Succulents, renowned for their fleshy, water-retaining leaves and ability to withstand drought, have become popular among gardeners and homeowners alike. Their minimalist aesthetic and low maintenance requirements make them an ideal indoor and outdoor gardening choice. However, even with their resilience, succulents can sometimes show signs of stress or disease, often indicated by a change in color. Here we discuss why your succulents might turn yellow, brown, or black and offer possible solutions to these issues.
9 Reasons Why Your Succulents are Turning Yellow, Brown, Black
Overwatering
It can be alarming to see succulent leaves turning yellow and soft, a condition often associated with overwatering. Too much soil moisture can result in root rot, leaving yellowing leaves that feel soft and squishy. The solution lies in reducing your watering schedule and ensuring the plant is in well-draining soil and pot. Succulents only need to be watered once the soil has completely dried out.
Check the pot’s drainage holes to avoid water accumulation. If these measures are insufficient, you might have to consider repotting the succulent in fresh, dry soil and removing rotten roots. The question, “Why is my succulent turning black?” haunts many succulent owners. Black succulent indicates excessive watering, causing root decay that affects the stem and leaves.
If not promptly addressed, it can lead to the death of the succulent. The solution is to cut off the black parts of the succulent to prevent the rot from spreading. Then, let the healthy cuttings dry out for a few days until a callus forms before replanting them in well-draining soil. Make sure to water sparingly to prevent the issue from reoccurring.
Pest Infestation
When you see your succulent turning brown and squishy, it might be due to a pest infestation. Pests like mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects can suck the sap from your plants, causing them to become discolored and squishy. Check for any signs of bugs or unusual spots on your plants. If you find pests, remove them using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or a mild insecticidal soap. Keep an eye on the succulent and repeat the treatment as necessary.
Too Much Sunlight
While succulents love sunlight, too much of it can cause sunburn, leading to the question, “Why is my succulent turning red?” Excessive sunlight can strain the plant, leading to a reddish color. This issue can be resolved by gradually acclimating your plant to more sunlight or moving it to a location with filtered light.
Remember that a small amount of red or purple tinting on the leaves is natural for some succulent species and can indicate healthy sun exposure. Succulent leaves turning yellow and falling off can signify sunburn or overexposure to direct sunlight. The leaves may start to fall off at the slightest touch. The solution is to move the succulent to a shaded location and reintroduce it to sunlight once it gradually recovers.
Improper Acclimation
Succulents can also turn yellow and red as a sign of stress due to rapid changes in temperature or lighting conditions. This can happen when a succulent is moved from a low-light location to a sunny one too quickly or when exposed to cold temperatures. To resolve this issue, ensure that any changes in light or temperature are made gradually to avoid stressing the plant.
Improper Maintainance
When it comes to succulent care, a commonly asked question is, “Should I remove yellow leaves from succulents?” The answer is yes. Removing yellow, brown, or black leaves can help prevent potential disease spread and improve the plant’s overall appearance. Use clean, sharp scissors or tweezers to carefully take off the affected leaves at the plant’s base. Remember to handle your succulent with care to avoid injuring it further.
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Sometimes, a succulent might turn black overnight, an alarming event for any plant owner. This sudden change can indicate a severe problem, such as a bacterial or fungal infection, which can occur if the succulent has been sitting in soggy soil. To combat this, remove the affected parts of the plant and let the cuttings dry out before replanting. Be sure to use fresh, well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering to prevent the issue from reoccurring.
Disease Infestation
Diseases can also cause color changes in succulents. For example, fungal infections often result in black or brown spots on the leaves or stems. The affected plant should be isolated from other plants to prevent the disease from spreading. Then, remove the infected parts of the plant, let the cuttings dry out, and replant them in fresh soil. In severe cases, it may be necessary to dispose of the entire plant to protect other succulents in your collection.
Environmental Stress
Finally, it’s crucial to consider environmental stressors. Things like temperature fluctuations, poor air circulation, and low light can all stress your succulents, causing them to change color. Ensure your succulents are in a location with a consistent temperature, good airflow, and plenty of indirect sunlight. If indoor lighting conditions are not ideal, consider using a grow light to give your succulents the light they need.
Root Rot
An additional important step in maintaining the health of your succulents is selecting the right soil and pot. Succulents require well-draining soil to prevent water from accumulating and causing root rot. Commercially available cacti or succulent mixes are typically well-suited for this, but you can also make your own by adding sand or perlite to regular potting soil. The pot should have one or more holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain away.
Wrong Containers
Choosing a pot made from a breathable material, such as terra cotta, can also help to keep the roots dry and healthy. Regularly checking the soil for moisture content and ensuring it completely dries out between watering sessions will further protect your succulents from the common overwatering problem. By carefully choosing and managing your succulents’ environment, you can prevent many common issues that cause them to change color and lose their health.
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Conclusion
Color changes in succulents are often a sign of stress or disease. Whether it’s succulent leaves turning yellow and soft, a succulent turning brown and squishy, or a succulent turning black, it’s crucial to identify the cause and take appropriate action to restore your plant’s health.
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