7 Reasons Your Succulents are Turning Yellow: Unlock the Secret Fixes
Have you ever looked at your succulents and noticed they were turning yellow? 😟 It’s a common problem, and it might be leaving you worried about what you’re doing wrong.
Don’t worry, I’m here to help you find out why and how to fix it.
I love succulents just as much as the next plant parent, and I know how important it is to keep them healthy and green. Yellow leaves can be a sign of something going wrong, but understanding the reasons can make all the difference.
Share your own experiences and tips in the comments! 🌵✨

Please note: Simplify Plants is reader-supported. Some links in the post are affiliate links and I get a commission from purchases made through links in the post.
1) Overwatering
Oh no! Have you caught yourself watering your succulents more often than you water your house plants? 🌵 If your succulents are turning yellow, it might be because they’re getting too much love from the watering can.
Succulents don’t need that much water. They store water in their leaves, so overwatering can actually make them unhappy.
Think of succulents like camels. They don’t need a lot to keep going!
When I first got my succulents, I thought they needed water every day. Silly me! I quickly learned that too much water makes them look sad and yellow.
Make sure to water them only when the soil feels dry. A simple touch test can save your succulents’ lives!
Do you keep checking on your precious green buddies? If they look yellow, feel their leaves. Are they squishy? That’s a red flag 🚩 for too much water. Try waiting longer between each watering session.
Have any of you faced this problem before? What did you do to fix it? I’d love to hear your suggestions or stories in the comments! Let’s make sure our succulents stay healthy and green. 🌿
2) Lack of Sunlight
I’ve noticed that my succulents sometimes turn yellow when they don’t get enough sunlight. 🌞 It’s like us feeling sluggish on a rainy day, right?
Succulents thrive in bright light and need it to stay green and vibrant.
If your plants are inside, try placing them near a sunny window. I found that south or east-facing windows work best for my little green friends. 🪴
If sunlight’s a rare guest in your home, you might think about getting a grow light.
Have you ever moved your plants outside during the warmer months? I did, and they loved it! Just be careful at first. Getting too much sun too fast can cause a sunburn, even for succulents. 🌿
I love seeing my plants perk up after getting some good rays. Do you have any tricks to help your succulents? Share them in the comments! Let’s keep our plants happy and healthy together. 😊
3) Poor Drainage

Oh no! Are your succulents turning yellow? 🌵 One reason might be poor drainage. When water can’t escape the pot easily, it stays in the soil, making it soggy. This can cause the roots to rot.
I once had a succulent that seemed super thirsty. I kept giving it water, but it just got yellower. Turns out, I was drowning it. Does that sound familiar?
If you’re keeping your plant in a pot without drainage holes, consider switching it up. Even a cute mug needs a way to let water out! 💧
Try using pots with holes and adding a layer of stones at the bottom. This helps water escape and keeps your plant happy. Also, choose cactus or succulent soil. It’s designed for drainage.
Have you faced a similar issue with poor drainage? Comment below with your succulent stories or tips! 😊 Let’s help each other keep our plants green and healthy!
4) Pest Infestation
Uh-oh! 🤯 Your succulent might be facing an invasion! If those lovely green leaves are turning yellow, pests could be the culprits. I remember the first time I spotted tiny bugs on my succulents. It was a total shocker!
The most common pests are mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. These critters love making a home on your plants.
Have you ever noticed small, white cotton-like spots? Those might be pesky mealybugs inviting their friends to a feast!
I found that if you gently inspect the leaves and soil, you’ll often see these sneaky bugs. It’s like they’re playing hide and seek! Trust me, a magnifying glass can be super handy here.
Got a pest problem? Let me share a tip: spraying a mild soapy water solution on your plant. It helps send these uninvited guests packing.
Another option? You could try neem oil. It’s a bit smelly, but effective!
Have you had a showdown with pests? What did you use? Let’s swap stories and tips in the comments below! 🌱💪 Ever tried coaxing them out with a gentle talk? Just kidding—but I’d love to hear your creative solutions! Let’s keep our succulents happy and healthy together.
What’s your go-to pest-control method? Share your thoughts! 😄
5) Incorrect Soil

When my succulents started turning yellow, you wouldn’t believe how puzzled I was. 🌵😅 Then, it hit me—it was the soil! Using the wrong kind of soil can mess up the plant’s health big time.
Succulents like soil that drains really well. If the soil holds too much water, the poor plants just can’t cope. Think about planting succulents in regular garden soil; not the best idea, right? You need a mix that’s sandy or gritty so water doesn’t stick around.
I got this great cactus mix from the garden store and it made such a difference!
Have you checked if your soil is holding too much water? Even a quick poke with your finger can tell you a lot.
Have you ever changed your succulent soil? Maybe you found it too packed down? Sometimes, over time, soil becomes compacted and doesn’t allow for proper drainage.
Experimenting with different soil types can be a game-changer. 💡 Trust me, when the right soil meets a happy succulent, it’s a love story in the making! ❤️ Do you use any special tricks for your plants? Let me know in the comments! 🚀✨
6) Temperature Stress
I’ve found that temperature stress can really mess with succulents. They’re quite finicky about their environment. Too hot or too cold, and they start to show it by turning yellow. If your home feels like an oven or a freezer, your succulents might not like it either.
Think about where you place your succulents. Are they right in front of the A/C unit or near a drafty window? These conditions can put a lot of stress on them. 💨
Try moving them to a spot where the temperature is more stable.
When the seasons change, remember to adjust their location. Succulents appreciate a cozy spot with a mild climate—kind of like the Goldilocks zone! 🌵
How’s the temperature in your home? Could this be why your succulents aren’t happy?
Is anyone else struggling to keep their succulents healthy through temperature changes? I’d love to hear tips or stories in the comments below! 🌱✨
7) Fungal Infections
Ever noticed fuzzy stuff on your yellowing succulents? 🧐 It might be a fungal infection. These tiny invaders love damp spots and can cause big problems. If you overwater, it makes your plants the perfect home for them. Nobody wants that drama in their pot, right?
I’m always on the lookout for white powdery stuff or weird spots on my succulents. Sometimes, the leaves turn mushy. If I spot any of these signs, I know it’s time for action.
To protect my plants, I try to keep them in a spot with good air circulation. This helps them stay dry and healthy.
Let’s be honest—nobody likes a humid environment, including my succulents! 💨
If I ever find the fungus has taken hold, I gently remove the affected leaves. Sometimes I even need to use special fungicide sprays after that. It’s like giving them a superhero shield! 🛡️
Do you have any plant-saving tips of your own? I’d love to hear them! Share your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to give your succulents some extra love today! 🌵❤️
Common Causes of Yellowing Succulents

Succulents turning yellow can be a real gardener’s headache. It often happens due to improper watering and lack of sunlight. Understanding these issues helps keep your plants healthy and vibrant. 🌵✨
Improper Watering
I’ve definitely overwatered a succulent or two before. When I see those pretty plants go yellow, it’s often because there’s too much water involved.
Succulents are desert dwellers, and they just don’t like soggy roots. Too much water can drown them, causing yellowing and even root rot.
On the flip side, not enough water can be a problem too. While they don’t need frequent watering, they do require moisture to thrive. It’s essential to strike the right balance.
Here’s my secret: I water only when the soil feels dry. 🌿 I poke my finger into the soil about an inch deep. The soil should be completely dry before giving them a good soak.
Lack of Sunlight
Succulents are like little sun-worshippers. ☀ Without enough rays, they start looking pale or yellow. Most succulents need at least half a day of sunlight to keep their color vibrant and their structure sturdy.
I usually place my succulents near a window with bright light. If it’s cloudy, I use a grow light to give them a boost.
Always avoid direct, scorching sunlight, as it can lead to sunburn and stress.
Do your succulents enjoy a sunny spot, or are they more like the shady side? Let me know in the comments! 😊
Environmental Factors and Their Impact
I’ve noticed that a lot of times, the yellowing of succulents can really boil down to their surroundings. Too much heat or poor soil can be a game-changer for their color and health.
Temperature Extremes
Did you know that your succulents might get a sunburn? 😮 I learned that extreme heat can make their leaves turn yellow. 🌞
When temperatures are very high, especially in the summer, they can become stressed. So, I always try to give my plants a bit of shade during those hot afternoons.
On the flip side, cold temperatures can also be a problem. Freezing temperatures may cause yellowing or even damage the plant further. If it’s getting chilly, I make sure to move my succulents indoors or cover them up at night to keep them cozy.
Soil Quality
Another key factor is the soil they’re planted in. Poor soil quality can lead to yellowing because it doesn’t provide the nutrients succulents need.
I always ensure that my soil has good drainage because standing water is a no-go. It can lead to root rot and unhappy, yellow leaves.
I’ve found that a mix of sand and potting soil works wonders! 🏜️
Why not try making your own mix at home? Just scoop in some gritty sand, and you’re all set. How do you care for your soil? Share your thoughts below! 🌱
Preventive Measures

Keeping succulents healthy involves using the right soil and water techniques. These steps can help you avoid seeing yellow leaves on your plants. Let’s jump right in! 🌱
Choosing the Right Soil Mix
Have you ever tried to grow a succulent in regular soil? Trust me, it’s not pretty! That’s because these quirky plants need a well-draining soil mix to thrive.
I like to pick a soil mix with sand, perlite, or pumice. These ingredients ensure that water drains away quickly, so the roots stay happy and dry.
When mixing your own, use two parts sand, one part potting soil, and one part perlite. This simple combo does wonders!
Next time you’re at the garden center, skip the regular potting soil aisle and head straight for the cactus soil section. Your succulents will thank you for it! 🌵
Optimal Watering Techniques
Overwatering is a quick path to yellow leaves. My rule of thumb? Water only when the soil feels dry about an inch down.
Use your finger to check — it’s easy and foolproof! If you’re the type who forgets, set a reminder. 😊
Succulents don’t need too much water. A little sprinkle every 2-3 weeks is usually enough, depending on the weather.
If I can, I use a pot with drainage holes. It’s like giving my plants a nice raincoat to protect them from soaking too much. Choosing terracotta pots can also help since they allow moisture to escape.
Still unsure? Watch for signs!
If leaves start turning yellow or mushy, ease back and let them dry a little. Remember, it’s better to underwater than to overwater when it comes to succulents! 💦
Frequently Asked Questions
We all love our succulents, right? 🌵 They add so much life to our homes. But sometimes, those leaves turn yellow, which can be a bit worrying.
Why are my succulent’s leaves turning yellow and soft?
When leaves are soft and yellow, it might be due to too much water. Think of them as tiny water balloons that can’t hold more. Keep that watering can in check! 😊
What may cause the leaves at the bottom of my succulent to turn yellow?
Lower leaves may turn yellow naturally as the plant grows. It’s like they’re changing their wardrobe for the season. If the top leaves look good, you’re probably doing just fine.
How can I tell if my succulents are overwatered?
Overwatered succulents might look sad, almost like they’re drowning. Check for mushy leaves or if the leaves fall off easily. Trust me, they prefer dry feet!
Is it necessary to remove yellow leaves from my succulents?
Yes, give them a little makeover. Removing yellow leaves not only helps them look better but also keeps pests away. Think of it as a spa day for your plant! 🌿
What should I do to revive a succulent with yellowing leaves?
First, cut down on watering. Then, check the soil and move it to a sunnier spot if needed.
Sometimes, these small changes can bring the green beauty back.
Can yellow leaves indicate overwatering, and how do I correct it?
Yes, yellow leaves usually scream, “Help! Too much water!”
Let the soil dry out completely before the next drink. Maybe even consider repotting with well-draining soil. 🌵
Did I miss anything, or do you have more tips to share? Let me know in the comments. 😊
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