What Does an Overwatered Succulent Look Like?

Succulents are known for their ability to store water, but too much of a good thing can spell trouble. If you’ve been generous with the watering can, your plant might be sending out distress signals.

An overwatered succulent often has soft, mushy leaves that may look yellow or translucent. You might notice the leaves feel squishy when you touch them, almost like they’re filled with water. This is very different from healthy succulents, which have firm leaves that feel plump but not squishy.

Keep an eye out for other signs too. Your succulent’s stem might start to look dark or black, and the whole plant could seem droopy. If you spot any of these symptoms, don’t worry! With a few simple changes to your watering routine, you can nurse your succulent back to health.

Identifying Overwatered Succulents

Spotting an overwatered succulent is key to saving your plant. Look for changes in the leaves and stems to catch problems early.

Signs of Overwatering

When you give your succulent too much water, it shows in several ways. The plant can’t handle the excess moisture, so it reacts.

• Check the soil first. If it stays wet for days after watering, that’s a red flag. The roots need air, and soggy soil blocks that.
• Feel the leaves. They might seem puffy or swollen. This happens because the plant cells fill up with too much water.
• Watch for mold on the soil surface. It’s a sign that conditions are too damp for your succulent.

Discolored Leaves

Leaf color changes are a big clue that your succulent is drowning. Keep an eye out for these shifts:

• Yellow leaves: Indicate stress from overwatering.
• Brown or black leaves: Can begin at the base and spread upwards, signaling water damage.
• Pale or bleached areas: Suggest chlorophyll loss due to excessive water.
• Translucent leaves: A clear sign of overwatering, appearing almost see-through and waterlogged.

Mushy Leaves and Stems

When succulents get too much water, their structure breaks down. This leads to mushy parts:

• Gently squeeze the leaves. If they feel soft and squishy, that’s not good.
• Check the stems too. They should be firm, not bendy or mushy.
• Look for any parts that seem to be rotting. This often starts at the base of the plant.
• If leaves or stems fall apart easily when touched, it’s a sure sign of overwatering.

Leaves Falling Off

Losing leaves can mean your succulent is trying to save itself from too much water:

• Healthy succulents don’t drop leaves easily. If yours is shedding, take note.
• Lower leaves often fall first. They might look yellow or translucent before dropping.
• Sometimes leaves fall off with just a light touch. This isn’t normal for succulents.
• Check if the fallen leaves are mushy or wet. It’s another clue that water is the issue.
• Count how many leaves are falling. A few might be normal, but lots of leaf loss is a problem.

The Difference Between Overwatering and Underwatering

Knowing whether your succulent is overwatered or underwatered can be tricky. The key is to look closely at the leaves and soil for telltale signs.

Contrasting Symptoms

Overwatered succulents have soft, mushy leaves that may turn yellow or translucent. The soil stays wet for days after watering, and you might see mold growing on the soil surface.

Underwatered succulents have dry, wrinkled leaves that feel thin and crispy. The soil will be bone dry, and the plant may look shriveled overall.

To check, gently squeeze a leaf. If it’s firm with a slight give, your succulent is healthy. A very soft, mushy leaf points to overwatering, while a thin, crispy leaf suggests underwatering.

Pay attention to leaf color too. Yellowing often means too much water, while brown crispy edges can signal not enough.

Shriveled Versus Mushy Leaves

Shriveled leaves are a clear sign of underwatering. They look deflated and feel papery to the touch. The plant is using up its stored water, causing the leaves to wrinkle.

Mushy leaves, on the other hand, show overwatering. They feel soft and squishy, sometimes even bursting from too much water. This happens when plant cells take in more water than they can handle.

Underwatered succulents can bounce back quickly with proper watering, but overwatered ones are trickier to save. Root rot may have set in, so you’ll need to act fast to save your plant.

Rescuing Overwatered Succulents

Saving an overwatered succulent is possible with quick action and proper care. You can bring your plant back to health by following specific steps and knowing when to repot.

Steps to Save an Overwatered Succulent

First, stop watering your succulent right away. Then, take it out of its pot and gently remove excess soil from the roots.

Check for any dark, mushy, or smelly roots. These are signs of rot. Cut off any rotted parts with clean scissors.

Let the plant dry out for a few days. Place it in a warm, dry spot with indirect sunlight. This helps the roots heal and dry out.

While waiting, prepare a new pot with drainage holes. You could try mixing your own succulent soil, but it’s easier to use our pre-made mix. It has the perfect blend of ingredients, so you don’t have to buy multiple bags of different things.

Allow the roots to air dry for a few days, then replant the succulent in new soil.

Water sparingly at first. Only give your succulent a drink when the soil is completely dry. Gradually increase watering as it shows signs of recovery, like new growth or firmer leaves.

When to Repot

Repot your overwatered succulent if you see signs of root rot or if the soil stays wet for too long. Allow the soil to dry out significantly, ideally for several days to a week, before repotting to minimize stress on the plant.

Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the current one if the current pot is 10 inches or smaller, or 2-3 inches larger if the current pot is larger than 10 inches. Make sure it has drainage holes. Use fresh, dry soil mix to give your succulent a clean start.

Spring or early summer is usually best for repotting. This gives your plant the growing season to recover and establish new roots. But if your succulent is in danger, don’t wait, repot as soon as possible to save it.

Preventative Measures Against Overwatering

Water your succulents only when the soil is completely dry. Stick your finger about an inch deep.

If it feels damp, wait a few more days. Actually if you have a thin wooden dowel or chopstick handy you can determine if the bottom of the pot has any moisture. This is a more reliable way to ensure you are not overwatering your precious plants. You always want your potted succulents to dry out completely between waterings

In winter, cut back on watering even more. Many succulents go dormant and need very little moisture.

Always empty saucers after watering. Standing water can lead to root rot.

You also have the option to use a moisture meter if you’re unsure about when to water. These handy tools take the guesswork out of succulent care.

Watch for early signs of overwatering like soft, mushy leaves. If you spot these, cut back on water right away.