One of the most common challenges for succulent and cactus owners is figuring out how much to water. These low-maintenance plants are often praised for their ability to thrive with minimal attention, but it’s easy to slip into the extremes of either underwatering or overwatering. Both can cause stress to your plants, and knowing the signs of each can help you keep your succulents and cacti healthy and happy.

In this post, we’ll break down how to recognize the telltale signs of underwatering and overwatering, so you can correct your watering routine and avoid further damage.

Signs of Underwatering Succulents and Cacti

Succulents and cacti are drought-tolerant plants that store water in their leaves, stems, and roots, allowing them to survive in arid environments. However, even they need an occasional drink to keep thriving. When your plant isn’t getting enough water, it will show certain signs to let you know it’s thirsty.

1. Shriveled, Wrinkled, or Shrinking Leaves

One of the most obvious signs of underwatering is shriveling or shrinking leaves. Succulents and cacti store water in their fleshy leaves or stems, and when they don't get enough, they’ll start to lose that stored moisture, causing the leaves to wrinkle and become soft.

What to look for:

  • Leaves look thinner, more papery, or shrunken.

  • You might notice that the plant feels less plump and "squishy" to the touch.

2. Dry, Crispy Tips or Edges

If your plant's leaves are turning brown at the tips or edges and becoming crispy, it's a sign that it hasn't had enough water over time. As a defense mechanism, the plant starts to dry out the most vulnerable parts first to preserve its water supply.

What to look for:

  • The tips of the leaves are brown, dry, or crispy.

  • Affected leaves may crumble when touched.

3. Pale or Faded Colors

Underwatered succulents and cacti may lose their vibrant color. Some varieties, like Echeveria or Crassula, will turn yellow, pale green, or even grayish when they aren’t getting enough water.

What to look for:

  • Leaves lose their vibrant hues and become lighter or duller in color.

  • A change in color could signal that the plant is conserving water and nutrients.

4. Soil Pulling Away from the Pot

When a plant is underwatered, the soil may shrink and pull away from the edges of the pot. This often happens when the soil dries out completely and becomes very loose or cracked.

What to look for:

  • Dry, crumbly soil that no longer adheres to the edges of the pot.

  • A gap between the soil and the side of the pot.

5. Slow or Stunted Growth

If your plant’s growth has slowed down or stopped entirely, it could be a sign that it’s not getting enough water to support new growth. While succulents and cacti naturally grow slowly, lack of water can cause even slower or stunted development.

What to look for:

  • The plant seems stuck in place, with no new leaves, stems, or buds forming.

  • Existing growth looks small or underdeveloped.

Signs of Overwatering Succulents and Cacti

Overwatering is often more harmful than underwatering, and it’s one of the leading causes of plant death. When succulents and cacti are overwatered, their roots can become waterlogged, leading to root rot and poor health. Here's how to spot the signs of overwatering:

1. Yellowing or Softening Leaves

Overwatered succulents and cacti often develop yellow, mushy leaves. The plant’s cells become waterlogged, and the excess moisture causes the leaves to soften and become discolored.

What to look for:

  • Leaves become yellow or even transparent.

  • The leaves may feel soggy or soft when touched.

2. Blackened or Mushy Spots

In severe cases of overwatering, you may see dark, blackened spots that appear on the leaves or stem. These are usually signs of root rot or bacterial infection, which can spread quickly if not addressed.

What to look for:

  • Dark, mushy spots on leaves or stems that have a foul smell.

  • Affected leaves may fall off easily with minimal handling.

3. Root Rot (Bad Smell)

If you remove your plant from its pot and notice a rotten, foul smell, this is a clear sign of root rot caused by overwatering. The roots will look mushy and black, rather than white and healthy.

What to look for:

  • Roots that are blackened, slimy, or falling apart.

  • A strong, unpleasant odor when handling the plant.

4. Wilting or Drooping Leaves

It may seem counterintuitive, but overwatered plants can also show signs of wilting or drooping. This happens because the roots are unable to take in water properly, leading to a lack of nutrients in the leaves.

What to look for:

  • Leaves that appear limp or drooping despite being overwatered.

  • The plant looks weak and unable to stand upright.

5. Soil Remains Wet for Too Long

Overwatered plants often sit in waterlogged soil. If the soil is constantly wet or soggy and doesn’t dry out after a few days, your plant is likely being overwatered.

What to look for:

  • Soil that remains wet or muddy for a prolonged period.

  • The pot feels heavy and waterlogged.

How to Correct Underwatering and Overwatering Issues

For Underwatered Plants:

  • Water deeply – When you notice signs of underwatering, give your plant a good drink by thoroughly watering it until the water drains out of the bottom.

  • Adjust your watering schedule – Succulents and cacti typically need to be watered once every 1-2 weeks, but this depends on factors like temperature, humidity, and pot size. Ensure the soil is allowed to dry out completely between waterings.

  • Move your plant to a more humid area – If your environment is very dry, consider placing your plant in a location with higher humidity, or mist the plant occasionally.

For Overwatered Plants:

  • Check the roots – If the roots are rotting, carefully trim away the affected areas and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.

  • Let the soil dry out – Ensure that the plant is allowed to dry out between waterings and that it’s placed in well-draining soil.

  • Reduce watering – Always check that the soil is dry before watering again. Overwatered plants should be watered less frequently.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the signs of underwatering and overwatering is crucial for keeping your succulents and cacti healthy. These plants are tough, but they still need the right care to thrive. By adjusting your watering habits and paying attention to the signals your plants are sending, you can avoid the most common watering mistakes and keep your plants vibrant and strong.

Do you have any tips for recognizing watering issues with your succulents or cacti? Share your experiences in the comments below!