Why is my succulent squishy? Things You Need to Know

Succulents are a type of plant that is known for their water-holding capacity. But what happens when your succulent is squishy? There are a few possible reasons why your succulent is squishy, but don’t worry! This blog post will show you why your succulent is squishy and how to fix it. Stay tuned to learn more!

Why is my succulent squishy?

Succulents are a type of plant that grows in warm, dry climates. These plants need much less water than other plants and can survive in conditions that other plants cannot. Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, and roots. When the water level in a succulent’s root system gets too low, the plant will squish or flatten out to conserve energy.

There are some reasons why a succulent may be squishy:

Succulent going squishy due to overwatering

If you’ve been overwatering your succulent, there’s a good chance it’s gone squishy. Succulents can only thrive if they’re given the right amount of water, and when they’re overwatered, their health suffers.

Succulents can store water in their leaves to go for extended periods of time without water. They’re such great plants for people who forget to water their plants or live in arid climates.

But if you give your succulent too much water, it will lose its turgidity- its ability to keep its shape. The leaves will droop, and the stem will become soft and squishy.

Succulent going squishy due to injury

If you’ve been caring for a succulent and notice that it has become squishy, there may be why. Succulents can get squishy if they’re injured, and it’s important to take care of them so they can heal properly. If you think your succulent is injured, you should first figure out what caused the injury. Once you know what caused the injury, you can take steps to help your succulent recover.

Succulent going squishy due to poor drainage

If your succulent looks a little squishy, it might be due to poor drainage. Succulents need well-draining soil to thrive, and if the pot you’re using doesn’t have any drainage holes, the water will pool at the bottom and cause the soil to become waterlogged. This can lead to root rot, which will eventually kill the plant.

The easiest way to avoid this is to ensure your pot has drainage holes and use good-quality succulent soil to help wick away excess water. You can also place a small rock or piece of gravel at the bottom of the pot to help promote drainage.

Succulent going squishy due to fungal and bacterial problems

A succulent, also known as a cactus, can go from looking healthy and lush to becoming squishy and soft within days or weeks. Succulent problems can include fungal overgrowth, bacterial infection, and waterlogging. When succulents are affected by these conditions, their cells shrink, and they turn into a soft blob or ooze. This is due to the succulent’s lack of water uptake and ability to fight off infection. Notice your succulent going from healthy-looking to squishy in a short amount of time. It may be time to get it checked out by a professional.

Succulent going squishy due to Too Much or Too Little Sunlight

There are a few potential causes for succulent plants going squishy. Too much or too little sunlight can lead to succulent plants going squishy. Too much sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch and the plant to become dehydrated. Too little sunlight can result in the leaves becoming too soft and pale, and the plant may not be able to photosynthesize correctly. 

Your Succulent Has the Wrong Nutrient Balance

A succulent’s squishiness may be indicative of a nutrient imbalance. When a succulent is not getting the right nutrients, it can become mushy and squishy. Too much nitrogen, for example, can make a plant’s leaves and stems tough and woody instead of pliable. Likewise, too little nitrogen can cause a succulent to become soft and limp. It is important to regularly check a succulent’s nutrient balance to keep it healthy and happy.

Succulent going squishy due to root rot

There are a few reasons a succulent might go squishy. One possibility is that the succulent has become infected with root rot, which can cause the succulent’s cells to break down and cause the plant to lose its water storage capacity. Another potential cause is overwatering, which can lead to rot and reduce the succulent’s water storage capacity. If you notice your succulent starting to go squishy, give it plenty of water and make sure it’s not infected with root rot.

How do you fix squishy succulents?

If your succulent is over-watered, the plant’s roots won’t have room to grow, and the water will stay in the leaves and stem. This will make the succulent squishy to the touch.

There are a few things that you can do to fix your squishy succulent:

• Check to make sure your succulent is getting enough water. Water your succulent regularly, but don’t over-water it.
• Replace the soil in your succulent potting mix if it feels dry and crumbly. Succulents prefer a loose soil texture.
• Remove excess water from the surface of the succulent with a towel or sponge. This will help reduce water loss from the plant’s skin.
• Leave the succulent in direct sunlight for a few minutes after watering to increase its water absorption.

FAQ on Why is my succulent squishy

Why is my succulent squishy and droopy?

Succulents, like other plants, need water to survive. However, succulents can store water in their leaves and stems, which means they can go for longer periods without water. When a succulent is given too much water, the excess water will cause the plant to become squishy and droopy.

Are succulents supposed to be squishy?

No, succulents are not supposed to be squishy. Their leaves and stems are typically thick and fleshy, allowing them to store water and nutrients for a long time. This characteristic also makes them somewhat resistant to drought and other environmental extremes.

What does Overwatered succulent look like?

A succulent that is overwatered will typically have a more wilted appearance than one that is properly watered. Its leaves may also be drooping, and it may have a generally unhealthy appearance.

What does a dying succulent look like?

A succulent is a plant that stores water in its leaves, stems, or roots. When a succulent is dying, it will lose its color and wilt. The leaves will become soft and droop, and the stem will become weak and bend over. If the succulent is not watered regularly, it will eventually die.

How long does it take for an overwatered plant to heal?

Watering plants too much can cause the roots to rot, and the plant will not be able to heal. If you have an overwatered plant, you should gradually decrease the amount of water you are giving it so that the roots can start to heal. It may take a few weeks for the plant to start showing signs of healing, but if you are patient, your plant should be able to recover.

Can you save a rotting succulent?

Though not a hardy one, the succulent plant can be saved if the rot is limited to a small area and the plant is otherwise healthy. To save the succulent, cut away the rotted section of the plant with a clean-edged tool, then repot the succulent in fresh soil. If the rot has affected the entire plant, it is best to discard the succulent and start anew.

How much sunlight do succulents need?

Succulents need full sun to grow and bloom. This means they should be placed in an area where they will receive direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. If succulents are not getting enough sunlight, they will start to stretch and grow taller in an attempt to reach the sun.

How often should indoor succulents be watered?

Succulents should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch, or every week to 10 days, depending on the climate, size of the pot, and succulent.

Can overwatered plants recover on their own?

Overwatered plants can recover independently if the cause of the overwatering is corrected. Still, if the plant continues to be over-watered, the roots may rot, and the plant will die. Overwatering can be caused by many factors, including poor drainage, using a pot that is too large for the plant or watering too frequently.

Why are my succulent leaves falling off?

There can be a variety of reasons why succulent leaves are falling off. One possibility is that the plant is not getting enough water; if the leaves are drooping, it is a sign that the plant needs more water. Other potential causes of leaf loss can include too much sun or heat, pests or diseases, or simply natural shedding of older leaves.

How do you dry overwatered soil?

When a plant is watered too much, the soil can become waterlogged. This will prevent oxygen from getting to the roots, killing the plant. To dry overwatered soil, you can remove the plant from the pot and break up the soil. You can then place the plant in a new pot with fresh soil and water it sparingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, succulents are succulent because they store water in their leaves and stems. This makes them resistant to drought and allows them to thrive in arid environments. Succulents come in various shapes and sizes and can be used to decorate homes and offices. While succulents are generally low maintenance, they do require some basic care. Water your succulent when the soil feels dry to the touch, and fertilize it every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.