Succulents are very resilient and require minimal care. But some common problems can irritate these lovely plants. And if you're looking for how to nurse them back to health, keep reading on.

In this article, we will cover common issues such as-

Leaves falling off
Withered leaves
Rot
Pests
Dwarfism or Stunted growth
Yellow leaves
Dark spots on leaves or Brown leaves
Soggy or droopy leaves
Leaves losing shape
Leaves losing color
Black leaves
Dead leaves
Sunburn
Stems stretched out
Frost
Too many pups

1. Leaves falling off

Leaves falling off is sometimes quite normal. But sometimes, it's like a bad hair day for your succulents. One of the most common succulent problems is this dreaded leaf drop, often because of overwatering.

What causes this?

Overwatering: Your succulent roots are hardy, but when consistently soaked in moisture, they struggle to breathe, leading to leaf loss.
Poor Drainage: Another reason for leaves falling off succulents is inadequate drainage. If your succulent pot lacks drainage holes, the stagnant water suffocates the roots and sends the leaves packing.
Some other reasons are underwatering, pests, environmental stress, or disease.

Common fixes

Instead of watering on a fixed schedule, pay attention to your plant's needs. Make sure you're not overwatering. Water when the top soil dries out.
Use well-draining soil. If your plant's having leaf drop issues, consider repotting it in a mix specially designed for succulents or create your own blend with sand and perlite.
Make sure your succulent pots have proper drainage or, if you're feeling crafty, drill some holes in the bottom.

2. Withered leaves

succulent with withered leaves on a windowsill

Withered leaves are like a cry for help from your succulent babies.

What causes this?

Underwatering: If your succulent leaves are looking a bit wrinkled and sad, there's a good chance you're not providing them with enough hydration.
Lack of Sunlight: Another culprit is insufficient sunlight. If succulents don't receive enough indirect sunlight, they might become weak and withered.

Common fixes

Water properly and place your succulent in a spot where it receives at least six hours of indirect sunlight every day.

3. Rot

Succculent and plant roots on a white surface

If you've got a question like "Why is my succulent plant dying?" the answer in most cases is succulent rot. Whether it's root rot, stem rot, or leaf rot, it's one of the most devastating common succulent plant problems, as it can quickly lead to the demise of your beloved plant.

What causes this?

Overwatering: Overwatering is a recurrent culprit in many succulent problems, including rot.
Poor Drainage: If your succulent pot or soil lacks proper drainage, excess water can accumulate, increasing the risk of rot.
Disease or Infection: Fungal or bacterial infections can also lead to rot. These can enter the plant through wounds or weak spots, causing decay.

Common Fixes

Adjust your watering schedule. Fix a proper watering routine to prevent rot and keep sufficient gaps between waterings.
Enhance soil and drainage.
Treat or remove affected parts and allow the healthy parts to callus before replanting or propagating.

4. Pests

Close-up Photography of Red Spider Mites on a leaf

Image by Egor Kamelev from Pexels

While succulents are known for their resilience, pests are there for them as one of the common problems.

Some common pests that can affect succulents:

Mealybugs: They are small, soft-bodied insects that appear as white, cottony clusters on succulent leaves and stems.
Aphids: Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that come in various colors, like green or black, and cluster on new growth, causing curling or yellowing of leaves.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are almost microscopic pests that weave fine webs on succulent leaves and cause stippling or yellow speckles.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are tiny, immobile insects that look like raised, waxy bumps on succulent stems and leaves.
Fungus Gnats: Fungus gnats are small, dark flies that hover around succulents and lay their larvae in the soil. Larvae can damage the succulent's roots.

What causes this?

Environmental Factors: Pests are attracted to succulents due to favorable environmental conditions such as warmth, humidity, and moisture.
Neighboring Infected Plants: If you have other infested plants nearby, pests can easily migrate to your healthy succulents.

Common Fixes

Separate infected succulents to prevent the bugs from spreading.
Depending on the type of pests, use natural remedies like a strong stream of water, oil, insecticidal soap, or spraying dilute alcohol solution to manage the infestation. The following processes are mostly applied for different pests:

Mealybugs: Use a solution of rubbing alcohol. Apply with a cotton swab or spray the affected areas.

Aphids: Rinse off aphids with a gentle stream of water or use insecticidal soap to eliminate them.

Spider Mites: Spray the affected succulent with a mixture of water and a few drops of insecticidal soap. This will help remove spider mites and their webs.

Scales: Gently scrub scale insects with a soft brush or cloth dipped in soapy water.

Fungus Gnats: Consider using yellow sticky traps to capture adult fungus gnats.

Precaution: Insecticidal soap or alcohol may damage some sensitive succulents and cacti. So before spraying the entire succulent, spray a small area to test. Insecticides like Neem oil and pyrethrins are particularly effective and safe options for succulents.

5. Dwarfism or Stunted growth

Man working on mini succulents

There's nothing quite as satisfying as watching your beautiful succulents grow and thrive. However, sometimes, your succulent is more on the petite side or simply not growing as it should.

What causes this?

Some succulents have seasonal growth. For example, Euphorbia and some Cacti. So, naturally, their growth slows down or stops for a certain period.

Except this, the below could be some of the common reasons for your succulents' dwarfism:

Inadequate Sunlight: Succulents are sun-loving plants, and without sufficient sunlight, they can't grow properly. Even if you use artificial light, your succulent needs the sun. Without a minimum exposure to sunlight, they have a hard time growing and end up remaining small and stunted.
Nutrient Deficiency: Another possible cause of stunted growth is a lack of essential nutrients. Not getting the right nutrients lacks their growth.
Not Enough Space: Sometimes, your succulent's growth can be stifled because it's cramped in a pot that's too small.
Overwatering or Underwatering: As overwatering leads your succulent to root rot, it slows nutrient absorption, while underwatering can cause the plant to conserve energy and restrict growth itself.
Temperature: Succulents are sensitive to extreme temperature conditions. Very hot or cold temperatures can slow down their growth.
Pests and Diseases: Succulents can fall victim to various pests and diseases, which can sap their energy and hinder growth.

Common Fixes

Move your succulent to a sunnier location.
Feed your succulent. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength during spring and summer (as it is typically their growing season).
Provide adequate space: If your succulent has outgrown its pot, consider repotting it into a larger container.
Water correctly: Ensure you're watering your succulent as needed, neither too much nor too little.
Control temperature: Keep your succulent in an environment with a stable and moderate temperature range (For most succulents, around 75°F is enough).
Regularly inspect your succulents for signs of pests and diseases and treat any issues promptly.

6. Yellow leaves

Succulent plant with leaves turning yellow

Offsets or pups at the base of your succulent can lead to yellow leaves. And it's quite natural. Otherwise, spotting yellow leaves on succulents is a common succulent problem and really distressing.

What causes this?

The causes are quite the same as yellowing in any other type of houseplant (for example, Fiddle Leaf).

Overwatering or Underwatering: Succulents with thinner leaves will turn yellow and mushy due to overwatering. As well as underwatering leads succulents (like Euphorbia) to turn yellow and give up their leaves.
Lack of Nutrients: Not getting the right nutrients lacks their growth, eventually turning them yellow.
Poor Drainage: If your pot lacks proper drainage, excess water gets trapped at the bottom, putting your succulent in overly moist conditions, which can manifest as yellow leaves.

Common Fixes

Provide proper watering
Repotting your succulent in a potting mix with good drainage will work fine.
Provide your succulents with needed nutrients.

7. Dark spots on leaves or Brown leaves

Blooming Eonium with dark spots on leaves

A common succulent problem – is when those vibrant green leaves start to show signs of brown spots or turn a concerning shade of brown.

What causes this?

The most common reason for succulents having brown leaves is sunburn. Succulents adore the sun, but too much direct sunlight too quickly can scorch their leaves, leaving behind dark spots or turning them brown.

Common Fixes

If sunburn is the issue, introduce your succulent to more sunlight gradually. Place it in a spot with indirect sunlight and gradually expose it to more direct light over a few days. I have talked about the issue of sunburn in later part as well.

8. Soggy or droopy leaves

kalanchoe with soggy leaf

Image from Bloomscape

Soggy or droopy leaves can be a cause for concern among succulent lovers.

What causes this?

Just like overwatering can lead to other problems, it's often the main culprit for soggy or droopy leaves. When you give your succulent too much water, it can't handle it, and the leaves start to look sad and reduced.

Common Fixes

To solve the problem of droopy or soggy leaves, water your succulent less frequently.
Also, if your succulent's roots have been soaking for too long, they might develop root rot. Gently take the plant out of its pot, trim the affected roots, and let the succulent dry before repotting it.

9. Leaves losing shape

It's really upsetting when we see our succulents no longer the chubby, plump leaves we love.

What causes this?

Overwatering: This is also caused by watering imbalance. Too much water can lead to waterlogged leaves, causing them to swell and become misshapen.
Pests: Sometimes, tiny, uninvited guests like aphids or mealybugs can nibble on your succulent's leaves, causing them to lose their form.

Common Fixes

To regain the succulent's usual shape, water less often but ensure the right balance to prevent underrwatering.
Check your succulent carefully for signs of pests and remove them manually if you find any.

10. Leaves losing color

Sometimes, once vibrant and colorful, succulent leaves fade away. It's a common succulent problem that can make your plant seem pale.

What causes this?

Lack of Sunlight: Succulents love the sun, and their colorful pigments often depend on ample sunlight. If your succulent isn't getting enough indirect sunlight, its leaves will gradually lose their vibrant colors.
Over Exposure to Sunlight: Excessive sunlight can cause damage and change the leaves' color.
Imbalanced Watering: Succulents require a careful balance in watering. Overwatering and underwatering can both impact the plant's ability to retain its colors.
Poor Soil Quality: The type of soil your succulent is potted in can affect its ability to maintain colorful leaves. Poor-quality dirt can hinder nutrient uptake.
Not Using the Right Pot Size: A pot that's too large may retain excess moisture, while one that's too small can restrict root growth, impacting leaf color.
Heat: Succulent leaves' color is usually lost from Spring through Summer months due to the warm temperature.

Common Fixes

Provide the right amount of sunlight
Adjust your watering schedule
Use well-draining soil designed for succulents
Select the right-sized pot
Keep the temperature between 60°F to 80°F. Check optimal temperature for your specific succulent.

11. Dead leaves

Succulent with dead leaves

Image by Scott Webb from Pexels

Except for Cacti, dead leaves are a common problem for succulents that can make any plant parent feel a bit disheartened.

What causes this?

Natural Aging: It's perfectly normal for older leaves to die off as new ones take their place.
Overwatering or Underwatering: Like the other problems mentioned above, imbalanced watering can also leave your succulents with dead leaves. It can lead to root rot, and when the roots suffer, so do the leaves.
Lack of Sunlight: If your succulent isn't getting enough indirect sunlight, it can weaken, and older leaves may start to wither and die.

Common Fixes

Trim dead leaves to keep your succulent looking its best and to prevent the spread of disease.
Adjust your watering routine to ensure you're not overwatering or underwatering.
Provide adequate sunlight to keep its leaves healthy and happy.

12. Black leaves

succulent with leaves turning black

Image from Essential Houseplants

Just like brown spots or yellow leaves, black leaves are another common problem of succulent plants.

What causes this?

Overwatering: Mostly, overwatering is the primary reason for turning your succulent leaves black. Overwatering causes root rot and, in turn, blackened leaves.
Extremely cold temperatures: Succulent plants exposed to frost or extremely cold temperatures can cause the leaves to turn black.
Wrong potting mix

Common Fixes

To resolve the issue of black leaves, ensure that you're not overwatering. Put them in a suitable, well-draining potting mix.
If you're in an area prone to frost, move your succulent indoors or to a sheltered spot during cold weather to prevent further blackening of the leaves.

13. Sunburn

Snake plant and aloe vera plants outdoors under intense sunlight

Image by Elle Hughes from Pexels

Just like us on a scorching summer day, succulents can also suffer from sunburn. When you notice your succulent leaves looking sunburnt and scorched, it's time to take action.

What causes this?

The obvious reason is too much direct sunlight. It can simply lead to sunburn. This is especially common when a succulent that was previously indoors or in the shade is suddenly exposed to intense sun.

Common Fixes

Gradual Sun Exposure: First of all, remove the sunburnt leaves. If they are transferred from lower light conditions, gradually give them more direct sunlight.
Provide Shade: If the sunburn is severe, provide some shade to protect your succulent from further harm. Moving it where filtered or indirect sunlight is available would be better.

14. Stems stretched out (Wrong image given????)

Cluster of silk veil with stems stretched out

You may not notice when your succulent stems stretch out for several months. But it's a common succulent problem that can make your plant look a bit leggy and less appealing. Succulents like Echeveria, Sedum, or Aloe have this problem often.

What causes this?

Lack of Sunlight: Succulents tend to stretch out when they're not getting enough sunlight. They do this in an attempt to reach for more light.
Overcrowding: If your succulent is in a crowded arrangement or too close to other plants, it might stretch out to find its space in the sun.

Common Fixes

Providing them more sunlight is the best solution if your succulent is reaching for the sun.
If your succulent is in a crowded pot, consider repotting it into a larger container, providing it with more space to grow without competing for light.

15. Frost

Frosted succulents

Image by Matej on Pexels

While not for all, for succulent lovers living in cold regions, frost is among common problems for succulents. The cold bite of frost can cause great damage to your beloved plants.

What causes this?

Extreme cold temperatures are the main reason. Frost occurs when the temperature drops significantly below freezing. Most succulents, which thrive in warm, arid conditions, are ill-equipped to handle extreme cold.

Common Fixes

Bring them indoors if you're expecting frost. Put them where they'll get indirect sunlight and warmth.
If it's not possible to move your succulents indoors, cover them with blankets, burlap, or frost cloths to provide some insulation.
Plant cold-hardy succulents like Sedums (Stonecrops), Sempervivum, Hens and Chicks, etc., if you live in an area prone to frost.

16. Too many pups

Succulent plant with offshoots in a pot

Photo by hung Tran from Pexels

Succulents are known for their charming rosettes or unique shapes. While it's fascinating to see the tiny offsets or pups, having too many can be a problem.

What causes this?

Succulents producing pups is a natural part of their growth. It often occurs when the main plant is thriving.

Another reason is when multiple succulents are planted closely in the same pot. They can stimulate each other to produce more pups.

Common Fixes

Instead of considering it a problem, you can appreciate the natural beauty of offsets. But if you feel there are too many pups for your pot to adjust, consider transplanting some of them into their own pots or carefully removing a few to reduce crowding.

Conclusion

The above lists are just some of the most common succulent plant problems. But solutions in most cases are quite similar, like proper watering routines, sunlight, and drainage. And you can keep your succulents healthy and happy.

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