Succulents store water in their leaves and stems, allowing them to survive in arid conditions. When leaves begin to wrinkle, shrivel, or appear limp, it signals significant water-related stress. This symptom is the plant’s mechanism for conserving moisture, but it indicates a serious problem requiring immediate attention. Understanding the exact cause of this dehydration is the first step toward reviving the plant and ensuring its long-term health.
Diagnosing the Cause of Wrinkling
Wrinkling is a direct response to a lack of available water, but the underlying reason can be counterintuitive. Both underwatering and overwatering lead to the plant being unable to absorb moisture from the soil. The soil’s condition is the most reliable way to determine the correct diagnosis.
Underwatering is the most straightforward cause, resulting in thin, shriveled leaves and bone-dry soil. The plant has depleted its water reserves, and the roots are intact but inactive due to the lack of moisture. In this scenario, the soil often pulls away from the edges of the pot.
Wrinkling can also signal root rot, caused by overwatering. When the soil remains damp for too long, the roots decay, turning black and mushy. These damaged roots can no longer take up water, causing the plant to exhibit symptoms of dehydration, such as limp, wrinkled, or yellowing leaves. If the soil is wet or persistently damp, root rot is the likely diagnosis.
Immediate Steps for Dehydration Recovery
If the succulent is simply underwatered, the immediate goal is to fully rehydrate the entire root ball. The most effective way to accomplish this is through the “bottom watering” or “soak and dry” method. This involves placing the pot into a container of water so that moisture is wicked up through the drainage holes.
Allow the pot to soak until the top layer of soil becomes visibly moist, ensuring the soil is completely saturated. Once soaked, remove the pot and allow all excess water to drain completely. This guarantees the entire root system is thoroughly soaked.
The plant should be allowed to dry out completely before the next watering. Signs of recovery should appear quickly; within 24 to 48 hours, the leaves should begin to plump up, firm, and smooth out. If the plant remains shriveled after a few days, a second thorough soaking may be needed to fully reverse the dehydration.
Addressing Root Rot and Overwatering Damage
If the diagnosis points to root rot, a physical intervention is required to save the plant. First, carefully unpot the succulent and gently remove as much of the old, wet soil from the root ball as possible. Healthy roots are firm, white, or tan, while rotten roots are dark brown or black, soft, and mushy, often emitting a foul odor.
Using clean, sterilized shears, cut away all rotten material from the roots and stem. Cut slightly above the visible rot to ensure all damaged tissue is removed. If the rot has spread into the stem, the entire rotted section must be cut away until only clean, healthy tissue remains.
After pruning, the succulent must be left unpotted in a dry, well-ventilated area for several days to allow the cut surfaces to “callous.” This process forms a protective layer over the wounds, preventing new infections once it is replanted. The plant can then be repotted into fresh, dry, well-draining soil, and should not be watered for at least a week to encourage new root growth.
Long-Term Environmental Adjustments
Preventing future wrinkling requires optimizing the plant’s growing environment to mimic its natural, arid habitat. The potting medium must be fast-draining, as standard potting soil retains too much moisture. It should be amended with inorganic material like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand.
A common and effective mix is a 1:1 ratio of standard potting soil to a gritty amendment. This increases aeration and allows water to flow through quickly, ensuring roots remain dry between waterings. Furthermore, the pot must have a drainage hole, as standing water is the primary cause of root failure.
Adequate light also encourages healthy growth and efficient water usage. Most succulents thrive with at least six hours of bright, indirect light daily, which helps dry the soil faster after watering. Adjusting the soil and light conditions minimizes the risk of both underwatering and root rot.