7 ways to kill a succulent

Image by Nattapol Sritongcom on Adobe Stock.

​Succulents are generally some of the most hardy houseplants you can have in your home, but that doesn’t mean they are indestructible! 

Succulents are known for storing water in their leaves, allowing them to survive dry spells in their native habitat. That said, succulents can come from many natural habitats, and each plant might have slightly different needs. 

There are a few general rules to follow when caring for succulents to keep them alive and thriving. Below are a few ways you could potentially damage or even kill your precious plants!

Stick them in the dark

Succulents need several hours (about 6) daily of bright indirect light. Don’t put them in dark corners—they will not thrive there! Remember to rotate the plant periodically. This assures each side of the plant gets even light and prevents reaching or leaning. Place the succulent near south or west-facing windows just out of the direct light.

Haworthia. Photo by Diane M. Lilly, 2021.

Leave the plant in direct sunlight for too long

While it is true cacti come from a desert habitat where they sit out in the scorching sun all day, many other succulents will burn when left in direct sunlight for too long, causing permanent damage. If the sunburned leaves become too damaged, the plant will suffer and possibly die.

Image by Nattapol Sritongcom on Adobe Stock.

Overwater or leave the plant in soggy soil

Succulents store water in their fleshy parts and leaves, so there is no need to overwater. This may be the quickest way to kill a succulent! Give succulents a thorough watering and let them dry out before watering again. (Suggestion--Use a water meter to test the soil between waterings.)

Elephant tears. Photo by Diane M. Lilly, 2021.

Plant in soil and pot with poor drainage

If the soil and pot don’t have proper drainage, your succulent may end up sitting in soggy soil, which causes rot. And rot is the arch nemesis of plants! Soil with some sand works well, or you could use cactus soil or anything coarse with sand and pumice. Also, soggy soil can attract gnats and other pests that can harm the plant.

Image by tynza on Adobe Stock.

Wet the plant leaves

Pouring water on the leaves or misting can cause mold, rot, or burn on the succulent leaves. It’s better to water the soil directly. (Note: Certain tropical varieties actually like an occasional mist, so check your plant label for care instructions.)

Image by hossein1351 on Adobe Stock.

Place outside in the extreme cold or heat

Some succulents—like cacti—can handle extremes of hot or cold, but many succulents come from milder habitats. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid placing the plant in very hot or cold environments. 

Image by SewcreamStudio on Adobe Stock.

Not knowing the specific needs of the plant

It’s vital to know what type of plant you have and learn a bit about its native habitat so you can mimic (as best you can) the environment. Knowing the proper care for your specific type of succulent will help your plant thrive and stay alive! For example, Snake plants, Haworthias, and other variegated succulents don’t like full sun. Succulent plants with bright colors like red or orange, on the other hand, may enjoy a bit of time in the sun. So read those labels!



Just like other types of plants, there are a lot of variables to consider when caring for succulents…if you want to keep them alive, that is! Soil, pot size, environment, lighting, humidity, watering needs, season, and location determine how you care for your succulents. But keeping your stunning succulents alive starts with the basics…Give them appropriate lighting for their variety, well-draining soil, an environment tailored to their specific needs, and don’t overwater for a happy, thriving plant!

Image by Rawpixel.com on Adobe Stock.

Related blogs you may want to read:

7 houseplants you can’t kill!
7 MORE houseplants you can’t kill!
Eight tips for assessing natural light in your home
How to repot a bonsai ficus
How to repot a pothos plant
How to propagate bromeliad pups
Small houseplants that love bathroom humidity
Eight health benefits of decorating with plants
Let’s talk about houseplants

Sources:
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https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-care-for-succulents 
https://www.gardendesign.com/succulents/care.html 
https://www.succulentsandsunshine.com/guide-growing-succulents-indoor-house-plants/ 
https://www.joyusgarden.com/how-often-should-you-water-succulents/?utm_source=Flodesk&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=Garden_Gazette 
https://www.joyusgarden.com/how-much-sun-do-succulents-need/?utm_source=Flodesk&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=Garden_Gazette 

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This article may contain a few items or commercial mentions, but I only used them for demonstration purposes only. I am not endorsing any particular product or receiving any monetary gain for this blog.
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