In the hot summer, succulents face the challenges of strong sunlight and occasional heavy rain. If you don't pay attention during the maintenance process, frequent watering or exposing the plants to a humid environment can easily lead to rot. I will help you identify the signs of succulent rot so that you can rescue them when you have the chance.
Succulents Rotting Sign 01: Soft and mush leaves
The most obvious symptom of succulent rot is that the leaves lose their elasticity and become mushy. When you gently press the leaves of succulents, you can clearly feel the mushy and deformation. This is because the roots of rotten succulents cannot absorb water normally, but the succulents cannot maintain normal water balance.
Succulents Rotting Sign 02: Black, mushy stem or roots
Suppose the stems and roots of succulents have become mushy and black, often accompanied by a foul smell. In that case, this means that the internal tissues of the succulents have begun to decompose, which is a direct manifestation of succulent rot.
Succulents Rotting Sign 03: Unusual aerial roots
The growth of aerial roots in succulents indicates that there is a problem with the roots. In most cases, the aerial roots of succulents are used for breathing, but a small part of the reason is that the soil is too dry and the aerial roots absorb water from the air and the roots shrink. You can easily judge which situation it is by the environment and soil of the succulents.
If the environment where the roots of succulents are located is closed and airtight, it will cause air obstruction at the roots. So succulents will grow aerial roots to help plants absorb fresh air. However, the aerial roots of succulents cannot completely solve the breathing problem of the roots. If the succulents are not treated in time, the succulents will gradually begin to rot.
You can transplant succulents into well-drained soil and put them in a ventilated environment to relieve the pressure of succulents.
How To Fix Succulents Rotting
1. Check the succulents
First, you need to check the rotting of the succulents. First, you need to take the succulents out of the soil to check whether the roots are rotten.
2. Clean the rotten part of the succulents
Then, use a sterilized knife to clean the rotten succulent tissue.
3. Dry the wound
If the cleaned succulents are planted directly in the soil, it may cause infection. So we need to put the succulents in a cool and ventilated place. This process usually takes 2-3 days. Applying cinnamon or honey on the wound can prevent bacteria well.
4. Planting
Then, plant the succulents in a soil and pot of suitable size and good drainage. The soil needs to be dry.
5. Maintenance before and after rooting
Before rooting, the soil of the succulents can be kept dry or slightly moist to induce rooting, but not in a humid and closed space. So, succulents can be placed in a bright, indirect light, and ventilated environment, and the surface of the succulents can be sprayed with water every three days.
It takes about 3-4 weeks for the succulents to adapt to the new pots and soil and take root. You can judge whether it has taken root by gently pulling the succulents to see if there is resistance. Succulent rooting means that your rescue is successful, and then you can maintain the succulents normally and gradually increase the light time.
When caring for succulents, pay special attention to maintaining air circulation. Water only when the soil of the succulents is dry. After watering, check and clean the accumulated water in the pots and trays in time.
Conclusion
Summer care for succulents requires special attention to avoid rot. By identifying signs of rot and taking appropriate treatment measures, you can effectively protect your plants and ensure the healthy growth of succulents. I hope this blog can provide you with practical references to help you care for succulents in the hot summer.
