of netting or even pantyhose over the holes can help dirt from escaping and let the extra water drain. Without good drainage, the bottom of your succulent can suffer from root rot, dead leaves, and other symptoms.

Warmth

Succulents love warm weather. They don’t want to be near a drafty window or out in cold weather. Keep them in a space where they can be warm and stay warm. They won’t do well if the weather is always changing on them.

Sunlight

Having enough light (sun exposure) is crucial for any plant. Sunlight is their food and helps them grow through photosynthesis. If your succulent isn't getting enough direct sunlight it will begin to stretch and eventually die. If you don't have a window to put your plant near, you can find plant lights (aka grow lights and lightbulbs) on Amazon

Nutrients

Succulents love nutrient-rich soil. Stir in some organic matter or try a planting mix when planting succulents. This way they get the feed they need to be healthy and look beautiful. Check your local garden center for a soil mix specifically for cactus or succulents, or better yet, make your own succulent soil! These will have the right density and nutrients for your plants.

Pests

Sometimes the last thing you think of with indoor plants is pests. However, it is totally possible to get fungus gnats, spider mites, mealybugs, and other types of bugs in your indoor succulents. If you suspect an infestation you can purchase natural safe pesticides like neem oil to gently spray your plants. This will help control pests and help your plant stay healthy!

Too far gone?

If you feel like your plants are too far gone, it isn't too late to save them. You can actually take pieces or cuttings and regrow succulents from a mother plant. This is also a great tip if your plant is too big or you are just looking for a way to multiply your garden.

Are you ready to enjoy more healthy, vibrant, and ALIVE succulents? Give these 7 reasons your succulents are dying your consideration, make the changes needed, and enjoy the succulents you have always dreamed of.

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