Echeveria plants are popular succulents because of their symmetrical rosette shape and variety of colors. These plants comprise a large genus of flowering plants in the Crassulaceae family. They are native to the semi-desert areas of Central America and are considered low-maintenance plants. However, like most succulents, these dainty plants can be prone to overwatering.
What does an overwatered echeveria look like?
The common signs of an overwatered echeveria include the following:
- The leaves feel soft and mushy.
- The color of the leaves is lighter than those of a healthy plant, and may even turn translucent.
- The leaves drop at the slightest touch, and the bottom ones are affected first.
- The plants have an overall sickly appearance.
- The leaves are turning black, especially those at the base of the plant.
- The stems are black or brown and mushy.
- Root, leaf and stem rot may set in.
The leaves become discolored and squishy because they are taking up extra water and storing it in their cells. This may cause discoloration and, as they begin to rot, they feel squishy. Discolored leaves may eventually turn black as they rot from the inside; this may also be due to a fungal disease caused by the excess water.
How to save an overwatered echeveria
To save your overwatered echeveria plants, you will probably have to uproot them and remove the wet soil from around the roots. Allow the plants to dry out completely for at least three days, or up to a week. Place them in a bright and dry area, but make sure it is away from direct sunlight to avoid sunburn. Check for signs of root rot and, if it is present, remove the rotten roots.
Once the plants are dry, replant them in a well-draining potting mix and do not water for at least a week. Before watering, check the top inch of the soil. If it feels dry, you can water again, but if the soil is still wet, refrain from watering for another few days.
Types of rot
Leaf rot
The leaves take up too much water and become infected with fungus, resulting in leaf rot.
How to fix it:
Remove the rotten leaves at once. If there are healthy leaves, place them directly onto the soil after their bases have callused over, in a fresh container with fresh soil mix, and spray lightly with water so that the topsoil becomes wet. Roots will emerge from the leaf base after a few weeks, then tiny growth will appear, and you will have new plants from the mother plant.
Stem rot
The stems develop black spots or coloration from within.
How to fix it:
The rotting part can be separated from the plant if the stem rot has not become severe. Cut off the rotting part of the stem and check for any rot inside the stem. If present, remove or cut away that part completely. Leave the echeveria out for two to three days so that the cut can callus over.
Once the stem has become callused, plant the echeveria in a well-draining soil mix and only water if the soil is really dry. To accelerate root growth, use a rooting hormone. Within a few weeks, roots will start to develop from the cut area.
Root rot
Roots become damaged due to overwatering, often resulting in root loss.
How to fix it:
Take the roots out of the pot or container and squeeze out any excess water or moisture. Leave the plant out of the container and allow it to dry out for at least two days. Once the soil dries up, the root rot should not develop further.
If the damage and root rot are severe, remove the plant, remove the wet soil and cut away the rotted roots. Dispose of the used soil as it may contain fungus that could spread disease. Allow the plants to dry out for a few days before potting them again in fresh soil.
Conclusion
Echeveria plants are popular, low-maintenance succulents loved for their unique shape and variety of colors. They are famous as indoor decor for homes and offices, but are also ideal for outdoor gardens. These plants are prone to overwatering, and common symptoms are mushy leaves with a sick appearance that drop at the slightest touch. Root, stem and leaf rot may also develop. If the problem is addressed promptly, an overwatered echeveria may still be saved.
Image: istockphoto.com / Gingagi