Succulent leaves falling off is a common challenge that is caused by various factors, like overwatering and improper lighting. The watering needs of these plants are really specific and change as per seasons and plant type. Any negligence in watering can lead to fungal infections and drooping leaves.
If you have succulent leaves falling off, let me take you through a detailed guide about the causes and solutions for the same, along with some basic care tips.
Quick answer
Succulent leaves falling off are mainly caused by watering issues. Mushy and yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering, while dried leaves signify that the plants need more water. While leaves falling are a sign of stress, sometimes they also naturally fall off due to their growth cycle as well.
Why are My Succulent Leaves Falling Off?
According to Iowa State University, overwatering is the main cause of succulent leaves falling off. Underwatering, improper lighting, and overfertilization also lead to various fungal and root diseases, which affect the leaves first before damaging the entire plant.
Take a look at the 5 major causes of succulent leaves falling off:
1. Overwatering
Overwatering is one of the main challenges that troubles gardeners the most. These drought-tolerant plants require a well-draining soil that does not lead to waterlogging.
When the water is not drained properly, it leads to root rot, which makes the leaves turn mushy and pale. It ultimately leads to leaves falling off the plant.
2. Underwatering
Underwatering also leads to succulent leaves falling off. This happens when the plant does not receive enough moisture, and the leaves start to dry up and eventually fall off.
Succulents can tolerate dry soil for a long time, but prolonged underwatering can cause the foliage to become leggy.
3. Improper Lighting
Every succulent variety has a different light requirement. Some desert varieties, like a type of cactus, prefer bright, direct sunlight, while some species, like the snake plant, can do well in indirect sunlight as well.
Less sunlight can make the plant stretch its stem to reach out for more light, which will ultimately weaken its leaves. Direct sun exposure can scorch and burn the leaves.
4. Over Fertilizing
Succulents are not heavy feeders. Hence, over-fertilizing can cause root burn. Root burn leads to browning leaves. Overfeeding the plants can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which leads to yellowing leaves and premature wilting.
Feed them actively in the growing season and gradually reduce feeding as the plant matures.
YourHomify Tip
The succulent leaves also naturally fall off from the bottom of the plant after turning crisp to give space to new growth. In this case, examine the leaves for any mushiness and pest infestations. If the leaves look fine, it does not need any further assistance.
How to Fix the Falling Succulent Leaves?
Identifying the root cause of succulent leaves falling off is the first step in fixing the issue. The falling succulent leaves can be removed easily if the cause is identified in the early stage.
To make plant care easy for you, I have listed the ways to identify the cause of succulent leaves falling off, along with ways to fix it:
1. Watering Issue
- Sign: Mushy or dried leaves.
- Treatment: Mushy leaves are caused by overwatering, so repot the plant with a new soil mix.
- Water the plants thoroughly to remove the dried leaves, as they are caused by underwatering.
YourHomify Tip
As a rule of thumb, take your index finger and dig it 2 inches deep in the soil. If the soil is damp, wait until it dries completely before watering again. This step prevents both under and overwatering.
2. Sunlight Exposure
- Sign: Scorched or leggy leaves.
- Treatment: Analyze the lighting needs of the plant and place it accordingly.
- A south-facing window works best for bright, direct sunlight while a north facing one is good for plants that require indirect sun exposure.
3. Pest Infestations
- Sign: Small white spots on the leaves.
- Treatment: Isolate the plant from other neighboring plants and use an insecticidal soap or neem oil for the pest diseases.
- You can report that the infection has spread more than expected.
YourHomify Tip
Use a shallow pot while repotting the succulents because they have a shallow root system, and deep pots can accumulate a lot of moisture, which can lead to root rot.
4. Plant Feeding
- Sign: Burnt leaves
- Treatment: Since this soil has a high concentration of fertilizer, the best way to get rid of it is to use a new potting mix.
Basic Care Tips to Prevent Succulent Leaves From Falling Off
Proper watering and lighting are the most efficient ways to prevent succulent leaves from falling off.
I have listed down some basic care tips to prevent the succulent leaves from falling off:
- Soak and Dry Method: Water it thoroughly until the soil soaks up all the water, and wait for it to dry before watering again.
- Well-draining Soil: Succulents prefer well-draining succulent soil mix with mixed perlite in the ratio 1:1. This ensures proper drainage and aeration and prevents waterlogging.
- Proper Sunlight: These indoor plants require bright sun exposure but can tolerate harsh afternoon sun. All the types of succulents have different sunlight needs. Hence, place them accordingly.
- Feeding: Succulents do not prefer heavy feeding. Once a month with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer works well for them. Overfeeding can lead to root burn.
Concluding Remarks
Succulent leaves falling off is a recurring concern that troubles many gardeners. While the main reason for this is overwatering, it can also be due to lighting issues and overfeeding. This problem is reversible if the cause is identified early on.
My advice to novice gardeners is to be mindful of the sunlight exposure and watering schedule of the plant and act as soon as they spot any infection.
FAQs
What do overwatered succulents look like?
The main sign of an overwatered succulent is mushy leaves. It means the plant is not draining the water properly and needs repotting.
Do succulent leaves grow back after falling off?
Yes, succulent leaves do grow back after falling off. This happens precisely because sometimes plants shed off their leaves as a natural process to regrow new foliage.
Do succulents like deep or shallow pots?
Succulents have a shallow root system and therefore prefer shallow pots because deep pots are susceptible to causing root rot.
How to regrow fallen succulent leaves?
Regrowing fallen succulent leaves involves placing it in proper sunlight and watering it using the soak and dry method, which gives the plant enough time for proper drainage.
What month do succulents go dormant?
The succulents that grow in the summer go dormant in November, while the ones that grow in the fall enter dormancy in May-August.
