Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:28 pm
If you have an overwatered succulent, you may be tempted to throw it out and get a new one. But don’t toss that plant just yet! There are plenty of ways to save an overwatered succulent, so your beauty will continue to grow long into the future.
To many people, succulents are perfect houseplants because they are attractive, low-maintenance, and easy to take care of. However, if you leave your succulent sitting in too much water for too long (overwatering it), it may start to grow mushy and die at the roots.
If this happens, there are steps you can take to salvage your succulent and give it a second chance at life!
There’s nothing sadder than an over-watered succulent plant. With bright, beautiful colors and smooth, sculpted leaves, succulents are usually the picture of health and vitality; but when they get too much water, they rot from the inside out and turn brown and mushy all over.
How do I know if I am over or under-watering?
There are a few telltale signs that your succulent is being overwatered. For example, if the leaves are starting to yellow or wilt, or if the stem is softening, these could be signs that your plant is getting too much water. On the other hand, if the leaves are shriveled or the stem is wrinkled, these could be signs that your plant needs more water.
If you are uncertain about how much water your succulent needs, it’s best to err on the side of less watering. If you give it too little water and the soil starts to dry out then soak it in lukewarm (not hot) water for ten minutes before watering again.
It’s also helpful to check with a local gardening store for advice on what kind of container you should use for your particular succulent as well as its preferred location and lighting conditions..
What do succulents look like when overwatered?
When succulents are overwatered, they can start to look wilted, yellow, or soft. The leaves may also start to fall off, and the stem may become mushy. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action immediately. You’ll want to move your plant into a dry environment as soon as possible so that it doesn’t get any worse.
Can an overwatered succulent be saved?
Yes, an overwatered succulent can be saved! Though it may take some time and effort, your succulent will thank you for it in the long run. The most important thing is to make sure that you don’t put your plant back into too much water.
Can overwatered succulents recover on their own?
Most of the time, overwatered succulent will not recover on their own. This is because the roots are so waterlogged that they can no longer uptake oxygen and nutrients from the soil. The best way to save an overwatered plant is to catch it early and take corrective action immediately.
How long does it take for an overwatered succulent to heal?
It can take a few days to a week for an overwatered succulent to start showing signs of improvement. However, the plant will need extra care during this time to ensure it doesn’t rot. The first step is to stop watering the plant and allow the soil to dry out completely.
Next, remove any dead or dying leaves. Once the plant has had a chance to rest, begin watering it very sparingly, making sure the soil has a chance to dry out completely between waterings.
If you’re not sure how much water to give the plant, use a moisture meter or stick your finger in the potting soil up to your second knuckle: if it feels damp but not wet, that’s perfect.
You’ll also want to move your newly potted succulent into an area with plenty of indirect sunlight. If these steps don’t help your succulent recover within two weeks, it may be too late!
How do I know if my succulent is dying?
If your succulent is wilting, its leaves are falling off, or the stem is rotting, it’s probably dying from too much water. You can save a drooping plant by cutting off the top inch of the plant and replanting it in potting soil.
Be sure to leave enough room in the container for drainage so that water doesn’t collect and stays on top of the soil. Keep in mind that even if you have saved your plant, you’ll need to watch it closely so that it doesn’t get overwatered again.
Do yellow leaves mean over or under watering?
Over-watering is the most common reason for succulents to die, so if you see yellow leaves, it’s likely that your plant is getting too much water. There are a few things you can do to save an overwatered succulent, though. First, try removing the plant from its pot and letting the excess water drain off.
Then, replant the succulents in fresh, dry soil and make sure it has good drainage. Be sure not to overwater your succulents again! The best way to know how often you should be watering your succulent is by checking the soil.
You want there to be barely any moisture at all when you poke into the dirt with your finger, but not enough where it feels completely dry. If after trying these methods, there still isn’t any improvement, contact a professional gardener or cactus/succulent expert for help!
How to save an overwatered succulent
- Remove the plant from the pot and check the roots. If they’re mushy, black, or otherwise damaged, you’ll need to trim them off.
- Let the plant sit out of water for a few days so that the roots can dry out.
- In the meantime, replant in a pot with well-draining soil.
- Water your succulents only when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Place it in bright light but not direct sunlight, which will scorch the leaves.
Finally, add a layer of pebbles on top of the soil to help retain moisture without drowning your plant’s roots. Keep the temperature around 60 degrees Fahrenheit to discourage rot.
But don’t wait too long to water: let the top inch of soil dry before re-watering.
Should I repot an overwatered succulent?
If you have overwatered succulent, the first step is to assess the damage. If the leaves are starting to wrinkle or the stem is soft, it’s time to take action. Repotting is a great way to save an overwatered succulent, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure you use a well-draining potting mix.
Second, water your succulents less frequently after repotting. As succulents go through their dormant period, they don’t require as much water.
Lastly, place your plant in an area with plenty of sunlight and ventilation for at least one week before reintroducing it to its usual environment.
Overwatered succulent propagation
Overwatered succulents are often too wet to propagate successfully. If your succulent is limp, its leaves are falling off, or it’s growing mold, it’s probably overwatered. However, there are a few things you can do to try and save it.
You can remove the soil from the pot and put the plant in a dry area for a day or two, then put it back in its original pot with fresh soil. You should also prune any rotted roots on the underside of the plant with sharp scissors, then repot it.
Overwatered succulent soil requirements
Succulents need well-draining soil in order to thrive. If your succulent is overwatered, the first step is to check the type of soil it is potted in. If the soil is dense and holds water for a long time, it will need to be replaced.
Alternatively, you can try mixing in some perlite or sand to improve drainage. Watering less often but more deeply is also a good idea as this allows more water to penetrate into the root system before evaporating.
Is overwatering worse than underwatering?
Yes, overwatering is worse than underwatering because it can lead to root rot. Root rot is when the roots of your plant start to decay and die. This can happen if the plant is sitting in water for too long or if the soil is too wet.
When this happens, the plant will start to wilt and the leaves will turn yellow or brown. If you think your plant has root rot, it’s important to act quickly.
How to avoid overwatering your succulents
- Get a succulent plant that is known for being easy to care for.
- Stick to a watering schedule and water your succulents only when they need it.
- Use well-draining soil so that your succulents don’t sit in water.
- Avoid getting water on the leaves of your succulents.
- Keep an eye on your succulents and look for signs of overwatering, such as wilting or yellowing leaves.
- When you do water your succulents, allow the plants to dry out between the watering sessions.
- Never submerge your plants underwater!
