Wrinkled, soft leaves?

6 years ago

Two of my succulents aren’t doing so well. I’ve had the pachyveria longest and it did well until I repotted it. I used a mix of regular potting soil (not succulent mix) and pea gravel. I have since realized this was not a good combo. The graptopetalum was repotted in the same mix right after receiving it.

About a week and a half ago, I moved them to a different window to take advantage of some sun. My cat decided to knock them over and bit them both, but those spots look like they’re calloused over.

Then on Tuesday, I repotted them with some Bonsai Jack succulent mix. They were due for a water and it seemed to perk the pachyveria’s leaves up until a few hours later, when I brought them back inside. The leaves were again looking wrinkly.

What am I doing wrong? I haven’t watered them since and the Bonsai Jack mix doesn’t feel wet to the touch. The top leaves for the pachyveria feel firm to the touch and are not wrinkly. I’m hoping to save that one at least because I fear the graptopetalum is a lost cause at this point.

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Comments (5)

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
6 years ago
You could be under-watering. That doesn't mean you should pour lots of water - or do it more often. First, check the mix. Being dry on top doesn't mean it is dry thoroughly. In case it retains water, it is most likely around the roots. OTOH, it may be too dry. Pea gravel is too large for the mix. Particles should be more uniform in size. Pea gravel could be used for top-dressing if you want it. I do not have experience with BJ mix, but double check it for drainage. Use wooden/bamboo skewer or stick to check deep inside of pot. But succulents will recover faster from under-watering than from over-watering. If photos are showing plants as they are right now, they are NOT "lost cause"

BTW, you said ..." when I brought them back inside"... Does it mean you are taking plants in and out? They would likely be more happy outdoors - with proper acclimatization.
Meghan Ayer
Original Author
6 years ago
Pea gravel is only being used for top dressing now. I misunderstood at first that all gravel would work.

I will check more thoroughly with a skewer! I was really worried about overwatering, particularly with the pachyveria since those leaves are softer towards the bottom but I’m not sure if they could be classified as “mushy.” I will try a lighter watering a bit more often. I’ve been watering about every 1.5-2 weeks

I keep them inside usually but I have moved them out onto my deck in indirect sunlight if the window they are in isn’t getting enough. It’s a western facing window that is very bright but doesn’t get direct sunrays due to how the roof sits. I can try to acclimate them to outside if they’ll be happier.
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rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Yes, take bit time acclimatizing them now, since sun is hotter now.

You should not water them less and more often; but water them well when needed. 1.5-2 weeks sounds too long, BUT not if soil is too water-retaining. Checking with wooden/bamboo skewer or chopstick (or pencil) will help to see if it is. Also, dry pot is much lighter then one with wet soil.

To improve drainage, add lots of sifted/rinsed perlite or pumice, and/or smaller gravel. Chicken grit in growers size (#2) is probably best size - approx. 3-6mm.
Meghan Ayer
Original Author
6 years ago
Okay thank you! Hopefully I can revive them!
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
6 years ago
Just make sure you are not over-watering. Wrinkly leaves are usually because of lack of moisture, but sudden yellowing is usually because of too much moisture. Leaves kind of swell, and yellow color is almost translucent. Leaves get pretty soft/mushy.