Succulents are popular houseplants known for their unique appearance and low-maintenance care. These hardy plants, which can thrive in dry conditions and require minimal watering, are perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. However, despite their hardiness, succulents can sometimes show signs of stress, illness, or death. Identifying when a succulent is dead is crucial for plant owners so they can take the necessary steps to either save the plant or replace it with a healthy one.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common signs that indicate your succulent may be dead. By understanding these warning signs, you can assess your plant’s health and decide whether it’s time to say goodbye or continue caring for it. Let’s take a closer look at the most common indicators of a dead succulent.
1. The Plant Feels Soft and Mushy
One of the most significant signs that a succulent is dead or dying is a soft, mushy texture. Succulents are known for their thick, fleshy leaves that store water. When a succulent becomes overwatered, the leaves may become saturated, leading to rot. This often results in the plant feeling soft and squishy to the touch.
Why does this happen?
When the plant’s roots sit in water for too long, they can begin to rot, which affects the rest of the plant. This overwatering can cause cells in the plant’s leaves to break down, making the leaves lose their firmness and become mushy.
What to do:
If your succulent feels mushy, gently check the roots. If they are black, slimy, or foul-smelling, it is a clear sign of rot, and the plant may be beyond saving. You can try cutting away the rotting parts and repotting the healthy sections, but often, it’s best to start with a new plant.
2. Leaves Are Discolored or Turning
Yellow/Brown
Healthy succulents typically have vibrant, green, or sometimes red or purple-toned leaves. If your succulent’s leaves begin to change color and turn yellow or brown, it could be an indication that the plant is unhealthy.
Why does this happen?
Yellowing leaves are usually a sign of overwatering or a lack of proper drainage, as succulents require well-drained soil. On the other hand, browning leaves are often a sign of underwatering, sunburn, or root rot.
What to do:
Inspect the plant’s care routine. If you notice that your plant has been sitting in wet soil for too long, reduce watering and make sure the pot has drainage holes. If the browning seems to be occurring only on the tips of the leaves, it could be due to direct sun exposure, in which case, relocating the plant to a less sunny spot could help.
3. Leaves Are Falling Off or Crumbling
Succulent leaves should stay attached to the plant until they naturally fall off when the plant is growing or shedding older leaves. However, if your succulent’s leaves start falling off prematurely or begin to crumble when touched, this can indicate significant issues with the plant’s health.
Why does this happen?
Crumbly or fallen leaves may be a result of overwatering or underwatering. Overwatering can cause the plant to become weak and the leaves to detach easily. On the other hand, underwatering may cause the leaves to dry out, crumble, and fall off.
What to do:
If you see a significant amount of leaves falling off, check for any signs of rot, pests, or environmental stress. Also, consider adjusting your watering schedule to ensure you’re not overwatering or underwatering your plant.
4. The Stem Is Brown, Black, or Squishy
In healthy succulents, the stem should appear firm, green, or sometimes red. However, if you notice the stem turning brown, black, or squishy, it could indicate that the plant is dying.
Why does this happen?
Rot in the stem is often a result of overwatering or a fungal infection. When the stem becomes mushy or discolored, the plant is likely beyond saving, as the rot can spread quickly through the rest of the plant.
What to do:
Gently cut away any soft, brown, or black areas of the stem. If the stem is still healthy underneath, you may be able to save the plant by propagating the healthy part. However, if the entire stem is mushy or black, it’s usually a sign that the plant is dead.
5. The Plant Has a Foul Odor
One of the clearest signs that a succulent is dying or dead is a foul, unpleasant odor. Succulents should not have a noticeable smell unless they are blooming (and even then, the scent is typically mild).
Why does this happen?
A rotten odor usually means the plant has been affected by root rot or bacterial infection. This can occur due to excessive watering or poor drainage, which causes the roots to sit in stagnant water and rot.
What to do:
If your succulent is emitting a foul odor, check the roots and remove any rotting parts. If the plant is beyond saving, it may be time to dispose of it and start fresh with a new succulent.
6. No New Growth or Stunted Growth
Succulents generally show signs of new growth, especially in the spring and summer months when the growing season is active. If your succulent has not been producing new leaves or growing at all for an extended period, it could be a sign that the plant is struggling or dead.
Why does this happen?
A lack of growth can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper light conditions, nutrient deficiencies, or root rot. In some cases, a plant may be dormant during winter, but if it shows no signs of new growth over several months, it may be in poor health.
What to do:
Check the lighting conditions of your succulent. Succulents need bright, indirect light to thrive. If your plant is not getting enough light, consider moving it to a sunnier location. You may also want to examine the soil for signs of pests or root rot.
7. The Plant Doesn’t Respond to Care Adjustments
Succulents are relatively resilient plants, and they often show signs of recovery when care is adjusted to suit their needs. If, after making necessary changes to watering, lighting, and soil conditions, the plant does not show any improvement, it may be beyond saving.
Why does this happen?
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a succulent may simply be too far gone. Whether due to prolonged neglect, a fungal infection, or severe overwatering, certain conditions may cause a succulent to die despite our interventions.
What to do:
If your succulent fails to recover after a few weeks of adjusted care, it might be time to let go. Consider propagating any healthy parts of the plant to try to save it through propagation or simply replace the plant.
8. Pests and Diseases
Succulents are generally resistant to pests, but they are not immune. Infestations of pests like mealybugs, aphids, or scale insects can weaken a plant and eventually cause it to die if left untreated. Diseases like fungal infections or bacterial blights can also damage succulents.
Why does this happen?
Pests can suck the sap from succulent leaves and stems, weakening the plant. Fungal and bacterial infections can develop when the plant’s environment is too humid, or when the plant is overwatered.
What to do:
Inspect your plant for pests or disease. If you find pests, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. If the plant has signs of disease, remove the affected areas and try to improve its care to reduce the risk of infection.
Conclusion
Knowing when your succulent is dead or dying can save you time and effort in trying to revive a plant that’s beyond help. By paying attention to signs such as mushy leaves, a foul odor, discolored leaves, or a lack of growth, you can determine the health of your succulent and make the appropriate decision.
If you find that your succulent is not responding to care adjustments, it’s okay to let go and try again with a new plant. Succulents are hardy and relatively easy to grow, so don’t get discouraged. With proper care, your new succulent will thrive and add beauty to your home or garden.
Remember, each plant has different needs, so adjusting the watering schedule, light exposure, and drainage can help keep your succulents healthy and flourishing. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of distress to ensure they stay vibrant and beautiful for years to come!
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