What’s wrong with my succulents?!

4 years ago

I live in California. I get lots of sunlight. Why are my succulents so sad? Pots too small? More water? Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

-Succulent newbie

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Comments (5)

Karen S. (7b, NYC)
4 years ago
If you tried to attach a pic it didn't work. Sorry, pls. use the Comments area to try posting your pic again.
Neil
4 years ago
I don't know if this helps you or not...but, one thing i've come to learn from living all over California and having grown may succulents of all types for many years is that you must learn which micro-climate you're growing in. California is huge so knowing this is key to success in my observation. In the La Jolla area we get a maritime layer which some of my plants thrive in while others do not. We are at the mercy of what they call "May Gray," and "June Gloom." Find ways to anticipate this and protect your plants as best as you can.

Now that we are over "the drought" i have to safe-guard my plants from the deluge of rain we now get in our winter-time. Knowing this now i make sure my soil is quick-draining and in a grittier mix.

If your plants appear the same day after day, week after week etc., make sure they're not in a state of dormancy. Aeoniums for example are summer-dormant so i do not water them. They flourish again in cooler temperatures. If you're really having an issue choose a plant and remove it from its pot and thoroughly inspect the roots. Make sure the root system is healthy and insect-free. Many plants stop growing when attacked by insects. Many plants also seem to enter a sort of "stasis" when too hot or too cold. My echeverias for example have curled into a ball due to the excessive heat. This is the way the plant protects itself. They will "bounce" back when the temps cool off a bit.

Compare the growing conditions you currently have your plants in to the native environments they come from and adjust as best you can. Absorbing all this will find you one day with all the skill you need to grow your plants successfully. You will know exactly what to do and when to do it. Time and patience will soon pay off.

There are many forum members here so full of knowledge and a wealth of experience i am still amazed by it. I still also show up here to learn more from them. --All the best : )
Gabriela B thanked Neil
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socks
4 years ago
Neil, what a nice response.

Yes, photos would help. Try again.
Gabriela B
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks for your responses! Hopefully these photos work...
SUCCULENTS · More Info

SUCCULENTS · More Info

SUCCULENTS · More Info
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Aeoniums do not like heat and humidity - they are winter growers - and usually look bit shabby . They should start looking better and better as Fall, with less heal and humidity, is approaching. I just realize Neil already mentioned this...

Rest of your plants could be thirsty or overwatered - not easy to tell from your photos.

Pots seem to be large enough.

What kind of soil are they potted in?

How often & how much do you water?