9 Ways You’re Accidentally Killing Your Succulents

If you live in dry, drought-prone regions like California or Texas, you probably already love succulents. They look beautiful and sometimes even adorable. They’re also easy to grow and propagate, even if gardening intimidates you. 

As low-maintenance as they are, a lot can happen to these squishy plants to harm them. They are drought-resistant and have thick, squishy leaves and branches that store water. Common species include aloe, echeveria, jade plants, and agave. 

While their diversity is a major reason to plant them, they all have their likes and dislikes. What works for some may kill others. Below are nine ways you’re accidentally killing your succulents and a few tips on how to stop. 

You’re Overwatering Them

Most succulents are desert species or at least native to drier regions. Because of this, they don’t like to be overwatered. Overwatering is one of the most common ways you’re accidentally killing your succulents. 

One of the main reasons for this is root rot. This happens when the soil gets soggy, turning the roots black and mushy from bacterial or fungal infections. These damaged roots are rotten and cannot absorb water or nutrients. The rot can be so severe, you can even smell it if you get close enough. 

You Don’t Know What You’re Growing

There are thousands of succulent species in nature and hundreds that are common in nurseries and gardens across the U.S. Most come from warm areas prone to drought or desertification. Each species has its stressors and ideal growing conditions. 

When you don’t know the species you’re growing, it’s easy to forget important steps in their care. Information, such as frost tolerance or sensitivity to light, can determine if your succulent survives or if you accidentally kill it with improper conditions.

Common varieties can have very different growing preferences. Aloes can handle a bit of frost and love direct sunlight, while Spiderworts prefer shade. Some varieties, such as stonecrops, can handle deep freezes and full sun, making them perfect for outdoor gardens. 

When you buy them, check the seed package or container for information about their ideal growing conditions. Follow any care instructions or read some articles on caring for your particular species. By understanding your succulents, you’ll have a better shot at keeping them healthy. 

You Left Them Out in the Cold

Most succulents are native to warm regions. They evolved in deserts, rainforests, tropical savannas, and Mediterranean shorelines. Although some species are tolerant of the cold, others are not. Once you leave your succulents out in the cold for too long, it may be hard to revive them, and you could accidentally kill them.

Fortunately, you may be able to bring them back from their icy grave. A lot depends on how cold the temperatures were. The damage from a mellow frost is a lot easier to rectify than from a massive ice storm. 

You’re Not Giving Them Enough Light

The amount of light you give your succulents matters, and improper lighting is a common reason that gardeners accidentally kill them. Because many of them are native to dry sunny environments, they need a lot of sun. They can turn dull or fade in color if they’re not getting enough sunlight or become stunted, with leggy stems. 

Species that prefer to grow in full sun thrive outdoors, in planters or garden beds. Shade-loving species can handle shady outdoor spaces or even indoor gardens. Below are just a few sun-loving and shade-loving plants to choose from. 

These species love direct sunlight and lots of it! They thrive outdoors and some can tolerate cold temperatures. 

You’re Giving Them Too Much Light

If you know your plants and what they need, you can keep them happy. Some succulents struggle unless they’re bathing in the sun, while others live comfortably indoors with indirect light. These shade-loving species will develop brown patches or spots on the leaves with too much sunlight. 

These plants either love partial shade or full indoor spaces. Many of these species tolerate a variety of conditions and some can even handle full sun if they have to. This adaptability makes succulents so fun to grow! 

They Need Better Soil

Plants living in the same soil for too long will deplete the soil’s nutrients. Even slow-growing varieties need to change their environment from time to time. 

If you notice signs of nutritional deficiencies, such as slow growth and yellowing leaves, the first step is to move your plants into new soil. Succulents are surprisingly picky when it comes to their soil and gardeners often struggle to get it right. The most important quality is good drainage to prevent soggy soil. 

If you’re planting your succulents in containers, try making your succulent soil! Start with two parts organic potting soil. Add two parts course horticultural sand and one part perlite for good drainage. 

You’re Not Feeding Them Enough

These spongy plants may be hardy and adaptable, but they still need nutrients to grow healthy and flower. If you see your plants growing slowly, it may be a sign you’re not feeding them enough. Nutrition deficiencies can also lead to yellowing leaves and severe wilting. 

The best time to fertilize your succulents is when they are actively growing. Succulents are not picky when it comes to feeding, but they still need a few key nutrients to grow strong. Any balanced organic fertilizer will do. Follow the instructions, don’t overdo it, and you should have healthy plants. 

They May Be Infested

Like all other plants, succulents can fall victim to pest infestations. One of the most common reasons your plants are dying is that you’re not checking for them when signs arise. By paying attention to the signs of infection, you can catch these critters before they become a problem. 

The most common pest to watch out for are mealybugs. These scale insects leave cotton-like markings on your leaves and feast on sap and nutrients. They can even lay hundreds of eggs in the spongy leaf tissue. If left untreated, these small insects will kill them. 

You’re Overcrowding Them

Overcrowding is a common mistake we all make when growing succulents. However, can anyone blame us? They’re beautiful and sometimes it’s easy to want to create a colorful mosaic with them. 

Like most plants, succulents don’t respond well to overcrowding, and in extreme cases, it can accidentally kill them. When they’re grown too close together, they block the sun and create too much shade for their neighbors. Some parts of the plant grow wild and unruly toward the light, ruining their otherwise perfect shape. 

It also causes unfriendly competition. Roots fight for nutrients and space in the soil. They grow shorter and weaker, making it harder for the plant to take in water. The stress caused by competition leads to the loss of color and vibrancy.