A squishy succulent often indicates a significant underlying problem. This article explains the primary reasons for this condition and provides actionable steps to address it, helping restore your succulent’s health.
Understanding Overwatering and Rot
The most common reason a succulent becomes squishy is overwatering, which leads to root and stem rot. Succulents are adapted to arid environments, storing water in their leaves, stems, and roots. This means they have a low tolerance for consistently wet soil conditions. Saturated soil deprives roots of essential oxygen.
Without sufficient oxygen, root cells die, creating an anaerobic environment that encourages harmful bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms attack decaying plant tissue, causing it to break down and become soft. This process, known as rot, quickly spreads from the roots upward into the stem and leaves, turning the plant into a squishy mass.
Recognizing the Symptoms
A squishy succulent presents clear indicators of distress due to overwatering and rot. Healthy succulent leaves and stems are firm, but a rotting succulent feels soft, mushy, or watery when gently squeezed. This softness often begins at the base or lower leaves and spreads rapidly.
Leaves may also discolor (yellow, brown, or black) or become translucent and waterlogged before falling off. An unpleasant odor from the soil or plant indicates bacterial or fungal rot. Dark, discolored, or mushy areas on the stem near the soil line and roots confirm rot.
Steps to Rescue Your Succulent
If your succulent is squishy, immediate action is necessary. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, gently shaking off old soil from the root ball. Inspect roots and stem for rot; healthy roots are white or light-colored and firm, while rotted sections are brown or black and feel soft or slimy.
Using a clean, sterile knife or sharp pruning shears, cut away all affected areas of the roots and stem. Cut into healthy, firm tissue until no discolored or mushy parts remain. After pruning, allow the succulent to air dry for several days to a week in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This callousing step permits cut surfaces to form a protective scab, preventing new infections when repotted.
Once calloused, repot the succulent in a new, clean pot with fresh, well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent future water accumulation. After repotting, wait at least a week, or even two, to allow the plant to settle and reduce rot risk. In severe cases, salvage healthy leaves for propagation to start new plants.
Preventing Future Problems
Preventing squishy succulents involves proper watering and an appropriate growing environment. The “soak and dry” method is ideal: water thoroughly until water drains from the pot bottom, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Watering frequency depends on succulent type, pot size, soil composition, and environmental conditions. Always check soil moisture by inserting a finger an inch or two into the soil; if damp, wait longer.
Choosing the right potting mix is equally important. Use a specialized succulent or cactus mix formulated for fast drainage, often containing perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. The pot must have adequate drainage holes to prevent water from sitting and saturating roots. Good air circulation also helps soil dry efficiently and reduces fungal growth risk.
Providing sufficient light is another preventative measure, as succulents in bright light use water more efficiently and are less prone to overwatering. While succulents do not require much fertilization, excessive feeding can lead to soft, leggy growth more susceptible to rot. Minimal fertilization, once or twice during the growing season with a diluted succulent-specific fertilizer, is sufficient.