Is your succulent plant damaged due to a mishap with a pet, harsh sunlight, pests, or another issue? Regardless of the cause, most succulent damage can be fixed, and you might even be able to grow new plants from broken stems and fallen leaves. This step-by-step guide will assist you in evaluating the damage and restoring your succulent to health.
How to Revive Damaged Succulents
The approach you take to repair a damaged succulent will depend on the type and extent of the damage. Simply pruning a few broken stems may be all that is needed, but if your succulent has suffered significant damage, a more intensive treatment plan may be necessary.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Begin by determining the extent of the damage and its cause. If your plant has visible issues like broken stems or leaves, it’s easier to identify the problem. However, if the cause of distress is unclear, a thorough inspection is necessary.
– Discolored leaves: Yellowing or discoloration can result from watering, temperature, or light issues.
– Holes in leaves: Often caused by falls, pests, or nibbling animals.
– Pests: Look for pests like mealybugs or spider mites under leaves or in crevices.
– Drooping stems: Usually a result of watering problems like overwatering or underwatering.
Step 2: Prune Damaged Parts
To promote healing and prevent disease, trim damaged stems with a clean, straight cut at the nearest leaf node using a sterilized knife. Remove wilted, discolored, or pest-infested leaves as well. If you plan to propagate, let the cuttings callous over before planting.
Step 3: Pest Treatment
If pests are present, use an organic soap or neem oil spray to treat your succulents.
By following these steps, you can help your succulent recover and potentially grow new plants from the damaged parts.
In the evening, under low light conditions, make sure to thoroughly treat both the upper and lower surfaces of each leaf, reapplying the treatment every seven to 10 days until all signs of pests are eradicated.
Step 4: Repotting as Necessary
Succulents that are unwieldy or top-heavy, as well as plants suffering from root rot, excessively moist soil, or extensive pest infestations, may require repotting. Opt for a pot with adequate drainage holes that is appropriately sized for your plant. Repot using a succulent or cactus potting mix enriched with perlite, sand, or bark for efficient drainage.
Related: The 5 Top Soil Choices for Succulents
Tips:
– For top-heavy succulents, opt for a sturdy pot and consider pruning or staking your plant to prevent future stem breakage.
Step 5: Allowing Plant Recovery
After pruning damaged foliage and stems, repotting, and treating for pests if necessary, continue caring for your damaged succulent as usual. Trimmed succulent stems should heal within a few days and eventually sprout new growth, provided your plant receives the necessary light, water, and maintenance.
Step 6: Propagating Broken Stems and Leaves
Broken stems and healthy leaves removed from damaged succulents can often be propagated to establish new plants. Propagation may also be the sole means of salvaging severely damaged succulents and plants afflicted with extensive root rot. Allow leaf and stem cuttings to dry out for a few days before propagating your succulents in soil or water.
Dean Schoeppner
Preventing Succulent Damage
While damaged succulents are often salvageable, it is preferable to avoid damage altogether. From watering mishaps to accidental falls, here are some common causes of succulent damage and strategies for prevention:
– Placing succulents on stable shelves or in low-traffic areas reduces the risk of toppling and breakage.
– Addressing watering needs appropriately, as underwatering and overwatering can both result in leaf drop and weakened plants.
– Ensuring adequate light exposure to foster strong stems and prevent stretching that may lead to breakage.
– Choosing well-draining, appropriately sized pots to prevent toppling and ensure proper plant stability.
– Administering fertilizer sparingly, as over-fertilizing can harm succulents and lead to breakage.
– Conducting thorough inspections of new plants to prevent pest issues, and consider quarantining new additions before introducing them to your existing collection.
Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.
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