Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Lower leaves turning yellow and mushy, sometimes translucent, starting from the base of the plant and working upward Common Causes:

• Overwatering - the most common cause for succulent yellowing
• Poor drainage causing water to sit around roots
• Natural aging of lower leaves (if only 1-2 leaves affected)

Solutions:

• Immediately stop watering and let soil dry completely (7-10 days)
• Check roots for rot - remove affected areas with sterile scissors
• Repot in fresh, well-draining cactus soil if roots are damaged

Prevention: Water only when soil is completely dry and leaves feel slightly soft; use the "soak and dry" method with proper drainage holes

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves developing brown, dry, crispy patches or tips, often starting at edges or tips and spreading inward Common Causes:

• Sunburn from sudden exposure to direct sunlight
• Underwatering causing dehydration
• Low humidity combined with high temperatures

Solutions:

• Move plant to filtered light or provide shade during peak sun hours
• Gradually rehydrate with small amounts of water over several days
• Remove severely damaged leaves to prevent fungal issues

Prevention: Acclimate succulents to bright light gradually over 2-3 weeks; maintain consistent watering schedule based on season

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves becoming soft, deflated, and bending downward; plant appears limp and loses its firm texture Common Causes:

• Severe underwatering causing cellular dehydration
• Root damage preventing water uptake
• Temperature stress from cold drafts or heat sources

Solutions:

• For underwatering: give a thorough soak and repeat in 2-3 days
• Check roots for damage and trim if necessary
• Move to stable temperature location (65-80°F ideal)

Prevention: Establish regular watering routine; check soil moisture weekly; protect from temperature extremes

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Leaves falling off easily when touched, sometimes without visible damage or discoloration Common Causes:

• Overwatering causing leaves to swell and detach
• Sudden temperature changes or cold shock
• Normal propagation response in some species

Solutions:

• Stop watering immediately and assess soil moisture
• Move to warmer, stable environment if cold-stressed
• Save healthy fallen leaves for propagation

Prevention: Maintain consistent environment; water less in winter; handle plants gently during care

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plant remains same size for months, no new growth or offset production, existing leaves may shrink Common Causes:

• Nutrient depletion in old soil
• Pot-bound roots with no room to expand
• Dormancy period (normal in winter)

Solutions:

• Fertilize with diluted cactus fertilizer (1/4 strength) monthly in growing season
• Repot in container 1-2 inches larger with fresh soil
• Be patient during natural dormancy periods

Prevention: Repot every 2-3 years; feed during spring/summer growth period; provide adequate light

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Stem elongating with wide spaces between leaves, plant leaning toward light source, pale coloration Common Causes:

• Insufficient light (etiolation)
• Searching for light source
• Some natural growth patterns in certain species

Solutions:

• Move to brighter location immediately (south-facing window ideal)
• Behead and propagate top portion for compact new plant
• Supplement with grow lights (6-8 hours daily)

Prevention: Provide minimum 6 hours bright, indirect light daily; rotate plant weekly for even growth

Pest Problems

Mealybugs

Identification: White, cotton-like clusters in leaf joints and crevices; waxy coating on bugs Damage Signs: Yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew residue, stunted growth, leaf drop Treatment:

• Dab individual bugs with 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab
• Spray affected areas with alcohol solution (1:1 with water)
• Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap for severe infestations Prevention: Quarantine new plants for 2 weeks; inspect regularly; maintain good air circulation

Spider Mites

Identification: Tiny red/brown specks on leaves; fine webbing between leaves and stems Damage Signs: Stippled or speckled leaf surfaces, bronze or yellow discoloration, leaf drop Treatment:

• Rinse plant with strong water spray to dislodge mites
• Apply miticide or neem oil every 3 days for 2 weeks
• Wipe leaves with damp cloth to remove eggs Prevention: Increase humidity around plants; keep leaves dust-free; isolate infected plants immediately

Scale Insects

Identification: Small brown/tan bumps on stems and leaves that don't move; hard or soft shell varieties Damage Signs: Yellow spots on leaves, sticky honeydew, sooty mold growth, general decline Treatment:

• Scrape off scales with fingernail or soft brush
• Apply rubbing alcohol directly to remaining scales
• Systemic insecticide for persistent infestations Prevention: Regular inspection of stems and undersides of leaves; prune affected parts early

Disease Issues

Fungal Infections

Symptoms: Black or brown spots with yellow halos, fuzzy mold growth, soft rotting tissue Causes: High humidity, poor air circulation, overwatering, infected soil Treatment:

• Remove all affected tissue with sterile tools
• Apply fungicide to cut areas and surrounding tissue
• Improve air circulation and reduce watering Prevention: Water at soil level, not on leaves; ensure good ventilation; avoid overcrowding plants

Bacterial Soft Rot

Symptoms: Mushy, foul-smelling tissue; rapid spread of decay; black or brown discoloration Causes: Erwinia bacteria entering through wounds; excessive moisture; contaminated tools Treatment:

• Cut away all infected tissue plus 1 inch of healthy tissue
• Let cuts dry for 24 hours before replanting
• Discard severely infected plants to prevent spread Prevention: Sterilize tools between plants; allow wounds to callus before watering; maintain dry conditions

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Mushy, discolored base of plant; foul odor from soil; leaves falling off easily Identification: Roots appear black, brown, or mushy instead of white and firm Treatment:

• Remove from pot and wash away all soil
• Cut away all rotted roots with sterile scissors
• Let plant dry for 24-48 hours before repotting in fresh, dry soil Prevention: Use well-draining soil mix; ensure pots have drainage holes; water only when completely dry

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots circling pot bottom, growing through drainage holes; water runs straight through Identification: Dense root mass visible when removed from pot; little soil left in container Treatment:

• Gently tease apart circling roots
• Trim up to 1/3 of root mass if severely bound
• Repot in container 1-2 inches larger with fresh soil Prevention: Repot every 2-3 years; choose appropriate pot size; monitor drainage efficiency

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, discoloration, mushy or blackened tissue after cold exposure Causes: Temperatures below 50°F, cold drafts, sudden temperature changes, frost exposure Treatment: Move to stable environment; remove damaged tissue; reduce watering until recovery Prevention: Keep succulents above 50°F; protect from drafts; bring indoors before first frost

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Shriveled leaf tips, slow growth, increased pest susceptibility High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth, soft rot, elongated growth Solutions: Use humidity trays for dry air; increase ventilation for high humidity; group plants appropriately Prevention: Maintain 30-50% humidity; monitor with hygrometer; adjust based on species needs

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Red, purple, or bleached coloration; sunburn marks; crispy patches Too Little Light: Pale green color, stretched growth, leaves pointing toward light Solutions: Adjust position gradually; use sheer curtains for filtering; supplement with grow lights Prevention: Research specific light needs; provide 6+ hours bright indirect light; acclimate slowly

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant continues declining after 2 weeks of treatment
• Rot has reached the growing point/center of plant
• Unsure of pest/disease identification

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Check soil dryness before watering (stick finger 2 inches deep)
• [ ] Inspect for pests during monthly care routine
• [ ] Clean leaves of dust and debris quarterly
• [ ] Rotate plant weekly for even sun exposure
• [ ] Replace soil every 2-3 years
• [ ] Quarantine new plants for 14 days

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove problem source, begin treatment, monitor daily for changes Week 2-3: New growth should begin if treatment successful; continue care adjustments Month 1+: Full recovery evident with healthy new leaves; resume normal care routine

Remember: Most Succulents problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.