Last Updated on November 22, 2022 by Cristina
Are the bottom leaves of your succulent dying? Check out this article and find out what steps you should take as soon as possible.
We remember very well our first experience with a dead succulent. We stood and watched and couldn’t help it, just because we didn’t know what the problem was, plus what the solution was. We know how difficult it is to be a beginner in all of this because it’s literally as if you are bombarded with information from all sides and when that’s the case, it’s hard to tell the good from the bad.
If you find yourself in such a situation, don’t panic, everything is really solvable, and after all, we are here to help you.
The Plant’s Life Cycle – Bottom Leaves Of Your Succulent Dying
Once a plant parent noticed that the bottom leaves of his succulent were dying, countless questions often arise in his head. This shouldn’t surprise us because he is probably wondering if this is something normal or not. Namely, it is necessary to clarify that a few dry, dying leaves don’t necessarily have to mean that something bad is happening. In fact, it is a natural process that every plant must go through.
With some plants, this process happens more, and with some less often, it all depends on the variety you have decided to take care of. If not, how else would space be created for the arrival of new leaves? – Probably not at all. The leaves would age, age and age until the plant eventually died off, as you might guess, old age. Accordingly, at the end of the succulent’s life cycle, you would have to throw it in the compost and buy a whole new plant. Not too economically or emotionally acceptable, is it?
Succulent losing bottom leaves is therefore not a rare case, but it is important that the young leaves coming out are firm and rigid. Moreover, nature is so powerful that she made sure that you have new stems exactly where the dried-out ones used to be.
If you are struggling with the bottom leaves of your succulent dying, take a good look at your plant to determine if you are just dealing with the life cycle of your succulent, or if there is something else a little more serious going on. If the life cycle of the leaves has simply come to an end, all you need to do is gently pick off the dead ones without disturbing the other living leaves. We like to use tweezers as a tool.
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Reasons Why The Bottom Leaves Of My Succulent Are Dying
There are two most common reasons for succulent’s bottom leaves dying, to be more precise, poor watering practices and poorly draining soil.
Watering can be really tricky when it comes to this specific type of plant. Namely, both over-watering and under-watering can cause quite negative consequences. Also, choosing inadequate soil that isn’t well drained can cause the root of the succulent plant to rot.
It is of great significance to be able to recognize the tell-tale signs that indicate whether your succulent is being over or underwater. Oftentimes it is difficult to tell them apart because an underwater succulent may display similar behaviors as an overwatered one, however, it is very possible if you pay more attention.
In a nutshell, underwatered succulents usually have wrinkled, shriveled leaves, while on the other hand, overwatered ones have soft, mushy, and in some cases even almost transparent leaves.
The Result Of A Lack Of Generosity
Insufficient watering is one of the main causes of the bottom leaves of your succulent dying. As we have already stated, the leaves of the plant become wrinkled and shriveled as its water supply continues to run out.
You can even use your touch to determine if your plant is getting enough water. Namely, when the leaves begin to lose their plumpness and firmness, they become soft and flat to the touch. If your succulent literally looks like it has deflated leaves when you touch it, you don’t have to wonder too much about what your next step should be.
As the situation becomes more and more serious, the plant falls and withers more and more day by day, until finally, its leaves fall off completely. It is also important to note that some types of succulents deliberately start shedding their leaves much earlier in order to conserve water and energy for survival.
The Result Of Excessive Generosity
In situations where a plant receives more water than it needs to survive, it will take on an overall sickly appearance and will not look good. If excessive watering continues, your succulent will slowly begin to rot (this is not a question at all, it will happen at some point), and the leaves will be so filled with water that literally even the slightest touch will be enough for them to tear off and fall off.
Take Out Time to Also Read:
- Can I Use Orchid Soil For Succulents? A Somewhat Unexpected Answer
- A Short Guide To Everything You Need To Know About Best Temperature For Succulents
Sudden Color Change
Have you ever noticed the bottom leaves of succulents turning yellow, brown, or even black? It’s no secret that succulents often change color due to stress, and giving an inadequate amount of water causes stress on the roots of the plants, which eventually leads to a change in the color of the leaves. It is necessary to keep your eyes wide open because if not handled properly it can spread throughout the plant.
Key Takeaways – Bottom Leaves Of Your Succulent Dying
Given that succulents are drought-tolerant plants, there are two most common reasons for succulents bottom leaves dying, to be more precise, poor watering practices and poorly draining soil. Therefore, always keep an eye on them to check for any signs of illness in a timely manner before it becomes too late for recovery.
What do you think about this problem and what is your solution to this common problem? Tell us more in the comment section below.
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