Why Are My Succulent Leaves Soft?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Soft leaves are an

indication that the plant is not getting enough water

. This is because the cells of the plant which typically hold in moisture have nothing to keep them firm. Thus, they lose pressure and the healthy tissue is being affected.

Should succulent leaves feel soft?

Signs of a Healthy

When a plant needs something, it will always tell you – It's all about knowing how to read their signs. While shrunken,

shriveled leaves

indicate a need for water, soft, squishy leaves losing their color show damage from too much water.

Why are my succulent leaves limp?

Wilting are an expression of extreme dehydration. Droopy leaves on succulent specimens mean

the soil has been dry as a bone for quite some time

. These plants can tolerate long periods of drought, but they do need moisture to thrive. … When the plant is dried out, the leaves will pucker.

How do I save my succulents with soft leaves?

  1. It is best to remove the plant from wherever it is and remove all the wet soil from the roots.
  2. Let the plant dry out completely for at least three days to a week.
  3. Set the plant somewhere bright and dry, but away from direct sunlight to avoid burning the plant and the roots.

Should succulent leaves be firm?

When your

succulent is healthy and watered properly the leaves are plump, firm

, and don't bend. … The first thing you'll notice when a succulent needs more water is that the leaves feel rubbery and bend easily (see photo below.) They won't necessarily change color, like they would when they are over-watered.

How do I know if my succulent needs water?

The best way to tell whether your succulent is being over or underwatered is

by the appearance of the leaves

. An underwatered plant will have wrinkly, shriveled up leaves whereas an overwatered plant will have soft, mushy, almost translucent leaves.

Do succulents need direct sunlight?


Succulents love direct sun

, but if yours is sitting in the same exact spot day after day, it's likely that only one side is getting enough light. … Succulents will lean towards the sun, so rotating them will help them stand up straight. (Leaning may also be a sign that they need to be in a sunnier spot.)

How do you fix droopy leaves?

To fix the drooping, allow

the medium to dry out overnight (completely)

and use a thin stick (i.e., a skewer) to gently poke holes around the surface of the medium to help aerate—taking care not to damage any roots below.

What to do if your succulent is wilting?

Make sure your succulent receives direct sunlight for half of the day, with partial shade during the heat of the day. If you notice your succulent is wilting due to lack of sunlight,

slowly increase the amount of sunlight the plant receives

. A sudden increase of light acts as a shock and can kill your succulent.

How do I know if my succulent needs more sun?

When succulents are getting the right amount of sun they'll often

“blush” or change colors

. This is such a beautiful transformation to see! If they start to get too much sun however the leaves will actually burn. You may begin to notice white or pale patches on the succulent leaves.

How do I know if my succulent has root rot?

If you check the roots and see that they are a light brown it means they probably dried out. That's not root rot. Root rot appears as dark brown

or black roots

that are almost always wet and slimy. They will likely disintegrate if you touch them (or as you pull them from the soil).

Can you revive a dead succulent?

While the plant's diminish may have you a bit panicked, in most cases,

reviving succulents is quite easy

and the plant will turn around quickly. They are adapted to living in very specific, and often harsh, conditions. … If the leaves are puckered, the plant needs more water.

How often should succulents be watered?

They pull water out of the soil at a remarkable rate as they make new stems, leaves, roots and blooms. You may water them

three times a week

, depending on conditions like light and temperature. In the winter, succulents go dormant. Growing stops, so you'll only need to water them once or twice for the entire season.

What does an unhealthy succulent look like?

Although the damaged parts won't heal completely, your plant will stay safe as a whole. If the color change is due to root rot, then you will notice the leaves have not only turned brown, but they also have a

mushy wet quality

.

How do you tell if Underwatering vs overwatering?


If the soil is wet, it's overwatered

– if it's dry, it's underwatered. Browning edges: Another symptom that can go both ways. Determine which by feeling the leaf showing browning: if it feels crispy and light, it is underwatered. If it feels soft and limp, it is overwatered.

How do I know if my succulent is happy?

When a succulent is happy and healthy,

it will show new growth

. Flowering plants may have more blooms when they're feeling good. If the plant has spines, it will have longer or wider leaves and thicker in texture. Plants use up all their energy making new leaves when they're happy.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.