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Cacti & Succulents

Succulent leaves drying out and falling

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Okay so I bought a succulent and it’s leaves are falling and drying out. It’s always the ones closest to the bottom of the plant, they start getting more and more dry and then eventually fall from drying out. Since I got my plant, whenever I water it, the soil dries out within 2 days which is weird for a succulent, but I haven’t been watering it more than once every at least two weeks even tho the soil is drying out before that because I was afraid of root rot.. but it’s seems like she wants more water and it using it’s leaves to get more water or something.. anyways I’m not an expert but that’s what I’ve noticed. Any advice? What do you guys think?

should I start watering her daily? I’ve never seen a succulent drink so much water! I’m worried it’s going to die.

Featured Answer

159harryzone8

6 years ago

If you push a bamboo skewer or something similar into the soil and it comes out dry, it's time to water. I think you only really have to worry about rot if it is sitting in water for a while.

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Comments (7)

Karen S. (7b, NYC)
6 years ago
Does the pot have a hole in it? I know you didn't ask abt this, but that plant is starved for light, what we call etiolated See how big the spaces are btwn leaves? Sorry to say, it's not supposed to be like that.
sarahftaveira thanked Karen S. (7b, NYC)
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sarahftaveira
Original Author
6 years ago
Yes I tried that but with my finger and it’s totally dry. Also, there are drainage holes on the bottom.. so I should just water if the soil dries right? Even if it’s almost everyday?
sarahftaveira
Original Author
6 years ago
I researched the etiolated thing. The plant is near the front of a window, I will start leaving the blinds open all day instead of only a few hours a day and see how it does.
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
6 years ago
sarah

'Near the window" is nearly not enough for succulents. During winter, when days are short and gloomy, it is even worse. Succulents should get at least 6 hrs of good ligh, and what filters thru unobstructed window, with a plants on windowsill, is often just so-so. Moving it away makes it worse.

Did you say what your general location is? - if not, pls. add that info next to your name...

Watering daily is too often for succulents. They should dry up in-between watering, and that could be few days to a week and even more - but we need to know the temps your plant is in. And what is the potting mix made of.
sarahftaveira
Original Author
6 years ago
Sorry, by “near the window” I mean right in front of it.. but I definitely am not leaving the blinds open for long enough so I will start doing that. Utah is my general location, it’s very cold but my homes heater is strong and inside the temperature is perfect for the plants.

Also my potting mix is : espoma cactus dirt 50% and espoma organic perlite 50%
sarahftaveira
Original Author
6 years ago
I have been trying to not water it too often but the soil seems 100% dry within a day or two.

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