Succulents are known for their ability to withstand harsh, arid conditions by storing water in their fleshy leaves and stems. Despite this resilience, they display signs of distress when their environment or care routine is incorrect. Distinguishing between these warning signs requires close observation of the plant’s texture and color.
Signs of Overwatering and Root Rot
Overwatering is the most frequent cause of succulent demise, leading to cell death and root rot. The first indication is a change in the leaves, which become soft, mushy, and often appear translucent or slightly yellow. This occurs because the cells absorb too much water, causing them to burst.
If the problem persists, the leaves will fall off easily, a phenomenon known as “leaf drop.” The rot, caused by lack of oxygen and fungal pathogens, travels from the roots up into the stem. This progression is visible as a black or dark brown discoloration starting near the soil line. A foul, musty odor from the potting mix indicates the root system is decaying.
Symptoms of Dehydration and Underwatering
A succulent suffering from a lack of water shows noticeable changes, but the leaf texture differs distinctly from overwatered plants. The leaves will begin to wrinkle, shrivel, or appear deflated as the plant depletes its internal water reserves. This is a consequence of low turgor pressure within the cells.
While the leaves may feel soft, they will be dry and thin, not mushy or translucent like a waterlogged plant. The oldest leaves, typically those at the bottom, will dry up completely, turning brown and crispy as the plant reabsorbs them to conserve moisture. If dehydration continues, the entire plant will take on a dull, wilted appearance.
Distress Signals from Light and Temperature
Beyond watering issues, improper light and temperature exposure cause physical damage that indicates distress. Etiolation is a common issue caused by insufficient light, where the plant rapidly grows an abnormally long, pale stem searching for a light source. This new growth appears weak, with widely spaced leaves that often curve downward.
Conversely, too much direct, intense sunlight without proper acclimatization results in sun scorch or sunburn. This damage appears as hard, permanent white, beige, or brown patches on the leaves where the sun has damaged the cells. Extreme cold can also cause immediate harm, especially if temperatures drop near freezing. Cold damage manifests as black, water-soaked, or sunken spots on the foliage due to ruptured cell walls.
Assessing the Point of No Return
The ultimate determination of a succulent’s survival comes from inspecting the root system and central stem. A healthy root system should look light-colored (white or tan) and feel firm to the touch. In contrast, roots afflicted by severe rot appear dark brown or black, feel mushy or slimy, and crumble easily when handled.
If the rot has progressed up the plant, the central stem will begin to turn black and feel soft or spongy. If discoloration extends throughout the core or the stem is hollowed out, the rot has compromised the plant’s vascular system. At this stage, the original plant is not salvageable. The only recourse is to behead the succulent, cutting above the highest point of discoloration to propagate a new plant from the healthy tissue.