Do Succulents Grow Back After They Die

Succulents have a reputation as rebel plants. They adapt and change and are used to doing what it takes to survive in harsh conditions. Because of this, they are so sensitive that they may start to die if you take care of them too much. Do succulents grow back after they die?

Yes, succulents do grow back, though it depends on what is causing them to die. It could be that they have too much water or are not exposed to enough sunlight, both of which can lead to their death. 

If you have a succulent that’s not in the best shape, there is no need to worry. Succulents are used to dealing with whatever comes their way, needing a little boost to get back on track. Continue reading for tips on caring for your succulents and nursing them back after they’ve dried out.

Can You Save a Dead Succulent?

Unlike other plants, succulents can survive in harsh conditions. When they start to shrivel, that doesn’t mean they are dead, though it might signal a need for more water and less exposure to high heat.

When you think that your succulent is dead, don’t toss it out. Instead, take steps to regrow your succulent, giving it what it needs to come back to life and start to thrive.

How to Regrow a Dead Succulent

Browning, shriveling, and yellowing are all signs of a dying succulent. When you see these, you may wonder how you can regrow your succulents, and it’s easier than you might think.

Step 1: Check Watering Habits

Most of the time, succulents start to die because of water. They are either given too much or too little, which can make them wilt or turn yellow. If you notice either, you need to check your watering habits.

Overwatered succulents may need to be repotted, at least until leaves and roots dry up. Underwatered succulents are much easier to fix, requiring just a bit of water to the soil for plants to perk back up.

Step 2: Be Aware of Temperature

Though succulents love warm temperatures and thrive in full sun, they can suffer if conditions get too dry and the sun is shining directly. Succulents can also suffer if temperatures drop too low, as they love to be in arid temperatures basking under the sun.

Because succulents need warmer conditions, you need to be aware of temperatures, ensuring that it’s not too cold or too hot. If you notice temperatures or conditions starting to get unfavorable outside, you can always bring your succulents inside to help them calm down and reset.

Step 3: Prevent Pests

Sometimes, halted growth can result from pests, which can deplete succulents of their nutrients. Some products on the market will prevent pests, though one of the most effective ways to keep them off is to inspect plants yourself.

Keep an eye out for small creepy crawlers, and if you spot them, take them off before your plants get fully infested. Only go for strong chemical products if needed, saving that as a last resort to rid your plants of pests.

Succulent Care Tips

Succulents may get the award for the plant that’s easiest to keep up with, but there are still some key things to be aware of. To keep your succulents happy and growing their best, you can do a few things.

#1. Let There Be Light

Succulents need at least 6 hours of sun exposure a day. To give your succulents their best life, it’s recommended to provide them with a ton of sun exposure, whether you keep them outdoors or in.

Keep in mind that newly planted succulents need some time to adapt, not doing so well in direct sunlight until their roots are strong. You may need to give them a bit of shade or just a few hours of sunlight a day until they grow a bit, then let them bathe in the sunshine.

#2. Water Consciously

Succulents, like many plants, are efficient when it comes to sucking up water and using it to help convert sugars to nutrients. When the sun is shining in the summer months, succulents need a lot more water, working more to get the nutrients they need.

The winter months are much slower, with succulents only needing a bit of moisture for their roots to stay healthy. Keep all of this in mind when watering, making sure you consider the temperature before doing so.

#3. Focus on the Soil

A lot of new succulent owners like to focus on the leaves. You neglect the root when doing so, leading to rot. When watering, it’s recommended to focus on the soil, making sure you leave it moist throughout.

Remember, the roots of succulents run pretty deep, so it’s best to water until you see drainage from the bottom of pots.

#4. Keep Leaves Clean

Whether you decide to keep your succulents indoors or out, you might find that leaves attract dust and dirt. Both of these can stunt your succulent’s growth, so you should keep the leaves clean.

Check your succulents often for accumulation of dirt and dust, giving them a quick clean. This will ensure that they can breathe and soak up all the sunshine and water needed to grow healthy and strong.

#5. Be Mindful of Pots

When choosing a pot to use for your succulents, make sure you choose one with a lot of drainage. If there is one thing that succulents don’t like, it’s hanging out in soils with an abundance of water.

When watering, make sure that you can see water flowing through, preventing water buildup that can lead to rot.

The Bottom Line

Though succulents can withstand it all, there are still some conditions they like to avoid. To give your succulents what they need and prevent them from shriveling up or drying out, give them a good amount of water and exposure to the sun.

Learning how to take care of your succulent is key to helping them live a long and happy life, one where they thrive and keep on growing into their beautiful and unique form.