Overwatering and Root Rot - The #1 Succulent Killer

Overwatering is hands down the most common mistake succulent owners make, and it's often deadly. If you've noticed your succulent's leaves turning yellow, black, or mushy, or if there's a funky smell coming from the soil, your plant might be suffering from root rot.

What Does Overwatering Look Like?

• Lower leaves turning yellow, brown, or black
• Leaves becoming soft, mushy, or translucent
• Leaves falling off easily when touched
• A rotten smell from the soil
• Black or brown mushy roots (if you check beneath the soil)

Why Does This Happen?

Succulents are desert plants that store water in their thick, fleshy leaves. In their natural habitat, they experience periods of drought followed by heavy rainfall. When we keep their soil constantly moist, their roots can't breathe and begin to rot from lack of oxygen.

The Simple Solution

1. Stop watering immediately: Let the soil dry out completely.
2. Remove the plant from its pot: Gently remove all soil and examine the roots.
3. Cut away rotten roots: Use clean scissors to remove any black, brown, or mushy roots. Only healthy white or light-coloured firm roots should remain.
4. Let it dry: Allow the plant to air dry for 24-48 hours so any cut areas can callus over.
5. Repot in fresh soil: Use a well-draining succulent soil mix in a pot with drainage holes.
6. Wait before watering: Don't water for at least a week after repotting.

Prevention Tips

• Water only when the soil is completely dry (stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil)
• Water deeply but infrequently, think "soak and dry"
• Always use pots with drainage holes
• Use proper succulent potting mix that drains quickly
• During winter, water even less frequently as plants are dormant

Remember: It's much easier to save an underwatered succulent than an overwatered one. When in doubt, wait another few days before watering!

Quick Test: If you can squeeze water out of the soil like a sponge, it's too wet for succulents.

This mistake is so common because we naturally want to care for our plants, but sometimes the best care is benign neglect. Your succulents will thank you for letting them dry out between waterings!

About The Succulent Gift Co.
We're passionate about helping you succeed with succulents! Based on the Central Coast, NSW, we create DIY succulent kits and handcrafted arrangements. Every kit comes with care instructions to help you avoid common mistakes like overwatering.
Shop our DIY kits at thesucculentgiftco.com.au