Why Succulent Stems Dry Out And What To Do About It
Has your succulent been drying out lately, and you don’t know what to do about it?
Are some parts of it already drying or dead?
If your answer to either of these questions is a yes, you’re in the right place. The methods below explain why this may be happening and how you can help. The truth is succulents are very delicate. Not only do they look different, but they also need to be treated differently.
Succulents are very sensitive to a variety of variables. When it comes to drying out, water is usually the reason why. Now, this could be because you are barely watering them or watering them too often. Remember how those succulents love warm climates? This means they can store water in the stem and leaves for long periods. However, succulents may also dry out because of the temperature, the location, the pot, and also when they’re overcrowded.
Keep reading the guide below to learn how to revive your drying succulents.
Five Ways To Keep Your Succulent Stems From Drying Out
1. Water Your Plants Regularly
Keep in mind that every plant dries out or dies at some point. It’s a part of their life cycle. However, adequate watering is the best way to ensure this doesn’t happen. Now, succulents can dry out from both overwatering and underwatering. But knowing when to water is also a cause for concern.
To save yourself that trouble, invest in a pot with drainage holes. This way, the excess water will flow out even if you overwater it.
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The succulent will tell you if it’s getting enough water or not. Yellow and mushy leaves are symptoms of overwatering. Wrinkly and withering leaves usually mean your plant is not getting enough water.
2. Trim the Dried Parts
This method is fit for succulent plants that have already started to dry out. If you notice dried leaves or stems, give them a trim. The correct way to trim is by doing it at an angle. Then, leave the exposed area to dry for a few days.
After that, propagate the plant in new soil.
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What’s incredible about this method is that it gives your plant a new chance at growth. Even when it’s started to die, your plant can still recover if given proper care. Trim it off, plant it in a new pot, and start again.
3. Place It in an Ideal Location
Another reason why your succulent is drying out is because of the temperature. Are you keeping it in a cool place?
If yes, it’s best not to do so.
Remember that succulent come from warm climates and love the sun. Always keep your succulents in a bright area with at least six hours of sun. It is especially important in the winter too. Also, don’t place your plants near heaters or air ducts.
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An ideal location will not only make your plant thrive but also allow it to recover.
4. Select an Adequate Pot
An adequate pot includes at least one drainage hole. For plants like succulents, you want to be as careful as you can with watering. For this reason, you need to invest in a suitable drainage pot. Not only this but make sure that you are selecting the right size. If the container is too deep, the water will go to the bottom, passing the succulent roots.
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When you get an ideal pot, you can plant a whole array of succulents. You can also ensure that they are getting enough water and are healthy.
5. Give Room to Your Succulents
Another reason why your succulents may be drying out is their spacing. Always remember to give at least 2-3 inches between your plants. It’s easy to get carried away and plants many succulents in the same pot. It even looks gorgeous.
But cramming plants will hurt not only one plant but many of them. That’s why you want to ensure that every plant is adequately spaced.
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Spacing your plant wisely gives them room to grow. Not only that, it provides every pot plant a chance to thrive.
Other Reasons Why Your Succulent May Be Drying Out
While watering seems to be the main reason this happens, there are also different ways your succulent may be drying out. Some of these include internal infections, infestations, mold, and more. There isn’t a fixed method to treat all these problems because each plant varies. However, the best thing you can do is contact a professional.
Ask someone at your closest nursery or home depot.
How To Revive Succulent Stems That Dried Out?
If you are hopeful that you can still revive the succulent stem dried, fortunately, you can. A very doable step you can take immediately is to re-pot your succulent plant to revive it. If you know it’s drying out due to lack of water, give it water. We have discussed the steps in detail in the earlier parts of this blog post.
Just be careful not to overdo it because its leaves will start to fall off too. And they often fall off from overwatering. So the next time you’re thinking about giving your succulent plant some water, just because you’ve got nothing else to do and it already had too much, don’t do it.
If you’ve also noticed pests causing the problem, you may use insecticides you can buy from the market or DIY.
Another actionable step is to relocate your succulent plant to a shady area if it’s drying out because it’s exposed to too much sunlight.
Which Method Will Work To Keep My Succulent From Drying Out?
You first need to recognize the cause to determine the best treatment method. That can be anything from a spacing issue to an infestation. Pay heed to what your plant tells you, and look for symptoms.
For example, yellow leaves indicate that your plant is getting too much water. An overcrowded pot may also cause your succulents to dry out.
In general, keep monitoring your plants. Recognizing even the smallest changes will be easier when you look at them regularly. Once you identify the issue and cause, you can start treating it. Remember, the sooner you act, the better the chances of survival.
If you notice signs of drying, act accordingly. The most common methods are either watering or trimming the dried parts. Trimming ensures that the dryness does not spread.
Also, remember to replant the succulent in another pot after you clip it. It will give you more control over the variables. And lastly, be vigilant.
There is no better indicator of issues than the plant and your senses. Plus, once a succulent has settled, it will usually stay that way for a very long time. As long as you keep taking care of it, you would not face any challenges.
Miracle-Gro Succulent Potting Mix
Fertilized Soil with Premium Nutrition for Indoor Succulents, 4 qt. (2-Pack)
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