Succulent plants are a beautiful addition to any space—there’s no denying that. When you consider the minimal amount of work necessary to care for them, though, they become an even more attractive decor option. 

By taking care of a plant, we get to feel the rewards of nurturing something to its fullest potential, and knowing that it is thriving because of our actions. In addition, having houseplants has been shown to improve overall mood, boost productivity, and help maintain focus.

Those are just a few of the many advantages to having succulents around, but the only way to obtain those benefits is by taking care of them properly. This involves watering your plants the correct amount, making sure that they get enough time in the sun, and paying attention to all facets of their health. 

It is possible that some of the leaves on your succulent may begin to lose their green luster and turn to more of a brown hue, but why is that? Well, there are a couple of possible reasons for this color change. This article will address those potential issues, and explain what can be done to fix them.

They Are Not Getting Enough Water

The first possible issue plaguing your succulent garden is that it is not receiving the full amount of water that it needs to grow and thrive. All flora need water to live, but succulents conveniently do not require as much as many of their houseplant counterparts. Much of caring for a succulent plant is in the watering and figuring out the exact amount your plant needs can be a bit complicated.

The simplified solution is that succulent gardens need to be watered every seven to 10 days. Luckily, our succulents come equipped with a plastic dropper tool to help you water your plant exactly how much it needs. Water each individual plant near its stem, using between two and four full dropper amounts. In the case of Lula’s gorgeously cultivated gardens, water from the dropper will sink through the pebbles and soil right down to the roots, where your plant needs it most.

A good rule of thumb is to only water your succulent plant when the surrounding soil is completely dry. Many people don’t know that the amount of water your succulent requires actually varies by the season, as conditions and temperatures change.

The Amount of Water Succulents Need by Season

If a succulent’s leaves are turning yellow, this is often a sign that you have gone in the opposite direction, and are now overwatering. It can take time to adjust to your new plant’s schedule, as many other plants typically require more constant watering. Lean into the convenience a succulent provides, and through research and allowing the plant to guide you, you will be a succulent expert in no time at all.

They Are Not Getting Enough Sunlight

If your garden is not getting enough sunlight, its leaves may begin turning yellow. Generally speaking, it is best to give your succulent access to sunlight for half of the day, or about six hours. This can vary because if it is overly hot, it is no longer healthy for a succulent to be in the sun. To make sure your succulent gets enough sunlight, Lula’s Garden recommends placing your garden in a spot where it receives indirect, natural light.

They Are Getting Too Much Sunlight

Conversely, one of the biggest causes of browning succulents is a form of sunburn. Just as people can experience sun damage, so can succulents. This is why we recommend putting your plant in a place where it is sure to receive all the sunlight it needs but is not receiving the rays straight-on.

During the summer or especially hot days, it’s a good practice to give your plants more shade than usual. For the most part, succulents thrive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so try to keep conditions within that range. New or baby plants can take in sun damage especially easily, so always be mindful of the sun and how it can affect your garden.

Your Plant Is Ready To Be Repotted

It is completely normal for succulents to need to be repotted after a few months of steady growth, and is a sign that you are doing an excellent job as a plant parent. Boxes from Lula’s Garden function as natural planters, so they are both beautiful and functional. 

However, after several months, your succulent may begin to grow out of its original home. Since our boxes do not come with a drainage system, this is the perfect time to repot your succulent garden into a planter that has one.

In order to successfully repot your plant, soak the garden’s pebbles in water for roughly five to 10 minutes. At this point, the pebbles should be loose and easily removable. The process of removing the plant can sometimes cause some soil to spill, so repot in a place that is easy to clean. To make sure your plant continues to grow strong, put your plant into a new pot filled with either succulent or cactus mix soil.

Dead Leaves Need to Be Removed

Over time it is natural for your succulent to accumulate some brown and dead leaves underneath the healthier, top leaves. This is nothing to be concerned about and occurs during a plant’s natural life cycle. Simply remove the dead leaves from the plant to both maintain a beautiful green aesthetic, and to allow the plant to continue to thrive.

A Healthy Plant for Years To Come

There is always a slight learning curve when it comes to taking care of a new plant, but the rewards will quickly stack up as your succulent continues to grow. If there are some missteps along the way, this is no cause for alarm. Simply take the lessons you have learned, and apply them going forward. 

By following these tips and knowing what signs to look for in your own plant, your succulent is sure to accompany you through various spaces for many years to come.

Shop your succulent garden here!

Sources:

Plants Make You Feel Better | Psychology Today

How Often Do You Water Succulents? | HGTV

Succulent Care: 5 Steps for Healthy Succulents | Garden Design