Overwatering, underwatering, not enough sun????

Jill Stevens
by Jill Stevens
Trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong with my succulents. I have a couple with the same issue that you see in the photo... wrinkled leaves, sometimes yellow-ish. A couple of others the bottom leaves curve towards the dirt rather than toward the sunlight. I'm fairly certain I'm not overwatering since I don't water often. The area that all of the Succulents are in has strong afternoon sunlight but I have large cantilevered umbrellas defusing the light. I'm fairly new to Succulents, so I appreciate any advice offered!

  8 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 04, 2017

    It does not appear to be the watering.How old are the plants,they may just need to be repotted in succulent soil.

    • Jill Stevens Jill Stevens on Apr 06, 2017

      Thanks.... Repotted last year in Cactus/Succulent soil with screen at the bottom of the pot and plenty of drainage, so I'm at a loss as to the issue.

  • Shoshana Shoshana on Apr 04, 2017

    I agree that it sounds like the soil may be the problem. Make sure it's getting good drainage as well. Good luck!!

    • Jill Stevens Jill Stevens on Apr 06, 2017

      Thanks.... Repotted last year in Cactus/Succulent soil with screen at the bottom of the pot and plenty of drainage, so I'm at a loss as to the issue.

  • Sharon Gwynn Sharon Gwynn on Apr 05, 2017

    It's hard to tell from the photo. Here are some guidelines for succulents: a) they HATE wet roots so the soil needs to drain well and the container needs to have holes in the bottom for drainage, b) the leaves will "swell" with water - water when the "leaves" get thin. Many people actually under-water succulents: water sparingly but consistently, c) bright, indirect light is best, d) keep them warm.

    • See 3 previous
    • Jill Stevens Jill Stevens on Apr 07, 2017

      Very helpful info, Sharon. Thank you!

  • Sharon Gwynn Sharon Gwynn on Apr 05, 2017

    It depends on your understanding of the word "succulent". Some plants, like yucca, absorb moisture with their plant parts (spikes for yucca) and then store the moisture in the root of the plant. True succulent plants absorb moisture from the soil by the root and store it in the plant parts for future use. This is why the succulent "leaf" becomes more sturdy or more "full" when the plant has sufficient moisture. Over-watering, then, can cause the "leaf" to become soggy or look water-logged: this is often seen in aloe plants that are over-watered or in poorly drained soil. Plants that most people call "succulents" need to be watered at or below the soil level.

  • Elaine Elaine on Apr 06, 2017

    When you water it is best to water the plants well so that there is enough water to get through the pot. Sprinkling a tiny bit on the top of the soil is not helpful to the plant. You can water less frequently. Make sure there is plenty of drainage.

    • Jill Stevens Jill Stevens on Apr 06, 2017

      Thanks. I've been following this method and am stymied why some of the leaves are wrinkling. I saturate, let it drain well and then put it back on its saucer.

  • certain succulents really don't like strong sunlight. try placing in a filtered spot where it gets no direct sun for a few weeks and see if it perks up a bit. that particular guy you have doesn't like direct sun in the afternoon. morning is ok.

  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Apr 06, 2017

    It's a combination. I had the exact same problem. For me it was too dry, then too wet, it is a cactus, so I had to teach myself not to over water it and not let it dry out too much. If all else fails, take a clipping to your local nursery for their professional opinion. Best of luck.

  • Bar30134552 Bar30134552 on Oct 30, 2017

    They don't need a lot of water, once a week is plenty!