Succulents are incredibly popular houseplants that are easy to care for and add beautiful texture to any space. However, even low-maintenance succulents can begin to die if their needs aren’t met. Here are the six most common reasons why your succulent may be dying, and helpful tips to nurse it back to health.

Overwatering

Overwatering is the number one reason succulents die. Succulents store water in their leaves and stems, so they need less frequent watering than other plants. Too much water prevents their roots from getting oxygen and leads to rot.

Signs of overwatering:

• Soft, mushy leaves
• Brown or black leaves
• Leaves falling off easily
• White fungal growth on leaves or soil

How to fix it:

• Stop watering and allow soil to fully dry out before watering again
• Remove rotting leaves, stems, or roots
• Repot in fresh, dry soil
• Water less frequently, waiting until soil is completely dry 1-2 inches down

Only water when the soil is bone dry. To check, stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil and don’t water unless it feels completely dry. Water less in winter when plants are dormant.

How Often Should You Water Succulents?

• In summer, water every 2-3 weeks
• In winter, water every 3-4 weeks
• In hot, dry climates water more often
• In cool, humid climates water less often
• Wait until soil is fully dry before re-watering

Get on a watering schedule based on your climate and the succulent’s needs. Adjust frequency based on soil dryness.

Not Enough Sunlight

Succulents thrive in bright light and full sun. Without enough light, they become leggy and weakened.

Signs of insufficient sunlight:

• Tall, leggy growth
• Leaves drooping or falling off
• Fading or washed-out color
• Few new leaves growing

How to fix it:

• Move to the brightest spot indoors near a sunny window
• Acclimate to direct outdoor sunlight in spring/summer
• Use a grow light to supplement natural sunlight
• Prune leggy growth to encourage compact rosettes

Ideally, succulents need at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. South or west-facing windows are best. Rotate pots regularly so all sides get sun exposure.

How Much Sunlight Do Succulents Need?

• Full sun – At least 6 hours of direct sun
• Part sun – 4-6 hours of sun
• Bright, indirect light – Near an east or west window
• Avoid north-facing windows (too little light)

Getting the right amount of sun keeps succulents compact and vibrantly colored. Supplement with grow lights if needed.

Improper Soil

Succulents need a fast-draining soil mix to prevent rot. Regular potting soil stays wet too long.

Signs of improper soil:

• Mold or fungus on surface
• Wet soil that takes a long time to dry out
• Rotting stems and leaves

How to fix it:

• Repot in a gritty succulent/cactus soil mix
• Add perlite or pumice to regular potting soil to improve drainage
• Make sure pot has drainage hole(s)

A good succulent soil contains equal parts soil and inorganic material like perlite, gravel, sand or pumice. This creates air pockets for drainage. Commercial cactus/succulent mixes work well too.

Best Soil Mix for Succulents

• 1 part potting soil
• 1 part perlite or pumice
• Optional: Add sand or small gravel

Avoid regular potting soil or compost that doesn’t have added drainage material. Damp soil suffocates roots.

Underpotting

Succulents thrive when slightly pot-bound in small pots. Too large of a container can lead to wet soil and root rot.

Signs of an oversized pot:

• Wet soil that takes forever to dry out
• Mushy leaves
• Minimal new growth
• Plant seems unstable/wobbly in the pot

How to fix it:

• Repot in a container just 1-2 inches larger than the root ball
• Add extra perlite or gravel to soil to improve drainage
• Water less frequently
• Stake plant if unstable in too-large pot

Choose a pot that fits the root system with just a little room to spare for growth. Avoid big pots that leave lots of wet soil around the roots.

Pot Size Guidelines

• 1-2 inches larger than root ball
• Roots should fill 2/3 of pot
• Plastic pots dry out faster than terra cotta
• Smaller pots need more frequent watering
• Larger pots stay wet longer

An oversized pot is a common reason for succulent decline. Pick the smallest pot that will hold the root ball.

Temperature Extremes

Succulents prefer consistent, mild temperatures between 70-80°F. Too hot or cold leads to stress and decline.

Signs of temperature stress:

• Shriveled, dry leaves
• Failure to thrive or new growth
• Leaf drop
• Stunted appearance
• Burned leaf tips

How to fix it:

• Move plant away from hot or cold drafts
• Provide warmth in winter and shade in summer
• Improve indoor air circulation with a fan
• Move plants outdoors seasonally
• Avoid temperature swings and extremes

Keep succulents away from hot windows in summer and chilly windows in winter. Stability is key – rapid temperature changes cause stress.

Ideal Temperature Range for Succulents

• Daytime – 70-80°F
• Nighttime – 50-60°F
• Can tolerate short periods of 90°F+ heat
• Avoid prolonged temps below 50°F or rapid frosts

Keep indoor succulents comfortable and avoid placing them in hot or cold areas of your home to prevent decline.

Lack of Fertilizer

While they don’t need much, succulents do require occasional dilute fertilizer to thrive. Lack of nutrients causes slow growth and small, pale leaves.

Signs of nutrient deficiency:

• Weak, stunted growth
• Pale or yellowed leaves
• Few new leaves or offshoots
• Overall lackluster appearance

How to fix it:

• Fertilize every 2-3 months during active growth
• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength
• Increase sunlight and water to help plant use nutrients
• Repot in fresh soil annually

When actively growing in spring and summer, fertilize succulents every 8-12 weeks. Don’t fertilize dormant plants in winter.

Fertilizer Tips for Succulents

• Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
• Dilute to 1/4 strength concentration
• Fertilize actively growing plants in spring/summer
• Avoid high-nitrogen formulas
• Don’t fertilize dormant plants in winter

Occasional feeding keeps succulents looking their best. But take care not to overfertilize, which can burn roots.

How to Revive a Dying Succulent

If you catch your succulent decline early, it’s often possible to nurse it back to health. Here are some tips:

• Identify and fix the underlying problem (soil, watering, light, etc.)
• Remove dead leaves and stems to prevent rot
• Cut off healthy leaves/heads and re-root in dry soil
• Repot in appropriate succulent soil and container
• Gradually introduce to higher light levels if weakened
• Resume a proper watering routine
• Fertilize monthly to stimulate new growth

With adjustments to care and some TLC, stressed succulents can put out new roots and leaves again. Don’t give up too soon!

FAQ About Reviving Stressed Succulents

Still having trouble getting your succulent to thrive? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Why are the leaves falling off my succulent?

If healthy leaves are dropping, it’s usually due to overwatering, improper soil, or not enough sunlight. Leaves will naturally drop as part of the plant’s growth cycle, but excessive leaf drop indicates stress.

How can I tell if my succulent is being over or under-watered?

Overwatered succulents show rotting, transparent leaves and/or fungal growth. Underwatered succulents have shriveled, wrinkled leaves. Check soil moisture before watering and adjust frequency accordingly.

Should I cut off dead parts of a succulent?

Yes, trim off any dead stems and leaves to improve appearance and prevent rot. Use clean, sterilized scissors or shears. Allow cut ends to callous over before replanting.

What should I do if my succulent is stretched and leggy?

Leggy growth happens from inadequate sunlight. Prune back to compact rosettes and grow lights to supplement sunlight. Move to the sunniest window or acclimate to outdoor sunlight in summer.

How can I get my succulent to grow fuller and faster?

Increase sunlight, use a gritty soil mix, fertilize monthly in spring/summer, and water thoroughly only when soil is dry. Remove dead leaves and stems so energy goes to new growth.

How long does it take for a stressed succulent to recover?

It depends on the degree of stress, but with proper care succulents should show signs of new growth in 2-6 weeks. Significant damage may take a few months to fully recover from. Be patient!

Conclusion

With the right soil, sun exposure, watering routine, and occasional fertilizer, succulents are easy to maintain indoors and out. But when their basic needs aren’t met, even hardy succulents can decline. If you notice your succulent losing leaves, getting leggy and weak, or developing rot, identifying the underlying problem is key.

Catch issues like overwatering, low light, temperature extremes, or incorrect soil early. Making adjustments to care and pruning away dead tissue can revive stressed plants. With a little time and TLC, your succulent will be back to good health. Just be sure to identify and resolve the cause of the stress to prevent future decline.