Succulents are beloved worldwide for their hardy nature and unique, vibrant aesthetic. However, even these resilient plants are prone to certain conditions that can lead to a change in their usual color. One such issue is succulent yellowing— a symptom that signals that your plant is experiencing some kind of distress. The key to nursing your succulent back to health lies in understanding the root causes of this condition.
There are several potential factors responsible for succulents turning yellow. Diagnosing the exact cause can depend on various environmental aspects, including water, sunlight, temperature, pests, and disease. Therefore, we will break down each possible cause to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Excessive Watering
Overwatering is one of the primary causes of succulent yellowing. These plants are highly adapted to arid environments, meaning they typically require less water than most indoor plants. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a condition caused by a type of fungal infection in the roots when they have been saturated in water for prolonged periods. Root rot can cause the leaves to turn yellow, appear swollen, and feel mushy to the touch.
Prevention lies in implementing a proper watering schedule. Many horticulturists recommend the ‘soak and dry’ method, meaning watering the soil deeply, then waiting until it is completely dry before the next watering session.
Underwatering
Contrarily, underwatering can also lead to yellow leaves on succulents. This happens when the plant has depleted its water storage and starts showing symptoms of drought stress, including yellowing leaves, shriveled or wilted leaves, and stunted growth. The solution here is to adjust your watering frequency to match the plant’s needs better.
Excess Sunlight
Although succulents are sun-loving plants, too much direct sunlight can be harmful. Sunburn, or leaf scorch, is a common condition seen in succulents receiving intense light. This condition can cause the leaves to yellow or even turn a rusty brown color. Adjusting the succulent’s position to provide bright but indirect light or gradually acclimatizing it to the intense light can help prevent this.
Inadequate Sunlight
On the other hand, succulents that aren’t getting enough light can also exhibit yellowing. The lack of light can lead to etiolation or stretching, as the plant reaches for any available light. The stretched growth can lead to a yellow or pale green color. Providing your succulent with a proper light source, approximately six hours of indirect sunlight daily, can help revive its vibrant hue.
Inappropriate Temperature
While succulents are fairly tolerant of a range of temperatures, they can suffer in conditions outside their comfort zone. Both excessive heat and freezing temperatures can stress the plant and cause yellowing. Ensuring your succulent experiences a temperature range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit can help maintain their health.
Presence of Pests
Pests can inflict significant stress on succulents. Mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects can cause yellowing because they suck the sap out of the plant. Physical removal and treatment with insecticides or natural alternatives can help manage these pests.
Succulent Diseases
Certain diseases, such as fungal and bacterial infections, can also cause yellowing in succulents. Fungal infections usually follow excessive watering or an overly humid environment. Root rot, stem rot, and leaf spot are common diseases of succulents. Implementing a healthy watering schedule, providing proper ventilation, and using a well-draining soil mix can help prevent these diseases.
Often, poor soil mix can lead to succulent stress and subsequent yellowing. Soil that is too dense does not drain well, causing water to pool around the roots, leading to root rot. Conversely, soil that drains too quickly can lead to underwatering and nutrient deficiencies. An ideal soil mix should be light, well-aerating, and well-draining.
Repotting Stress
Finally, yellowing in succulents can occur due to repotting stress, especially when the plant is not handled properly during the process. The plant may become stressed by changes in light, temperature, or simply by the physical damage incurred during the move.
Prevent this by ensuring the new pot has proper drainage, using a suitable soil mix, and placing the repotted succulent in similar environmental conditions as it was before the repotting.
Understanding the potential causes of succulent yellowing is the first step in accurately diagnosing and addressing the issue. By adapting your care routine to meet your succulent’s specific needs, you can help maintain its health and prevent problems in the first place. Remember, factors such as watering, sun exposure, temperature, pests, and diseases all play a crucial role in the health of your plant.
By taking into account all these potential causes and adjusting your care accordingly, you’ll be better equipped to keep your succulent vibrant and healthy, successfully avoiding the problem of yellowing leaves.
