5 Ways To Revive Your Succulents - Backyard Boss
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5 Ways To Revive Your Succulents

Succulents are a popular houseplant for various reasons. However, most people love them because they’re low-maintenance and add plenty of charm. But sometimes, even succulents can start to look a little bit sad.

If you’ve been neglecting your succulent and it’s starting to droop, don’t worry – there are ways to revive it!

Here are five tips to get your succulents looking lush and healthy again:

Light Up Their Life

Succulents Garden
Image credits: Wei Khaw via Canva

Succulents need bright, direct sunlight to thrive. If your succulent isn’t getting enough light, it will start to stretch out and become leggy; It is because the plant is trying to reach for the light source. It will also produce fewer leaves, and the leaves will be smaller than normal. If the problem isn’t corrected, the succulent will eventually die.

To avoid this problem, give your succulent plenty of light. If you can’t provide enough natural light, consider using grow lights.

Succulents need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to stay healthy. If you live in a dark area, provide them with even more light. Succulents are hardy plants but still need the right conditions to thrive. Give them the conditions they need, and they’ll reward you with beautiful, healthy growth.

Too Much Light

Succulents in Soilless Potting Mix
Image credits: Mel Gardner via Unsplash

On the contrary, if succulents get too much light, they will sunburn. It is common with lighter-colored succulents, such as Echeveria Pulvinata.

Sunburn appears as patches of brown or red on the leaves and can eventually lead to the death of the plant if not corrected. If you notice that your succulents are getting sunburned, move them to a location with less direct sunlight.

Additionally, you can keep your succulent out of direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day to help prevent this problem. Plants actively growing may also be more susceptible to sunburn since their leaves are thinner and have less pigment to protect them from the intense heat.

If you live in an area with very intense sunlight, you may need to provide some shade for your succulents during the day. It can be as simple as using a sheer curtain to filter the light. Or, since succulents are great in containers, you can move them inside if you desire.

Go Easy On The Water

Succulents planted in gravel garden
Image credits: Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Succulents are plants that have adjusted to store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. They can survive in dry conditions by using the water they have stored. However, succulents can also suffer if they get too much water.

When succulents get too much water, they can start to rot. The leaves may turn yellow or brown and fall off. The stem may become mushy, and the plant could collapse. In this case, the succulent may not recover and will eventually die.

If you think your succulent has gotten too much water, check the leaves and stem for signs of yellowing or browning. If the plant is wilting or collapsing, it is time to stop watering. Remove excess water from the pot and let the succulents dry out completely before watering again. With a little care, your succulent should recover and be back to its old self in no time.

Feed Them

succulents growing in a dead tree
Image credits: 伟 贾 via Pixabay

When succulents start to look a bit wilted, it may be time to give them a fertilizer boost. This is especially true if the succulent is grown in potting mix, which can deplete nutrients over time. Fertilizing succulents is easy to do and can really revive them.

The best fertilizer for succulents is a succulent-specific fertilizer or a cactus/succulent fertilizer at half strength. You can find it at your local garden center or home improvement store.

Mix the fertilizer according to the package directions and then water the plants as usual. Be sure to use a watering can with a fine sprayer, so you don’t damage the succulents. Fertilizing succulents once a month during the growing season is usually sufficient.

Pruning

succulents
Image credits: Thomas Martin via Pixabay

Pruning succulents is a great way to revive them. By removing the dead leaves and stems, you allow the plant to focus its energy on new growth. It results in a fuller, healthier plant.

Start by removing any dead leaves or stems. You can identify them as they will be dry and brown. Next, trim back any overgrown leaves or stems. You want to create a shape that is pleasing to the eye and allows for even growth.

Finally, remove any suckers that may have developed from the base of the plant. Suckers are small shoots that take away energy from the main plant.

After you finish pruning your succulents, water them well. This will help them recover from the stress of being trimmed and encourage new growth.

I Will Survive!

Succulents are pretty hardy plants and can usually take a little bit of neglect before showing any signs of distress. However, if your succulent is starting to droop, there are ways to revive it! With a little TLC and some of the tips shared in this blog, you can get your succulents looking healthy and happy again in no time! 

Do you have any tips or tricks that have worked for you? Let us know in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!

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