Succulents are popular houseplants due to their minimal care requirements and keen ability to survive in harsh environments. However, even these hardy plants may sometimes fall sick. While a drooping succulent on your desk, window, or tabletop can be heartbreaking, in many cases, they can be revived if given timely care and attention. In this article, we’ll dive deep into ways to breathe life back into a dying succulent, setting a vivid tableau of best practices, dos, don’ts, and common mistakes to avoid.
Understanding Your Succulent
Before jumping into the revival process, it’s critical to understand the plight of your little green friend. Succulents struggle due mainly to inappropriate watering, inadequate sunlight, and poor soil quality. These plants store water in their leaves, stems, and roots; overwatering results in rot, denying them of precious hydration.
Do: Verify If It’s Overwatered
If your succulent appears mushy, has yellow leaves or black stems, and has a poor overall appearance, it’s likely been overwatered.
Don’t: Continue Watering
If you have been giving your plant too much water, stop. Succulents must dry out between watering. Henceforth, only hydrate it when the soil is completely dry.
Do: Adjust Your Watering Schedule
Remember, succulents fare better under-watered than overwatered. Adjust your schedule according to the plant’s needs, the season, and local climate. A suitable watering schedule might look like once a week in the summer and once a month in the winter.
Don’t: Use Just Any Soil
Quality soil is vital. Succulents flourish in fast-draining soil. This soil type prevents water from hanging around the roots and causing rot.
Do: Use Succulent or Cactus Mix
This type of soil mixes provides excellent drainage and creates an environment closer to the succulents’ natural sandy habitats.
Don’t: Keep the Succulent in a Container Without Drainage
Just like the soil, containers also play a significant role in the health of your succulent.
Do: Use a Pot with Good Drainage
A pot with drainage holes allows water to pass out, ensuring that the succulent’s roots aren’t sitting in water.
Don’t: Expose Your Succulent to Extreme Temperatures
Though succulents thrive in a lot of light, they can get sunburned if exposed to too much direct sunlight. On the other hand, too cool conditions can also be harmful.
Do: Provide Adequate Sunlight and Optimal Temperature
Place your succulents in bright but indirect light. The optimal temperature for indoor succulents range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reviving Your Dying Succulent
Once you’ve identified the problem and taken preventive steps, the next stage is to actively revive the succulent.
Do: Remove Rotted Parts
Start the revival process by removing all rotted parts of the plant, using a clean pair of scissors. Also, toss any rotting soil that may be residing in the pot.
Don’t: Forget To Sterilize Your Tools
All tools used should be sterilized to prevent the spread of disease to healthy parts of the plant or other plants around.
Do: Repot The Plant
Repotting your succulent can be a game-changer in helping revitalize it. After removing all rotted parts, plant your succulent in the new pot with fresh soil.
Don’t: Water Immediately After Repotting
After repotting, don’t water straight away. This allows severed or damaged roots to heal and aids in preventing root rot. It’s advisable to wait at least a week before watering.
Do: Improve Air Circulation
Air circulation aids in preventing pests and mold, which thrive in stagnant air. Positioning the plant in a location with good air circulation helps its health.
Don’t: Over-Fertilize
While succulents require nutrients to grow well, over-fertilizing them can cause more harm than good.
Do: Fertilize Sparingly
Use a well-balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions to avoid giving the plant more than it needs.
Don’t: Ignore Pest Infestations
Pests like aphids, scales, and mites can cause severe damage to your succulent. If left unchecked, they might be the reason your succulent isn’t thriving.
Do: Regularly Inspect for Pests and Diseases
Regularly inspect your plant for pests and diseases. If you spot any, treat them immediately using appropriate pest control methods.
Now, your succulent is on its path to revival. The process may be slow, but with patience, you’ll see it bouncing back to life. The key to reviving and maintaining a healthy succulent is adapting to its needs, understanding its signs, and adjusting its care as needed. Always remember, succulents are resilient by nature, and with a little help, they can weather through the roughest conditions.
