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When I was new to growing succulents I had my tiny beautiful succulent that started wilting its leaves. As a beginner, I had no idea what was happening to my plant so I spoke to a few expert gardeners and did some research by myself.
Wilting of succulent leaves is one of the most common problems among gardeners. The Succulents are plants that need very little care and attention to grow. They are very easy to have plants but just like me many people face this question “Why are my succulent leaves wilting?”
The main reason for wilting of succulent leaves can the overwatering or the underwatering of the plant. When the plant has excess dryness or too much water both lead to wilting of the leaves.
If you have just started growing succulents and are completely beginner then this problem might eat up your head. But there is no need to worry about in this article I will be sharing with you all the causes of wilting of succulent leaves.
1. Wilting due to Underwatering
Wilting due to underwatering can be identified when the succulent leaves are dried and crispy. They tend to lose their original vibrant color and start to wilt. Another way to identify the underwatering is to check the soil by placing a finger if the soil is completely dry then the problem is underwatering.
When you realize the cause you need to start taking care of the succulents by giving them water regularly. Start watering succulents once a week or what you can do is to check the soil by placing your finger. If the soil is dried then the plant needs water.
That will make your plant grow healthy. One thing to remember while watering them is that water the succulents directly into the soil not on the leaves unlike other plants so that it reaches the roots.
2. Wilting due to Overwatering
To identify wilting due to overwatering observe the succulent leaves and check whether the leaves start to appear weak and shriveled which can be due to overwatering. If the leaves are soggy and start to turn yellow then this is also a sign of overwatering. (To know more about it visit My succulent leaves turning yellow?)
When the plant is being overwatered it also catches the black spots on the stem and leaves and that can be a severe cause of concern for the plant. Succulents that are damaged by overwatering are very difficult to save and revive. Therefore the watering schedule for the plant is very critical in the plant’s health.
Overwatering can be caused due to frequent watering schedules, due to pots that do not have drainage holes underneath, or due to not having well-draining soil.
To avoid overwatering the succulents water them once a week as mentioned earlier. Then make sure to have a pot that has a drainage hole underneath what will do is flush away all the excess water from the pot. Also, have well-draining soil so that it will hold just the correct amount of moisture that is needed for the roots.
Succulents are the type of plants that do not like humidity. This type of climatic condition can damage the succulents and can be a reason for wilting. Therefore it is important to know the ideal way and temperature a succulent can tolerate. The suitable temperature for a succulent is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
When the plant is at this temperature it thrives well and grows healthy. It is advised that if you have succulents outdoors then make sure to bring them indoors at night as the temperature dips during nighttime. If you are living in a place where the temperature gets below 60 degrees Fahrenheit then make sure to keep your plants indoors and take care of the plants by giving them light daily.
4. Wilting due to Bacteria
Just like human babies succulents are also most susceptible to infections when they are small and young. When the plants are young they need to be protected from bacterial pathogens that lead to wilting of the leaves.
These bacterial pathogens attack the plants and start to eat up the plant. Which causes rotting, wilting and the plant starts to die off as the infection can eat up all the tissues of the succulents. When the plants are affected by the bacterial wilt there is no cure to save the plant. That makes it worse so it is always good to take care of the plant frequently.
You should always take all the preventive measures to make sure that it won’t get affected by the bacterial wilt. Spray pesticides and insecticides regularly. Keep the succulents away from the insects and the mealybugs.
Succulents are the kind of plants that love the sun. They like direct and partial sunlight daily. But when the exposure to light exceeds then the plant starts to burn. Therefore it is important to give the succulents for 2 – 3 hours daily to help them grow healthy and beautiful.
If the succulent starts to wilt due to lack of sunlight then consider giving them sunlight partially first, then slowly increase the exposure. You can also slowly increase the amount of sunlight for the succulents to help them restore the wilt.
Can you save a Wilted Succulent?
YES, it is possible to save wilted succulents with proper care and attention. You just need to understand what the succulent need. Succulents do not need much care and attention just make sure to give them very little care just like watering them once a week and sunlight on daily basis.
How do you revive a Wilted Succulent?
It is possible to revive the wilted succulent but you need to do it precisely. The first thing should do is to remove the plant from the soil and then take away the excess soil from the roots.
Then if you spot any black spots or blackish-colored roots then carefully cut those roots. Then let the roots dry before planting them back in the pot.
Another way to revive the plant is to cut the wilted leaves properly and then wait for one day before watering them. After this process, it is important to care for the succulents and give them water once a week and make sure that the succulent gets enough sunlight.
Also as a preventive measure give fertilizers once every month. Do not forget to spray pesticides once in a while. If you follow these simple tips then you will be able to grow healthy and beautiful succulents.
Basic Nature Of The Succulent Plants
Succulents are desert plants they usually do great with less water. These are also called draught plants so they are capable of thriving in adverse climatic conditions.
They have the ability to retain the water in their leaves and stems that make them thrive with less water and is one of the reasons that they are low maintenance plants.
When the plant has too much moisture and that can happen due to excess watering or due to not having good draining soil. That damages the plant is one of the reasons for wilting the leaves.
Succulents also love the sun so it is very important to give what they need, when the plant gets partial to full sunlight it tends to grow to healthy and beautiful.
Final Words On Wilting Of Succulent Leaves
It is important to have a proper caring routine for the succulents to grow them healthy. Wilting can occur to any succulent but the small succulents are more prone to it. Therefore take care of these tiny beautiful plants.
I hope I have answered all of your queries. If you have any doubt then please comment below. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
