How to Revive a Succulent So It's Healthy and Thriving Again

Although succulents are known for being incredibly low maintenance, they still need proper growing conditions in order to thrive. If you've noticed that the leaves of your succulent have started to wilt or change color, it's likely that its care needs are not being met or it has a pest infestation. Luckily, it is relatively easy to revive a succulent, even one that's suffering from underwatering or overwatering, insects, or leaf burn.

Signs Your Succulent Needs to Be Revived

There are a few telltale signs that your succulent may need help, but these symptoms can vary depending on the type of succulent you have and the reason it’s stressed. "In general, your succulent probably won’t look as healthy and may have dead or dying leaves, stunted growth, or other unattractive features," says Justin Hancock, horticulturist at Costa Farms.

How to Revive a Succulent From Overwatering

Overwatering is one of the most common problems that succulents face, says Andrew Bunting, vice president of Horticulture for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. "A sign that a succulent has been overwatered is that the leaves turn a brown or gray color and are mushy to the touch. Leaves may also start falling off," he says.

To revive a succulent from overwatering, start by gently slipping the succulent out of the pot and look at the roots to assess the damage. "If the majority of the roots look white and healthy, then the revival process may be as simple as waiting to water until it needs it," says Hancock.

If you see some dead, brown, or mushy roots, treat the plant with a fungicide labeled for use on succulents to help prevent the spread. Place your succulent in an area with a lot of bright light to help it recover. "The more light it gets, the more energy it will have to revive," says Hancock.

How to Revive a Succulent From Underwatering

A succulent that hasn't been given enough water will likely have leaves or stems that look shriveled and dull. "If the soil is completely dried out, slowly add water to help it absorb it," says Hancock. "Many cacti and succulent soils are considered hydrophobic, meaning when they dry out, they more easily repel water than absorb it." Gradually adding moisture will allow it to soak in rather than run off.

How to Revive a Succulent From Leaf Burn

If your succulent is suffering from leaf burn, you’ll see bleached or discolored patches on the leaves. The leaves won't heal, so you can snip them off with clean, sharp scissors, but leaving them be doesn't have any negative effects on your succulent, says Hancock. To prevent this issue and avoid future leaf burn, move your plant to a part of the house where it will still get ample amounts of light but is not in direct sunlight, says Bunting.

How to Revive a Succulent Dying From Pests

If your succulent has an insect infestation, it's important to first identify what type of pest is impacting your plant. "Common insect infestations include scale, mealybugs, white fly, aphids, and spider mites," says Hancock. "Once the insects have been identified, it is important to isolate your plants so that they don’t impact other plants."

How you revive a succulent dying from pests varies depending on the type of insect, but generally, insecticidal soap is the best solution. "When spraying insecticidal soap, it is important that all the insects get covered in the spray," says Hancock. Continue the treatment on a weekly basis (or as recommended on the product packaging) for four to six weeks to ensure you’ve eradicated all generations of pests, says Bunting.

Tips for Keeping Succulents Healthy

The best way to keep your succulents healthy is to give them ideal growing conditions. "The healthier a plant is to start, the better it will hold up to stressors, such as over and underwatering, and the more resistant it will be to pests," says Hancock.

Water

Succulents need the right amount of water to thrive. "Too little water will create issues and too much water can be very detrimental to the vigor of succulents," says Bunting. If you’re not sure about when to water, try using a toothpick. "Insert a wooden toothpick or chopstick into the soil, leave it in for a few minutes, then pull it out," says Hancock. "If the toothpick is clean, your succulent probably needs water. If it comes out with some potting mix sticking to it, there’s usually enough moisture present."

Soil

Succulents don't like having wet feet, so they must have well-drained soil and a mix that is specific to the succulent being grown. Using the right soil is important for both water retention and drainage, says Bunting.

Sunlight

Like water, succulents need just the right amount of sunlight in order to stay healthy. Too much and you risk burning the leaves; too little and growth can be stunted. Generally, succulents like a lot of bright, indirect light.

Fertilizer

If you’ve had your succulent for more than a year and haven’t fertilized it, fertilizing it in spring and/or summer can help keep it healthy, says Hancock. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for recommended application rates.