7 Mistakes That Are Slowly Killing Your Succulents

succulent are beloved for their hardy nature , striking cast , and power to brighten up any blank . They ’re often regard “ downhearted - maintenance ” plants , but that does n’t intend they ’re foolproof . Despite their report for resilience , succulent can abide or even die if their canonic care pauperization are n’t met . Overwatering , pitiful light , and other common mistake can take a toll on these desert dwellers , leaving you with droopy , discolored , or rotting plants .

If you ’ve mark that your succulents do n’t look as vibrant or salubrious as they once did , it might be time to reassess your concern routine . In this article , we ’ll explore seven common error that could be easy kill your succulents — and how to furbish up them . By avoiding these pitfalls , you’re able to help oneself your succulents thrive for year to come .

Overwatering

One of the most common mistakes succulent owners make is overwatering . While succulents do want urine , their base are highly sensible to supernumerary moisture , which can lead to root rot . Unlike many houseplant , succulents stash away weewee in their leaves and stems , meaning they do n’t require to be water as often . If your succulent ’s leaf are bathetic or translucent , it ’s likely a victim of overwatering .

To prevent this , irrigate your succulents only when the grunge is completely dry — typically every 1 - 2 weeks , depending on your surroundings . Always use pots with drainage hole and well - drain stain to tolerate excess water to hightail it . Bottom watering , where the pot sits in water for a short time , is another method that can forbid over - saturation .

Underwatering

On the flip side , underwatering can also harm your succulents . While they ’re drouth - broad , they still require occasional hydration to stay healthy . Signs of underwatering include wither or wrinkle leafage and a generally lifeless appearance . succulent put in water , but if they go too long without it , their reserves will eat up , make tenseness to the plant .

To avoid underwatering , establish a consistent lacrimation routine and monitor the precondition of your plant ’s leaf . While it ’s better to drift on the side of underwatering than overwatering , wholly neglecting to water your succulent will eventually kill them .

Poor Lighting

Succulents thrive in brilliant , collateral ignitor , and insufficient lighting is a common reason they fail to flourish . If your succulent is stretching or leaning toward the light , it ’s a sign that it ’s not getting enough sun . Without decent light , the plant may become weak , pale , or leggy .

To rectify this , identify your succulents in a sunny daub , such as a Dixieland - facing window , where they can receive at least 6 hours of light day by day . For indoor succulent in palely lit homes , consider using a arise light to supplement their firing needs . Be careful not to expose them to unmediated sun for extended time period , as this can sear their leaves .

Using the Wrong Soil

Succulents have specific soil requirements , and plant them in regular potting grunge can be disastrous . received soil keep on too much wet , which can asphyxiate the root and lead to moulder . Without right drain , even infrequent lachrymation can cause problem .

prefer for a well - draining cactus or succulent stain admixture , which typically contains sand , perlite , or pumice to meliorate aeration and drainage . If you ca n’t find a specialised mix , you could remedy even potting soil by summate harsh sand or perlite to mime desert - corresponding conditions .

Ignoring Drainage Needs

Succulents ca n’t tolerate sitting in water supply , making right drainage all-important for their survival . deal without drainage pickle trammel supererogatory water , creating a soggy environment that boost root rot and fungous growth . Even the most careful lachrymation routine wo n’t save a succulent planted in a badly draining container .

Always use jackpot with drainage maw , and nullify decorative pots that miss this lineament unless you use them as outer container . If you ’re using a toilet without drainage , add a slender stratum of rocks at the bottom and pee sparingly — but even this workaround is n’t unfailing .

Temperature Extremes

succulent are accustomed to stable , warm climates , and exposure to temperature extreme can emphasise or kill them . Cold drafts , Robert Lee Frost , or protract photograph to heat can all get terms . Most succulents are not frost - large-minded , so they must be move indoors or covered during freezing conditions .

To keep your succulent sizable , maintain indoor temperatures between 60 - 80 ° F and protect them from cold windowsills or direct blasts of air from heaters or air conditioners . out-of-door succulents should be sheltered during extreme atmospheric condition to prevent lasting terms .

Overcrowding

Succulents are slow growers , but overcrowd them in a single crapper can extend to competition for resources like water , food , and light source . Over meter , this can stunt their growth and leave them vulnerable to disease . to boot , crowded consideration increase humidity horizontal surface , which succulent dislike .

To forestall overcrowding , give each succulent enough space to grow and spread . Repot them into individual containers or large pots as they outgrow their current space . on a regular basis checking the roots and leaves for signs of crowding or disease can help you catch and destination issues early .

Neglecting Pest Problems

Although succulents are relatively pest - insubordinate , they are n’t immune to infestation . unwashed pest like mealybugs , wanderer touch , and exfoliation can play out your succulent ’s health , causing discolouration , wilting , or sticky residue . leave untreated , these pests can belt down your works over fourth dimension .

Inspect your succulent regularly for sign of the zodiac of pests , peculiarly if they ’ve been outdoors . If you blemish an plague , sequestrate the affected plant and treat it with insecticidal soap or a variety of piss and itch alcohol . Prompt action can store your succulent and prevent the pests from fan out to others .

By avoiding these seven common mistakes , you may ensure your succulents remain good for you and vibrant . With a picayune attention and care , these resilient plants will reward you with their ravisher for year to get along .

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