What to do if overwatered succulents
Today, I'll explain to netizens how to remedy overwatered succulents and share some gardening knowledge about solving the problem of excessive watering in succulents. Let's follow the editor to see the specific details!
Succulent enthusiasts know that succulents are plants that prefer dry conditions and plenty of sunlight. They are most afraid of humid and poorly ventilated environments. However, sometimes, succulent enthusiasts accidentally overwater their plants, leading to overly moist potting soil. What should you do in such a situation? Below, I will share three solutions for overwatered succulents with my friends.
I. If the overwatering is not severe, here's how to fix it
If succulent enthusiasts overwater their plants slightly but not too severely, just a bit more than necessary, and it's a bit difficult for the water to evaporate, they can place the succulents in a warm, well-ventilated area to allow the water to evaporate quickly. It's spring now, and if the climate is relatively dry in some areas, succulent enthusiasts can directly place the plants outdoors for exposure, allowing them to receive ample sunlight and ventilation. This way, the water in the potting soil will evaporate quickly, not affecting the growth of the plants and preventing phenomena such as leggy growth and root rot.
II. Allowing water to evaporate by loosening the soil
Most succulent enthusiasts place stones on top of the potting soil and have a mixture of particle soil, peat soil, or nutrient-rich soil underneath. When overwatered, they can remove the stones and use toothpicks to make holes in the mixed soil beneath. This means piercing the soil with toothpicks to create air holes, allowing the water to evaporate through these holes. This method also easily evaporates excess water in the potting soil without causing root rot or other issues.
III. Changing the pot and soil in severe cases of waterlogging
Sometimes, when succulents are watered too much, the first two methods may not effectively remove the excess water, especially in humid areas where evaporation is slow. Even if the temperature is high, the high humidity in these areas keeps the soil moist, which can easily lead to root rot, black rot, and other problems.
What to do if overwatered succulents
If succulent enthusiasts in humid areas encounter overwatering, I recommend removing all the original soil from the plants, allowing the roots to dry, and then repotting them in relatively dry soil. When preparing soil for succulents in humid areas, it's essential to add more particles, which should make up about 70% of the potting soil. If there are fewer particles, the soil in humid areas can still easily become waterlogged after watering.
Although there are ways to save overwatered succulents, excessive watering can not only cause black rot, waterlogging, and root rot but sometimes also has little effect on the growth of succulents. Overwatered succulents may grow rapidly, becoming leggy and green, losing their original color and state. Therefore, succulent enthusiasts should determine watering based on climatic conditions.
In dry spring weather, it's okay to water the plants thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. In humid and hot summers, many succulents need to be watered less frequently. The care methods in autumn are similar to those in spring, and in humid areas, watering should be controlled. In winter, in areas with indoor heating in the north, it's normal to water succulents but ensure proper ventilation. For succulent enthusiasts in areas with no heating and low temperatures, watering should also be controlled to prevent waterlogging and root rot in low temperatures.
The above is an explanation of how to remedy overwatered succulents and how to solve the problem of excessive watering. I hope it brings a bit of help to your life!