We all cope with stress in different ways. Some find release through gardening, exercise, or even plant shopping. Just as we’re able to deal with stress, succulents also have mechanisms that help them adjust to the world around them. Although they can’t just walk away from a difficult situation, they find ways to adapt and acclimate.
When a succulent receives a lot of sunlight, one of the most common signs of stress is the change of color in the leaves. Bright reds and pinks often bring out a stunning new look for certain succulents which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Succulents love the sun, and even though the leaves may be changing color, this is normal and completely healthy.
Other signs of stress aren’t as desirable. For example, etiolation in the stems of a succulent usually occurs from a lack sunlight, causing it to lose color and stretch or reach for more sun. This makes it look long and abnormal which is typically not what people like to see. Gradually giving it more sun should help, but be careful not to place directly in full sun before it is acclimated. Sometimes beheading the succulent and starting the rooting process all over again may be the best option moving forward. Four to six hours of sunlight is usually preferred.
The worst-case scenario for a succulent is root rot, which is mainly caused by overwatering or poor drainage. The leaves may fall off the stem, either by itself or at the touch. They may also look translucent, but a strong indicator of root rot is the blackening of the stem and/or leaves. In some cases it can be saved if caught in time by simply cutting the top of the succulent as low as possible to remove the infected part of the plant.
Here are a few things to consider as a general rule for any succulent that isn’t looking the greatest.
Was it just moved from a shady location to more direct sunlight?
How often is it being watered?
Is it dormant? (Aloes are dormant in summer)
Is it growing in a container that is too small for the plant? (Rootbound)
Does the soil drain easily? Is it waterlogged?
Under the right conditions, succulents can be very easy to maintain and care for. Some varieties may be finicky, (I’m looking at you, Echeveria Compton Carousel!) but for the most part, succulents can survive a lot of neglect and stress. Always take note of what’s working and what isn’t, because what works for someone in the desert may not be the same for someone who lives in Florida with a lot of humidity or rainfall. Keep an eye out for any signs of succulent stress, as they could be trying to reach out for help.
For more tips on growing succulents, visit my succulent care page.
