How Does Rain Affect Succulent Gardens - 5 Things to do After it Rains

A major rainstorm is definitely a time to worry about your succulent’s health.

Hopefully by now, you have learned the importance of having a fast draining soil, and you did your research on succulents that can handle the outdoor climate you are exposing them to.

If you have these two important factors taken care, then congrats! You are already winning. 

So let’s get to the tips on what to do after it rains on your succulent garden:

1. Inspect, Identify, and Remove Rotten Leaves and Stems

• The sooner you identify and remove rotten leaves and stems, the better.
• Rot usually starts and spreads until the whole plant is taken over.
• Identifying rotting leaves and stems is pretty easy -
• If a leaf is loose, pull it out using your hands.  
• If a stem is softer than other parts of the stem, cut the rotting stem off until you get to the healthy part. 

2. Dump out any Standing Water in Succulent Containers

• If you have containers with standing water, tip them over to remove the excess water.  
• Leaving standing water in containers not only causes root rot, it is an open invitation to mosquitos and itchy mosquito bites. Eww. 
• If your pot has standing water, and it has a drainage hole, your drainage hole may be clogged up.  Unclog it or re-pot it with new soil.  
• If you are not using an outdoor pot with a drainage hole, then may the succulent gods have mercy on your soul.

3. Remove Debris from Succulent Leaves

• After windy and rainy days, leaves or other debris may find its way onto the dead center of the leaf axis.  
• This debris can hold moisture, and rot your plant.  Identify debris and use a paintbrush to delicately remove the debris.  

4. Remove Black, Juicy Succulent Leaves

• These are rotting leaves - And like misery, rotting loves company.  
• Throw them out right away.

5. Give Each Plant a Light Tug

• Slightly tug on your succulents at the base of the plant.
• If it comes out easily, inspect the base.
• If you notice any black, yellow or brown discoloration, you may want to remove that plant, or section of the plant that is discolored.T

Depending on the size of your collection, these 5 steps may seem like a daunting task, but your succulents will thank you for it.  Happy Planting!

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