Understanding “Melting” in Succulents: Causes & Prevention

If you've ever comforted a fellow plant lover whose beloved succulent has turned to mush, you're not alone. We've all said something like, “Don’t worry, it happens!” But let’s be real—when it happens to our own plant, it’s heart breaking. 😩

Even more confusing? When two succulents sit side by side in the same pot, under the same light, with the same soil and water routine—and yet one thrives while the other turns into a soggy mess. It’s enough to make anyone scream, “This isn’t scientific!”

But don’t worry—“melting” (also known as succulent rot or water-logging) may seem mysterious, but it often comes down to a few key factors. Today, we’re diving into the first three: temperature, light, and bacterial infection.

 

🌡️ Temperature

1. Low Temperatures

Cold is a common killer. Too-low temps can freeze a succulent, leading to either:

• Freezing to death: The plant turns transparent, collapses, and leaks fluid when touched—this is usually fatal.
• Frostbite: Mild frostbite causes dull, darkened, or slightly see-through patches. If the damage isn’t severe, the plant can recover on its own—though it might look a little funky.

How cold is too cold?
I once tested -5°C , and surprisingly, the succulents didn’t melt. But every plant is different, and everyone's care routine varies. As a general rule, try to keep your succulents above 5°C.
Especially here in the UK during winter, I always recommend providing outdoor succulents with some protection from the cold.

2. High Temperatures

High temps alone aren’t deadly—but combine that with poor air circulation, and it’s a recipe for rot.

Succulents in greenhouses or closed spaces can feel like they’re in a sauna during summer. Even with vents, it can get stuffy. I personally use large fans to keep the air flowing during hot days.

Pro tip: You don’t need to blow air directly onto the plants—just improve overall circulation.

💧 Watering in Heat

NEVER water your succulents in the middle of a hot summer day. Wait until the late afternoon or evening when it cools down.

Why? Because during extreme heat, succulents close the pores on their stems and leaves to retain moisture. They rely on their roots to breathe, and if the soil is constantly wet, the plant can’t handle the excess water. This leads to cell rupture and—you guessed it—melting. 💦

Also! Avoid getting water on the leaves during the day. Those droplets act like magnifying glasses under the sun, potentially burning the plant.

 

☀️ Light

Too much direct sunlight—especially during summer—can cause sunburn. Always consider sunshades or moving your succulents to partial shade during peak sunlight hours. Some areas have intense UV, and your succulents will thank you for the protection.

Don’t Panic! 🧘

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but the good news is: not all bacteria are harmful. Many are harmless, and some are even beneficial to plant health.

In the next blog, we’ll focus on how to prevent melting, with practical care tips for year-round succulent happiness. 🌱

 

 

Stay tuned, and happy planting!