Noticed your succulents slowing down? You might be falling into some common traps without even realizing it.
Succulents are the easiest to grow, but some problems will lead to a reduction in the number of succulents in your collection. No need to worry, here’s a list of mistakes you might be making and solutions for each one.
Common Mistakes that Stop Succulent Growth
1. Soil Composition
Regular potting mix won’t cut it. Succulents need fast-draining soil to keep their roots happy. The perfect blend looks like this:
- 2 parts coarse sand – boosts drainage (skip fine sand, it compacts).
- 2 parts perlite or pumice – keeps soil airy and light.
- 1 part potting soil – adds nutrients without trapping excess water.
If water drains quickly, you’re good. If not, tweak the mix and repot. And remember—even the best mix won’t save a succulent if water has no way out. Always use a pot with drainage holes.
2. Overwatering
Too much love can drown your succulents. Only water when the soil feels bone dry. When you do, soak it thoroughly and let the extra water drain out.
Overwatering leads to root rot—swollen, mushy leaves that turn yellow or brown.
Tip: Water the soil, not the leaves. Drops sitting on leaves invite fungal spots.
3. Lighting
Did you notice a leggy and faded succulent? It might be due to inadequate lighting. They need ample sunlight to thrive. For good lighting, please place your succulents at a south or east-facing window to receive 6-8 hours of bright, indirect daylight.
If natural light is limited, consider using grow lights to supplement their needs.
4. Overcrowding
Your succulents are pushing each other? When you plant too many succulents in a single pot, the growth is hindered due to competition between plants for nutrients from the soil.
They also compete for space to flourish. So, give the bigger plants their pots and you can plant more miniature succulents together, but with providing more space.
5. Rotation of plants
If only one side of the succulents receives light, then only that side will grow more, and the plant will become lopsided. To avoid this, do a rotation of succulents at intervals so each side of the succulent receives light.
6. Overfertilizing
Over-fertilizing can lead to weak, leggy growth. The best time to fertilize them is during their growing season, specifically in the spring and summer. For this, feed manure tea, diluted fish emulsion, or all-purpose granulated fertilizer. Always use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Warning: Never fertilize a stressed succulent (one that’s just been repotted, sunburned, or recovering from pests). It will only worsen the damage.
7. Wrong Containers
If you choose a pot without drainage holes, the succulent will be more likely to develop root rot. So, pick a suitable pot from the nursery. If you are using a decorative pot, plant it in a small pot with drainage holes, then place the small pot inside the decorative one.
8. Dormancy
Succulents have “rest seasons.” Summer growers like Adenium nap in winter, while Aloe and Cotyledon snooze in summer. During dormancy, they need less water and no fertilizer.
Don’t panic if your succulent stops growing during dormancy. It’s not dying, just “taking a nap.” Respect its rest cycle with minimal care.
9. Rootbound Conditions
Are roots trailing out from the drainage holes of your pot? Then it needs a larger pot. Your succulent has tightly packed roots, so gently untangle and trim the damaged, knotted roots. Then repot it.
10. Infesting Pests
Pests having a picnic on your succulents will also lead to stunted growth. Mealybugs, aphids, or grubs might be having a party. So, look over the plant thoroughly and treat any pest with an appropriate insecticide.
Bonus Tip: If you spot mealybugs early, try dabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol before reaching for stronger chemicals. It’s cheap, safe, and works wonders.
Succulents are everyone’s favorite, as they require minimal care and maintenance. Keep the above things in mind, or fix the problem accordingly. If you are facing any other issues, do tell us in the comments. And share your feedback with us.
