Help! My succulents are dying off π
I've been a succulent owner for several years now; with this being my second round (my first had to be left during a move), each of which I got from Mountain Crest Gardens. My first round I had for about a year, and had no trouble growing and thriving. But this second round, which I recieved in December, has not been doing as well. One died completely and the rest are slowly starting to lose all their leaves and whither away.
I've cared for each round the same (same watering schedule, sunlight, and soil - I use the Miracle Gro brand for cactus, palm and citrus). The only differences are I used porcelain pots for the first round and terracotta for these (which I thought would be better) and the window direction is different (north for first, South-facing now- which I thought was better, too).
What could be the reason for this and what should I do? I'm considering trying repotting, and perhaps changing the soil, but now they are in such a delicate state that I don't think they'd withstand the move. Photos are of the ones doing the worst right now.
I've cared for each round the same (same watering schedule, sunlight, and soil - I use the Miracle Gro brand for cactus, palm and citrus). The only differences are I used porcelain pots for the first round and terracotta for these (which I thought would be better) and the window direction is different (north for first, South-facing now- which I thought was better, too).
What could be the reason for this and what should I do? I'm considering trying repotting, and perhaps changing the soil, but now they are in such a delicate state that I don't think they'd withstand the move. Photos are of the ones doing the worst right now.
2β pot with drainage
Last watered 1 year ago
10
Best Answer
I think your plants will have a much healthier start now!
I agree with each thing you said you changed. Do you have rooting hormone? It's relatively inexpensive and I think it makes a big difference. It's especially good when you chop and prop becuase if you dip the cut stem in the rooting hormone, you don't have to let it dry out like you would if you were putting it straight into the soil.
I think putting them outside is also a great idea! I usually start my plants outside under a table in the shade. That way the sun does not burn them and they have a chance to acclimate to the brighter light. Then, you can just move them out a little little bit each day until they're in the sunlight.
I keep mine and a greenhouse so they get lots and lots of bright light but I can sort of control the temperature.
You're doing GREAT! You made some amazing changes! just remember to be patient with your plants. It might take a little while before you see them really start to look amazing. (:οΏΌ
I agree with each thing you said you changed. Do you have rooting hormone? It's relatively inexpensive and I think it makes a big difference. It's especially good when you chop and prop becuase if you dip the cut stem in the rooting hormone, you don't have to let it dry out like you would if you were putting it straight into the soil.
I think putting them outside is also a great idea! I usually start my plants outside under a table in the shade. That way the sun does not burn them and they have a chance to acclimate to the brighter light. Then, you can just move them out a little little bit each day until they're in the sunlight.
I keep mine and a greenhouse so they get lots and lots of bright light but I can sort of control the temperature.
You're doing GREAT! You made some amazing changes! just remember to be patient with your plants. It might take a little while before you see them really start to look amazing. (:οΏΌ
It's unfortunate that your second round of succulents isn't thriving as well as your first. Several factors could be causing this decline. Here are some potential issues and solutions:
1. **Watering**: While you've been maintaining the same watering schedule, factors like humidity, temperature, and pot drainage can affect the amount of water your succulents need. Ensure that the soil dries out completely between waterings.
2. **Soil**: Succulents need well-draining soil. If the soil retains too much moisture, it could lead to root rot. You might want to consider a soil mix specifically designed for succulents and cacti.
3. **Light**: Succulents require a lot of sunlight, ideally around 6 hours a day. If they're not getting enough light, they can become leggy and weak. Ensure they're placed in a bright location or consider supplemental grow lights if natural light is insufficient.
4. **Pests**: Check for signs of pests such as mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites. These can cause significant damage to succulents.
5. **Pot Size and Drainage**: Ensure that the pots have drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom. If the pots are too large, the soil can stay wet for too long, which can harm the roots.
6. **Temperature**: Extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold, can stress succulents. Ensure they are in a stable environment.
Given their current delicate state, here are some steps you can take:
- **Assess Watering Needs**: Adjust your watering schedule based on the current environment. Water less frequently if the soil stays wet for too long.
- **Check Soil and Repot if Necessary**: If the soil isn't draining well, gently repot your succulents into fresh, well-draining succulent soil. Handle them carefully to minimize root disturbance.
- **Increase Light Exposure**: Move them to a brighter location if they aren't getting enough light. If indoors, consider using grow lights.
- **Inspect for Pests**: Look closely for any signs of pests and treat accordingly if you find any.
1. **Watering**: While you've been maintaining the same watering schedule, factors like humidity, temperature, and pot drainage can affect the amount of water your succulents need. Ensure that the soil dries out completely between waterings.
2. **Soil**: Succulents need well-draining soil. If the soil retains too much moisture, it could lead to root rot. You might want to consider a soil mix specifically designed for succulents and cacti.
3. **Light**: Succulents require a lot of sunlight, ideally around 6 hours a day. If they're not getting enough light, they can become leggy and weak. Ensure they're placed in a bright location or consider supplemental grow lights if natural light is insufficient.
4. **Pests**: Check for signs of pests such as mealybugs, aphids, or spider mites. These can cause significant damage to succulents.
5. **Pot Size and Drainage**: Ensure that the pots have drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom. If the pots are too large, the soil can stay wet for too long, which can harm the roots.
6. **Temperature**: Extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold, can stress succulents. Ensure they are in a stable environment.
Given their current delicate state, here are some steps you can take:
- **Assess Watering Needs**: Adjust your watering schedule based on the current environment. Water less frequently if the soil stays wet for too long.
- **Check Soil and Repot if Necessary**: If the soil isn't draining well, gently repot your succulents into fresh, well-draining succulent soil. Handle them carefully to minimize root disturbance.
- **Increase Light Exposure**: Move them to a brighter location if they aren't getting enough light. If indoors, consider using grow lights.
- **Inspect for Pests**: Look closely for any signs of pests and treat accordingly if you find any.
@CozyShinglevine Thank you so much for the response. I edited my Q to include the soil I've used for each round (Miracle Gro for cactus, palm and citrus). My pots all have drainage holes and I ensure the soil is completely dry before rewatering - I water every 2.5 weeks or so. They do recieve adequate sunlight (likely better than the first, as their window is now south-facing). I've checked for pests and nothing.
Temperature, though, I'm thinking may be a factor - although they aren't exposed to extreme temperatures (they're kept in between 65-78 degrees), they are exposed to regular shifts in temperature (I turn the AC on only at night, so they can quickly go from 78ish degrees to 67 degrees). Could those daily shifts be problematic?
Temperature, though, I'm thinking may be a factor - although they aren't exposed to extreme temperatures (they're kept in between 65-78 degrees), they are exposed to regular shifts in temperature (I turn the AC on only at night, so they can quickly go from 78ish degrees to 67 degrees). Could those daily shifts be problematic?
I would be careful with miracle gro products as Iβve heard they have things in it that burn the roots of the plants. Have you had a look at any of the roots?
If you want some new soil recommends:
This video goes over what is good inside a soil, and at the end they provide some store recommendations: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eMwEqoroz8M
This is the soil I personally use, plus a standard perlite mix that I mix about 60/40 (I forgot what kind, I bought it from either Loweβs or home depot): https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Succulent-Potting-Draining-Nutrients/dp/B09HHMSM3J I really like this brand! And they have other plant soils, worm casting, perliteβ¦ lots of good stuff for very good prices!!
And what are you watering them with? Tap water is often too harsh on the roots, so rain water, distilled, or purified water of some kind is much better
Super dramatic temperature shifts can cause them to freak out, although 67-78 is at least in their safe temperature rangeβ inconsistent temperature is definitely something to be weary of.
If you want some new soil recommends:
This video goes over what is good inside a soil, and at the end they provide some store recommendations: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eMwEqoroz8M
This is the soil I personally use, plus a standard perlite mix that I mix about 60/40 (I forgot what kind, I bought it from either Loweβs or home depot): https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Succulent-Potting-Draining-Nutrients/dp/B09HHMSM3J I really like this brand! And they have other plant soils, worm casting, perliteβ¦ lots of good stuff for very good prices!!
And what are you watering them with? Tap water is often too harsh on the roots, so rain water, distilled, or purified water of some kind is much better
Super dramatic temperature shifts can cause them to freak out, although 67-78 is at least in their safe temperature rangeβ inconsistent temperature is definitely something to be weary of.
Sorry you're having issues, Sabrina. ):
One thing that stuck out to me is that the pebbles on top will hold in moisture and succs so enjoy drying out.
Scarlett looks like it needs a bit more sun. DaVinci looks like perhaps it had too much to drink and lost its lower leaves. Is the stem soft?
One of the jelly beans has a rotted root (which might be becuase the soil is holding too much moisture) and it needs to be chopped asap.
My experience with miracle grow succulent mix is that it is very organic. It seems to hold a lot of moisture all the time. I only bought it once because of this.
I would consider purchasing a bag of perlite and adding it to your miracle grow soil mixture 50:50. That will ensure that your soil drains really well and doesn't hold onto moisture. οΏΌ
Good luck! AND don't forget, the #GregPlantShop guarantees their plants for life! Next time you want to purchase plants, I would take a look there. οΏΌ Mountain Crest is a good company. The #GregPlantShop uses #AltmanPlants
One thing that stuck out to me is that the pebbles on top will hold in moisture and succs so enjoy drying out.
Scarlett looks like it needs a bit more sun. DaVinci looks like perhaps it had too much to drink and lost its lower leaves. Is the stem soft?
One of the jelly beans has a rotted root (which might be becuase the soil is holding too much moisture) and it needs to be chopped asap.
My experience with miracle grow succulent mix is that it is very organic. It seems to hold a lot of moisture all the time. I only bought it once because of this.
I would consider purchasing a bag of perlite and adding it to your miracle grow soil mixture 50:50. That will ensure that your soil drains really well and doesn't hold onto moisture. οΏΌ
Good luck! AND don't forget, the #GregPlantShop guarantees their plants for life! Next time you want to purchase plants, I would take a look there. οΏΌ Mountain Crest is a good company. The #GregPlantShop uses #AltmanPlants
@itsjordan thanks so much for the input ππ½ I was thinking about changing the soil, as I suspected miracle gro was far from the best out there, but didnβt think Iβd need to given my first batch thrived with it. I will definitely look into your links and most likely get some new stuff.
As for water, I do use tap; however; my house does have well water rather than treated city water - and again, my previous succulents did just fine with it. Rain water is a good suggestion though - maybe I will try that as well.
As for water, I do use tap; however; my house does have well water rather than treated city water - and again, my previous succulents did just fine with it. Rain water is a good suggestion though - maybe I will try that as well.
@SucculentSavant I used tap before I could collect a good amount of clean rain water, and tap works itβs just not the best. Switching to a known healthier water source is a good way to eliminate water being the issue at least, and then if you still have problems then you know itβs something else
@sarahsalith Hi Sarah! Thank you for the input ππ½ Iβm still relatively new to succulents - at least as far as issues go, as my previous batch had none. I noticed the issues you pointed out but just wasnβt sure what they were, exactly/what was causing them. Yesterday I did what I thought necessary - chopped the jelly bean, as well as some of the lanky ones at the stems that had started growing tall/losing leaves. Now I just need to figure out where to go from here - somewhat worried as I feel the mods were needed, but also dramatic changes when they were already in a vulnerable state.
I had all of them under the same routine and variables - same soil, watering schedule, pot, sunlight, placing, etc. So how some seemed dry and others over-watered is a bit perplexing to me.
Iβm glad you mentioned that about the river rocks - that is one thing I did do differently with this batch from my last. I actually did end up removing that as well yesterday, so Iβm glad I did.
You seem really knowledgeable in this area, so Iβm wondering if you have any advice on where to go at this point, considering the changes I made:
- changed soil (same kind, just changed to some new stuff) and removed river rocks
-chopped gangly ones/questionable roots at stems (the most risky change, IMO)
-propagated some leaves
-replanted my chopped stems in new soil, JIC they decide to grow.
-placed them in a new, sunnier spot and supplemented a grow light
-planning to get some better soil with perlite, as you and some others mentioned, but have not done so yet
Do I need to do anything differently with the ones I chopped at the stems and replanted (keep them out of the light for a certain time, delay watering, etc)? Also to note, I did this before watering them, and they were dry/in need of water when I did it - so I feel they need it but at the same time may harm them at this point)? Also, considering light may be a factor, what do you think about putting them outside instead for the summer?
I know thatβs a lot π© but any additional input is so appreciated. Photo of the succulents after yesterdayβs modifications is attached (taken before putting them back to a window)
I had all of them under the same routine and variables - same soil, watering schedule, pot, sunlight, placing, etc. So how some seemed dry and others over-watered is a bit perplexing to me.
Iβm glad you mentioned that about the river rocks - that is one thing I did do differently with this batch from my last. I actually did end up removing that as well yesterday, so Iβm glad I did.
You seem really knowledgeable in this area, so Iβm wondering if you have any advice on where to go at this point, considering the changes I made:
- changed soil (same kind, just changed to some new stuff) and removed river rocks
-chopped gangly ones/questionable roots at stems (the most risky change, IMO)
-propagated some leaves
-replanted my chopped stems in new soil, JIC they decide to grow.
-placed them in a new, sunnier spot and supplemented a grow light
-planning to get some better soil with perlite, as you and some others mentioned, but have not done so yet
Do I need to do anything differently with the ones I chopped at the stems and replanted (keep them out of the light for a certain time, delay watering, etc)? Also to note, I did this before watering them, and they were dry/in need of water when I did it - so I feel they need it but at the same time may harm them at this point)? Also, considering light may be a factor, what do you think about putting them outside instead for the summer?
I know thatβs a lot π© but any additional input is so appreciated. Photo of the succulents after yesterdayβs modifications is attached (taken before putting them back to a window)
@sarah10orio thanks so much, Sarah! I'm so glad you feel confident about the changes I made. Forgot to check back here for a while, but I haven't touched them since my last post, and they are doing great! So seems the changes were worth it π
I have some plant food drops I mix in when I water them (which I have yet to do since the changes) but do not have rooting hormone - I will definitely look into getting some for the future π Thanks again for all your help and encouragement!
I have some plant food drops I mix in when I water them (which I have yet to do since the changes) but do not have rooting hormone - I will definitely look into getting some for the future π Thanks again for all your help and encouragement!
You're welcome! You've got this! π