Reviving a Dying Succulent: Expert Tips to Bring It Back to Life
Succulents are known for their resilience, beauty, and low-maintenance charm, but let’s be honest—sometimes they struggle. Whether it’s mushy leaves, stretched-out stems, or crispy, brown tips, a struggling succulent can leave even the most devoted plant parent feeling defeated. But don’t toss it in the compost just yet!
With a little expert care and the right techniques, you can bring your succulent back from the brink and help it thrive once again. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Signs Your Succulent is Dying
- Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
- Step-by-Step Succulent Revival Methods
- Preventative Care Tips for a Thriving Plant
So, if your succulent looks more like a sad, shriveled mess than the plump beauty you once had, let’s bring it back to life!
Signs Your Succulent is Dying (And What It Means)
Before you can save your succulent, you need to diagnose the problem. Here’s what different symptoms might be telling you:
1. Mushy, Black, or Translucent Leaves? Overwatering Alert!
The problem: Overwatering is the #1 killer of succulents. Their roots can’t handle sitting in moisture for too long, leading to root rot—the silent killer.
The fix:
- Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Mushy, black roots? Trim them off!
- Let the succulent dry out for a few days before repotting in dry, well-draining soil.
- Use a pot with drainage holes and only water when the soil is completely dry.
2. Wrinkled, Shriveled Leaves? Your Succulent is Thirsty!
The problem: If your succulent’s leaves look deflated or wrinkled, it’s not getting enough water.
The fix:
- Give it a deep soak—water thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom.
- Stick to a consistent watering schedule (but never overdo it).
- Adjust based on seasons—succulents need more water in summer and less in winter.
3. Long, Stretching Stems? It’s Starving for Sunlight!
The problem: When succulents don’t get enough light, they grow tall and leggy in search of more sun.
The fix:
- Move it to a brighter spot (at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily).
- Rotate it regularly so it grows evenly.
- If you can’t provide natural sunlight, consider using a grow light.
4. Brown, Crispy Leaves? Sunburn Strikes!
The problem: Too much direct sun can cause scorched, brown patches.
The fix:
- Move it to a shadier spot with indirect light.
- Acclimate new succulents slowly to full sun exposure.
- Water in the morning or evening, never in direct midday sun.
5. Soft, Yellow Leaves? Root Rot or Overwatering.
The problem: If the lower leaves are turning yellow and falling off, it could be a sign of too much moisture.
The fix:
- Check the soil—if it’s damp, stop watering!
- Repot with fresh, well-draining soil.
- Use a cactus mix or add sand/perlite to improve drainage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reviving a Dying Succulent
Now that you’ve identified the issue, let’s bring your succulent back to life!
Step 1: Remove It from the Soil & Inspect the Roots
If overwatering is the culprit, you’ll need to act fast. Gently remove the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil. Inspect the roots:
Black, mushy roots? Trim them off with sterilized scissors.
Healthy white roots? You’re in luck—your plant still has life!
Let the plant dry out for a few days before repotting.
Step 2: Prune Damaged Leaves & Stems
Snip off any dead, yellow, or rotting leaves. If the stem is rotting, cut above the damaged part to save what’s healthy.
Pro Tip: If you had to cut off most of the stem, you can propagate the healthy top portion and regrow it!
Step 3: Repot in Fresh, Well-Draining Soil
Choose a succulent-specific soil mix or make your own:
• 50% potting mix
• 25% coarse sand
• 25% perlite or pumice
Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent future overwatering issues.
Step 4: Water Smartly (Less is More!)
After repotting, wait a few days before watering to prevent shocking the roots. Then, follow this golden rule:
Water only when the soil is COMPLETELY dry. Stick your finger in—if it’s still damp, wait longer.
Step 5: Place in Bright, Indirect Light
Your revived succulent needs a boost of energy but not direct sunlight just yet! Place it in a bright, indirect light spot to recover.Preventative Care: Keep Your Succulents Thriving!
Now that your succulent is on the mend, here’s how to keep it happy:
Sunlight: 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily.
Watering: Deep soak, then dry out completely before watering again.
Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix.
Pot: Always choose pots with drainage holes.
Pruning: Remove dead leaves regularly to prevent rot.
By following these care tips, your succulent will not only survive—but thrive!
Final Thoughts: Never Give Up on a Struggling Succulent!
Reviving a dying succulent takes patience and the right techniques, but most can make a full comeback with proper care. Whether it was overwatered, under-watered, or suffering from poor light conditions, you now have the knowledge to save it!
The key to succulent success? Observe, adjust, and be patient. With the right care, your plant will reward you with new growth, vibrant colors, and years of beauty.
Got a struggling succulent? Send me a message....—I love helping plant parents bring their succulents back to life!