Have I overwatered?

8 years ago

On one of my succulents, or rather, three (but they're the same and they're in the same pot) some of the leaves were turning yellow, then brown and drying up. I assumed that this was because I was underwatering, so I've watered them more regularly as they came in a faster draining mix than the rest of my plants. However, on closer inspection of some of the yellow leaves (and some that dropped off really easily) when I squeeze them, water or something resembling water comes out of the leaf. The yellow leaves are soft and slightly squishy. To save the commom questions: They get indirect sunlight from an east facing windowsill, i water them when i use the cocktail stick method and it comes out dry or if it looks visibly underwatered, the room temp is around 18°C all day and the humidity is between 70% - 80%. They are in a c+s mix with probably around a third perlite, possibly faster draining though because I just recycled the soil they came in because they seemed really happy in it.

I've included a picture with a comparison between the plants and the yellowed leaves

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Comments (5)

mesembs
8 years ago
Yes, looks like overwatering. Is there any particular reason the humidity is too high?
159harryzone8 thanked mesembs
159harryzone8
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for confirming it, its a relief to know it doesn't sound like rot or anything. I'm not sure why the humidity in this room is so high, I think it's just a combination of bad insulation and not much air flow. I have got a small fan which I try to have on as much as possible though.
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rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years ago
Cocktail stick may be too short (at least some I am familiar with are) - most of the excess water will sit in bottom 1/3rd or so of pot. Use a bamboo skewer or chopstick, or even pencil.

Oldest leaves of plants will dry up. Soft-squishy and with liquid coming out of sounds like water-logging. And I would worry about it - that is what will cause rotting. See if you can reduce humidity - succulents do not like it.
159harryzone8 thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
socks
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I wonder if running a small fan would help mitigate the humidity. Not right on the plant, but at least to move the air in the room a bit.
159harryzone8 thanked socks
159harryzone8
Original Author
8 years ago
I checked out some weather forecasts for where I live, and it seems that it's generally very humid here... I have a window open and a fan running now, so that should help a bit : )