Why Are My Succulent Leaves Shriveling or Turning Yellow?

Shriveling and yellowing leaves on succulents can be concerning if not carefully monitored. These symptoms can indicate a variety of problems, predominantly related to watering, light, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. By understanding these issues and implementing the appropriate solutions, you can help your beloved succulents recover.

Common Causes and Solutions

1. Overwatering

Symptoms: Excessive watering can cause your succulent's leaves to turn yellow, become mushy, and shrivel. Succulents store water in their leaves and roots, so too much water can lead to root rot, making it difficult for your plant to function.

Solution: Ensure that your pot has proper drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. If the roots are significantly affected, repotting in fresh, dry soil may be necessary.

2. Underwatering

Symptoms: Lack of water can cause leaves to shrivel and become wrinkled, often starting from the bottom of the plant. Succulents require infrequent watering, especially during dormant periods.

Solution: Water your succulent thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain from the bottom. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again.

3. Insufficient Light

Symptoms: Insufficient light exposure can lead to pale or yellowing leaves, as well as stretched, floppy growth as the plant attempts to reach light sources.

Solution: Move your succulent to a location with bright, indirect sunlight for several hours each day. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

4. Pests

Symptoms: Look for signs of pests such as mealybugs or aphids, which can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. These pests feed on the plant's sap, damaging it.

Solution: Tackle infestations by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove any affected leaves and treat the plant promptly to prevent further damage.

5. Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms: Yellowing can also indicate a lack of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen. Nutrient deficiencies can stunt your plant's growth and affect its overall health.

Solution: Fertilize your succulent with a diluted balanced fertilizer during the growing season, typically spring and summer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer for best results.

6. Temperature Stress

Symptoms: Sudden temperature changes or extreme conditions can stress your succulent, causing yellowing or shriveling. Succulents thrive in stable, warm environments.

Solution: Keep your succulents in a stable environment, away from drafts and extreme temperatures. Maintain a comfortable temperature, ideally between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).

7. Root Bound

Symptoms: As your succulent grows, it may become root-bound if the roots fill the pot and cannot absorb water and nutrients effectively.

Solution: Repot your succulent into a larger container with fresh soil if you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes. This will give your plant more space for healthy root growth.

Conclusion

By assessing your succulent’s environment and care routine, you can identify the most likely cause of its issues and implement the appropriate solutions. Adjusting your watering schedule, light exposure, and care practices is key to helping your succulent recover. With consistent care, you can keep your succulents healthy and thriving.