Can Succulents Die From Too Much Rain?

The main identifying characteristic of succulent plants is their thick water-filled leaves. These drought-resistant plants love dry, warm weather with lots of sunshine. But can they die from too much rainfall? We've researched how long periods of rain may affect succulents, and in this post, we will answer this question for you.

Whether or not a succulent dies from too much rain will depend on the current health of the succulent, and more importantly, the amount of rainfall and the length of time in which it endures it. So say, there are cases where a succulent can die from too much rain. However, this will typically be a result of the succulent not having enough drainage capability. If you expect long periods of heavy rain, it may best to bring your succulents indoors.

Succulents can store an impressive amount of water in their leaves. However, this doesn't mean that they can't become overwatered. Succulents exposed to too much water can suffer from high stress, and in some cases, die. Continue to reading to learn more about certain scenarios that may affect whether or not a succulent can survive too much rain.

Collection of succulents in stylish ceramic pots on the wooden table. Can Succulents Die From Too Much Rain

Succulents and Heavy Rains

One big rainstorm shouldn't hurt your succulent plants, as long as they have adequate drainage holes in their pots. However, if the rain continues for several days on end and the pots cannot drain the water fast enough, it could create fungal issues such as root rot. If you expect long periods of heavy rain, it's typically best to bring the plants indoors until it passes. Or, at the very least, make sure that the pots are adequately draining.

beautiful green succulents plants in pots on grey. Can Succulents Die From Too Much Rain

Also, if you prefer to keep them outside, it can be helpful to add fast-draining media so that they can fend for themselves during exposure to long periods of rain. For example, you can add rocks to the top of the soil to help reduce the amount of evaporation on the soil, or you can add additional drainage holes to the current pot if it's made of metal or plastic.

Find plant rocks on Amazon.

You may also want to consider the temperature during long periods of rain. The succulents are more likely to fare better if the temperatures are warm, ideally 72 degrees or above. When it's warm, they can typically dry out during the day, especially if there is sunshine. When the temperatures are on the colder side, such as below 70 degrees or in the 50s, this can cause them to become stressed.

If your plants have experienced a few days of heavy rain, it's best to dry them out as soon as possible. You'll also want to check the soil as you do this to make sure that they're getting a bit drier by the day. It's best to let the plants dry out completely before the next watering so that they have time to recover.

Should I bring my succulents inside when it rains?

It doesn't hurt to err on the side of caution by bringing your succulents in when you expect rainfall. However, it's not necessarily a requirement. If the weather outside is on the colder side during the rain, it can definitely help to prevent these succulents from being exposed to a cold environment while they're wet. However, if there is sunshine at some point and the plants have adequate drainage, they may dry out enough to where they're not affected by the rain.

Can too much water kill a succulent?

Too much water can be bad for any living plant or animal, and succulents are no different. The biggest issue with too much water is that the succulent roots may develop root rot, a serious fungal issue that can quickly cause the plant to dive into a state of stress and eventually die.

Helping your succulents recover from root rot can be challenging, depending on the extent of the infestation and the age of the plant. This is why over-watering a succulent is the most common issue you're likely to deal with regarding maintenance.

What does an overwatered succulent look like?

beautiful various green succulents in pots on yellow

There are a few different signs that your succulent may be overwatered. Let's take a look at the most common ones.

The leaves are turning yellow or brown

Typically, a succulent's leaves will give you the clearest tell-tale signs that water issues should be addressed. While the leaves may usually have a dark or light green and hue, a plant suffering from hydration issues may have leaves that appear yellow or brown.

The leaves are bursting, mushy, flimsy

The leaves of a succulent are usually hard, plump, and filled with water. If you notice that the leaves of your plant are starting to appear limp, chances are that it's overwatered. Also, if you notice any leaves beginning to burst, become engorged, or feel mushy to the touch, you've likely overwatered the plant and may need to let it dry before providing more hydration.

There is a foul odor coming from the plant pot

If you notice that your plant's pot is starting to emit a stale or pungent odor, chances are that there is a fungal infection in the soil and roots of the plant. This infection typically spreads to the rest of the point if it is not treated immediately. You may also notice the smell before you notice any physical changes with the plant.

What does succulent root rot look like?

Sometimes, the signs of root rot can be hard to detect initially. Here are a few things to look for.

Enlarged mushy roots

If you closely inspect the root of your succulents and notice that the roots appear large, dark brown, or filled with water, chances are that the plant has a fungal infection, and it's likely root rot. You may also notice that the roots are starting to develop black or brown spots on them. Healthy roots are usually yellowish-white or white in color and feel firm to the touch.

Browning on the base of the plant

If root rot isn't addressed immediately, it will make its way to the branches and leaves of the succulent. If you notice the base of the plant starting to turn yellow or brown, chances are that this is root rot working its way of the plant. However, the plant may still be viable if you take the right steps to get rid of the infection and cut off any dead leaves and stems.

How do you revive a dying succulent?

The best method to revitalize a dying succulent is to determine the causes for the plants failing health and to remove them. Next, you'll need to give the succulent a mountain of TLC. Here are steps that you can take to revitalize your dying succulent from three of the most common growing issues.

Over-watering

If you've overwatered your plant and notice that the leaves are becoming engorged, the first thing that you'll want to do is to stop watering the plant immediately. It's best to let the plant dry out for anywhere from seven days to two or more weeks, depending on determining the hydration level of the soil.

If the plant has developed root rot, you'll want to replace the soil with new healthy fresh soil. You'll also want to ensure that the adequate drainage holes in the pot are adequate.

Sunburn

It's common for succulents to experience sunburn if they're placed in direct sunlight. They prefer partial sunlight on a daily basis and can become scorched when exposed to long periods of direct sunlight. The best way to revive the plant, in this case, is to cut off any scorched leaves or limbs and move the succulent to a location away from the sun. Next, you'll simply need to wait for the plant to revive itself. Removing the dead leaves will help the plant to stimulate new growth of new leaves and restore itself.

Underwatering

It's common for growers to assume that succulents, being drought-resistant, don't require water at all. This is not the case. Though they typically require less water than other indoor plants, they do require some watering to help their molecular processes. The easiest way to bring back an underwatered succulent is to simply water the plant.

Keep in mind that you don't want to go overboard, however. Watering the plant once every week or two should suffice. You'll also want to continuously check the soil to monitor its hydration levels during this time.

Check out this watering pot on Amazon.

Wrapping Things Up

A lot of pots with cacti and succulents on the windowsill. Can Succulents Die From Too Much Rain

For the most part, succulent plants can stand up fairly well to most environmental conditions. However, if you believe that your succulent is being exposed to too much rain, be sure that the soil is well-draining or bring the succulent inside to prevent it from coming overwatered.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:

11 Gorgeous Succulents That Grow Tall

Can An Areca Palm Grow Indoors?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *