The hallmark of any great succulent is those plump, juicy, vibrant green leaves. Because they’re famous for that signature look, it can be a little alarming when your exotic indoor plants start feeling mushy or looking wilted. If your succulent’s water-storing leaves are losing their firmness, don’t panic! We’re going to break down why this happens and how you can fix it.
The Main Culprit: Underwatering
As succulent parents, we’re constantly told (and rightly so!) to be careful not to overwater. But sometimes we take that advice a bit too far. Especially during those scorching summer months, your plants can actually end up suffering from a serious case of thirst.
Since succulents survive by drawing from the water reserves stored in their foliage, those internal “storage tanks” eventually start to shrink when they aren’t replenished. The result? The leaves lose their structure, become soft to the touch, and start to droop. If the plant stays parched for too long, you might even notice individual leaves starting to die off.
How to Fix Soft Succulent Leaves
To get those leaves looking plump and happy again, you need to refill their reservoirs. First, do a quick finger test: check the soil to make sure it’s actually dry. If the substrate feels bone-dry, the best remedy is a good soak. Submerge the root ball in a container of lime-free water (rainwater is great!) until you stop seeing air bubbles rise to the surface.
Alternatively, you can repot your plant into fresh succulent mix and commit to a more consistent watering schedule. Succulents generally appreciate regular watering from April through September. Just remember to scale back during their winter dormancy period when they aren’t growing as actively.
Pro-Tips for Preventing Mushy Leaves
A good rule of thumb is to take a close look at your plant’s anatomy. Succulents with very thick, chunky leaves can go much longer without a drink than varieties with thinner leaves. Since the thin-leaved types have smaller “tanks,” they’ll need a bit more attention and more frequent watering.
If you’re growing your succulents in pots or containers, always make sure there’s a drainage hole at the bottom. Water needs to be able to flow out freely so those sensitive roots don’t rot. If you pair a well-draining, gritty soil with a steady watering routine, your succulents will reward you with a long life and beautiful, firm, glowing green leaves.
