When a succulent starts to look unhappy, the leaves usually tell you exactly what is wrong. Most problems come down to water, light or soil. Use this symptom guide to work out what your plant needs.
Quick diagnosis table
- Soft, mushy, translucent leaves: overwatering or root rot.
- Wrinkled, shrivelled leaves: underwatering.
- Tall, stretched, pale growth: not enough light.
- Brown or white scorched patches: sunburn.
- Lower leaves drying and falling: usually natural ageing.
- White cottony fluff: mealybugs.
- Black stem at the base: advanced rot.
1. Yellow, mushy or translucent leaves: overwatering
This is the number one succulent killer. Leaves turn yellowish, glassy or soft, and fall off at the slightest touch.
What to do:
- Stop watering immediately.
- Take the plant out of the pot and check the roots. Healthy roots are firm and light. Rotten roots are dark, soft and smell bad.
- Cut away all rotten roots and mushy tissue with a clean knife.
- Let the plant dry in the shade for a few days.
- Repot in fresh, gritty soil and wait about a week before watering lightly.
Full instructions are in our guide on how to save an overwatered succulent. To prevent it, learn how often to water succulents.
2. Wrinkled or shrivelled leaves: underwatering
Thirsty succulents use up the water stored in their leaves, which then look thin, wrinkled and soft but not translucent. Soak the soil thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage hole and the leaves should plump up within a few days. After that, wait for the soil to dry fully before watering again.
3. Tall, stretched, pale plant: not enough light
A succulent that is reaching towards the window, with widely spaced leaves and fading colour, needs more light. Move it gradually to a brighter spot, such as an east-facing balcony or window. Stretched growth will not shrink back, but you can cut the top and re-root it, or simply enjoy the new compact growth.
4. Brown, white or dry patches: sunburn
Succulents moved suddenly from shade into strong sun, or left in harsh afternoon sun in summer, can burn. Scars stay on the leaf, but the plant recovers. Give it bright shade and introduce sun gradually.
5. Dry, crispy bottom leaves: normal ageing
As a succulent grows, it sheds its oldest lower leaves. If the plant is otherwise firm and healthy, there is nothing to fix. Gently remove the dry leaves.
6. White fluff or sticky leaves: pests
Tiny white cotton-like clumps in leaf joints are mealybugs. Dab each with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, isolate the plant, and check again every few days. Regular checks stop an infestation from spreading to your other plants.
7. Newly delivered plant looks stressed
Plants shipped across India may look a little dehydrated or lose a leaf or two in transit. This is normal. Unpack carefully, let the plant rest in a shaded spot, and plant it using our after-delivery planting guide. If a plant arrives damaged, report it with an unboxing video within 12 hours so that we can review it. Read why succulents are shipped bare root to know what to expect.
Succulent care checklist to prevent problems
- Bright light with some gentle direct sun.
- Water only when the soil is completely dry.
- Gritty, fast-draining soil and pots with drainage holes.
- Extra caution with watering during monsoon, see our monsoon care guide.
- Check plants weekly for pests.
Frequently asked questions
Can a mushy succulent be saved?
Often yes, if part of the stem or some leaves are still firm. Cut away the rotten parts, dry the healthy portion and re-root it.
Should I cut off yellow leaves?
Yes. Yellow, soft leaves will not recover. Remove them so rot does not spread.
How do I know if my succulent is underwatered or overwatered?
Underwatered leaves are wrinkled but firm-ish, and the soil is bone dry. Overwatered leaves are swollen, soft or translucent, and the soil stays damp.
Looking for easy, hardy plants?
Try beginner-friendly picks such as Haworthia Zebra Plant from our succulent plants collection.