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Overwatered or Underwatered? Help!

9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago

Hello! I'm new to this forum because I'm trying to figure out what is wrong with my succulents. I have two Crassula portulacea (Spoon Jade) plants, one Echevaria frosty, and one Burro's Tail.

My Spoon Jades are not doing very well, and I can't seem to figure out what is wrong. They are both very soft and wrinkled, with some leaves completely falling off. My Burro's Tail is also showing some wrinkly leaves. I have read so many mixed things that now I can't figure out if I have overwatered or underwatered. I've tried watering more and watering less at separate periods with no results. I have attached some photos below. (I can't figure out how to move that top ones!) Any opinions are greatly appreciated!

Comments (12)

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Spoon jade (a common name) - scientific name is Crassula ovata convoluta 'Hobbit' - it has curled-back leaves, sort of folded over. Crassula ovata convolua 'Gollum' has leaves almost tubular with 'suction cups' at the tip of leaves; and is considered a hybrid of C. x portulacea by some experts. Both types of leaves grow sometimes on either plant.

    Plant in pic #2 - not quite sure hat is Burro's tail. To me, leaves look bit too long - but I could be wrong - stems are still short, so maybe that's what I am seeing.

    What kind of mix are they potted in? I am assuming there are drainage holes.

    How often and how much are you watering?

    What are approx. temperatures and light plants are in?

    User thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
  • 9 years ago

    Thanks for your reply!

    Not really sure what you mean about the Spoon jade, but either way- I need some help with saving it. I see what you mean about the Burro's Tail, but it is very small and I do believe the picture makes the leaves look longer than they are.

    My succulents are all potted in Bonsai Jack's Succulent Mix, which is a very well-draining and gritty soil. There are drainage holes in all of my pots.

    I was watering once or twice a week, but I have not watered in probably more than a week because I was afraid I had overwatered them.

    I'd say the plants usually get about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight and then all indirect from there. If it is very cloudy (our winter has been very unpredictable here) I use a grow light that seems to help tremendously with the growth in my other plants.

    I can't really tell you the exact temperature, but around 72 degrees F is the normal in my house.

  • 9 years ago

    This may sound like a stupid question:). When you repotted did repot bare root? Did you just take them out of the store containers and then into your pots?

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Kara is asking good question: old soil (that is usually peat) should e get rid of completely before potting into well draining mix. At the same time, one can inspect roots. How did they look?

    If roots are in good shape, plants may be not watered as often as they need to.

    Names of plants really do not matter that much - care for them is very similar. I can't say anything about BJ mix as I never purchased any. Lots of ppl use it & hope they will comment. I make mix using grit+perlite and some turface for my succulents. I keep them under lights approx. 12hrs/day.

    It is quite warm in your house and mix is possibly drying up quickly. If my plats, I would check (using bamboo skewer or chopstick) deep into pot about every couple of days to see if the mix is dry or wet & water accordingly. Soon you'll learn how long it takes to dry up.

  • 9 years ago

    Kara: I'm probably the one sounding stupid, I'm just confused, sorry! Do you mean, like, did I put the plants in my pots without removing the dirt from the root ball?

  • 9 years ago

    Thanks for clarifying, Rina. I did remove all of the old soil from my plants before placing them in the new soil. There is none of the old soil in my pots now; only the new mix. :)

  • 9 years ago

    Sorry, didn't answer your root question. The roots all looked great; I saw no signs of any rot. The large Jade plant was very healthy when I got it, with very firm leaves. I'm beginning to think it has used up all of the water that it originally had in the soil it came in and now needs more.

  • 6 years ago

    this is sign of underwatering, or need more light


  • 6 years ago

    Shane, do you really think this advice is relevant after 3 years? Look at the dates of threads before you answer.

  • 6 years ago

    Most but not all succulents go dormant in the winter. Some in the summer. The dormant plants often look shrunken, shriveled or otherwise less than ideal. Some need no water during the entire dormant period. Some look totally dead when dormant. Do NOT treat all your succulents the same. That is bad advice. Each species is distinct in growth, feeding, watering, soil needs and dormancy.

  • 6 years ago

    That jade is not in dormant period, same for burro's tail...but op has not posted in some time...the info may help someone else, but op didn't even post follow up.