Saving a baby succulent depends on what's wrong, but generally involves addressing common issues like overwatering, underwatering, lack of light, or pests. Here's a breakdown of how to revive a struggling baby succulent:
Identifying the Problem
Before attempting any fixes, it's crucial to diagnose the issue. Look for these telltale signs:
- Overwatering: Soft, mushy leaves that are translucent or yellowing. The soil will be consistently wet.
- Underwatering: Shriveled, wrinkled leaves that are dry to the touch. The soil will be completely dry.
- Lack of Sunlight: Etiolation (stretching) where the plant is elongated and pale as it reaches for more light.
- Pests: Visible insects (like mealybugs or aphids) or signs of damage (e.g., small holes in leaves).
Addressing Common Issues
Here’s how to tackle the most frequent problems:
1. Overwatering
Overwatering is the most common killer of succulents.
- Stop watering immediately.
- Remove the succulent from its pot. Gently take the baby succulent out of its container.
- Inspect the roots. Carefully remove any rotting, mushy roots with clean, sharp scissors. Healthy roots should be firm.
- Allow the succulent and its roots to dry out. Place the succulent on a paper towel in a well-ventilated area for a few days to allow the roots to completely dry and callus over.
- Repot in well-draining soil. Use a cactus and succulent potting mix. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
- Water sparingly. When you replant the succulent, water lightly and then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
2. Underwatering
- Water thoroughly. Saturate the soil until water drains from the drainage holes.
- Monitor the succulent. Check the leaves for plumpness to indicate rehydration. It may take a few days or a week for the leaves to plump back up.
- Adjust watering schedule. Water more frequently, but still allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
3. Insufficient Light
- Move to a brighter location. Place the succulent in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If this isn't possible, supplement with a grow light.
- Rotate the succulent. Turn the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides.
4. Pest Infestation
- Isolate the infected plant. Separate it from other plants to prevent the pests from spreading.
- Remove visible pests. Manually remove any visible insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Follow the instructions on the product label.
- Monitor closely. Repeat the treatment as needed until the pests are gone.
Propagation as a Last Resort
If the baby succulent is severely damaged, you may be able to propagate it to create new plants. This involves:
- Taking a healthy leaf or stem cutting.
- Allowing the cutting to callus. Let the cut end dry and form a callous for a few days. This prevents rot.
- Planting in well-draining soil. Place the calloused end in soil and wait for roots to form. Water sparingly. (See: https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/gardening/indoor/how-to-propagate-succulents)
By correctly diagnosing the problem and taking appropriate action, you can significantly increase the chances of saving your baby succulent.
