Why Is My Succulents Falling Over?

Seeing your beloved succulent bending over like it's doing yoga can be a bit of a mystery. You might wonder, "Why is my succulent falling over?" Don't worry, you're not alone in this. Succulents are pretty hardy, but they can sometimes "flop" for a variety of reasons, and understanding these can help you keep your plant babies upright and thriving.

In this article, we'll dig into the common reasons why succulents might be falling over, from watering mishaps to lighting issues, and offer some practical tips to get them standing tall again. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, you'll find some helpful insights to keep your succulents happy and healthy.

Overwatering: The Dreaded Drench

One of the most common reasons succulents fall over is overwatering. These plants are designed to survive in arid environments, storing water in their leaves. So, when you give them too much water, it can actually cause their roots to rot, and their stems may become weak and unstable.

Here’s how to tell if overwatering is the culprit:

• Soft, mushy leaves
• Discolored leaves, often turning yellow or translucent
• Foul smell from the soil, indicating root rot

To rescue a succulent suffering from overwatering, you should:

1. Stop watering immediately. Let the soil dry out completely before considering the next watering session.
2. Check the roots. If you notice any mushy or black roots, trim them away with sterilized scissors.
3. Repot the plant in fresh, dry succulent soil, if necessary. Make sure the pot has good drainage.

Remember, succulents prefer to dry out between waterings. When in doubt, it's better to under-water than overdo it.

Underwatering: The Other Extreme

While succulents are drought-tolerant, they still need some water to thrive. Underwatering can cause them to lose their plumpness, and they might lean or fall over as they search for more stability and nutrients.

Signs of underwatering include:

• Wrinkled or shriveled leaves
• Brittle leaves that may fall off easily
• A dry, dusty soil surface

To fix this issue, water your succulent thoroughly, allowing water to run through the drainage holes. Ensure the soil is evenly moist, but don’t let it sit in water. Adjust your watering schedule based on your climate and the plant’s needs, typically watering every 1-2 weeks.

Lack of Light: Reaching for the Sun

Succulents love the sun, and without adequate light, they might start stretching out or leaning over. This phenomenon, known as etiolation, occurs when a succulent tries to reach towards the light source, growing taller and weaker in the process.

You’ll notice:

• Long, leggy stems
• Widely spaced leaves
• A noticeable lean towards the light

To give your succulent the light it craves, try these tips:

1. Move it to a brighter location, ideally near a south-facing window.
2. Rotate your plant regularly so all sides receive equal sunlight.
3. Consider supplemental lighting with a grow light if natural light is limited.

Providing 6-8 hours of light a day can usually help prevent etiolation and keep your succulents compact and upright.

Poor Soil: The Unwelcome Anchor

Succulents need well-draining soil to thrive. If the soil is too dense or retains too much moisture, it can lead to root problems and instability, causing the plant to fall over.

Consider these tips for better soil management:

• Use a succulent or cactus mix that's designed to drain quickly.
• Add perlite or pumice to regular potting soil to improve drainage.
• Avoid heavy, clay-based soils that hold onto moisture.

A well-draining soil helps prevent root rot and gives your succulent a stable base to grow from.

Pest Problems: Unwanted Guests

While succulents are generally resistant to pests, they’re not immune. Some pests can cause your succulent to become weak and fall over as they suck the life out of your plant.

Common pests include:

• Mealybugs
• Aphids
• Spider mites

If you suspect pests, try these remedies:

1. Inspect your plant closely, especially under the leaves.
2. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove pests.
3. Consider insecticidal soap or neem oil for larger infestations.

Regularly checking your plants can help catch any pest problems early, preventing them from causing significant damage.

Improper Pot Size: The Sinking Feeling

If your pot is too big for your succulent, it might hold too much soil and moisture, leading to overwatering and instability. Conversely, a pot that's too small can cause the roots to become cramped and the plant top-heavy.

Here’s how to choose the right pot:

• Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water logging.
• Choose a pot that's slightly larger than the root ball, allowing room for growth without excess soil.
• Opt for materials like terra cotta, which naturally wick away moisture.

Finding the right pot size can provide balance and stability, helping your succulent stand tall.

Temperature Fluctuations: The Stress Factor

Succulents are quite sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. Extreme cold or heat can stress the plant, leading to drooping or falling over as they try to cope with the stress.

To protect your succulents from temperature stress:

• Keep them in a stable environment, away from drafts or heat vents.
• During colder months, ensure they’re not too close to windows where they might feel the chill.
• In the summer, avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves.

Maintaining a consistent temperature can help prevent stress and keep your plants healthy.

Root Bound: The Tightly Packed Problem

As succulents grow, their roots can become crowded in the pot, leading to a root-bound plant. This can make it difficult for the succulent to absorb nutrients and water, causing it to become unstable and potentially fall over.

Signs of being root-bound include:

• Roots growing out of the drainage holes
• Soil drying out quickly after watering
• Visible roots on the soil surface

To solve this issue, you might need to repot your succulent:

1. Gently remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots.
2. Trim any tangled or dead roots with sterilized scissors.
3. Repot into a slightly larger container with fresh soil.

Giving your succulent more room to grow can help it regain stability and health.

Final Thoughts

Succulents falling over can be a sign of various issues, from overwatering to poor lighting. By understanding and addressing these potential problems, you can help your succulents stand tall and thrive.

At Cafe Planta, we're here to support your plant journey. Whether you're looking for new plants or need advice on care, we're happy to help. Feel free to email us or reach out on Instagram. We believe in the power of plants to bring joy and connection. Let's grow together!