Succulents Leaves Turning Brown

Seeing your succulents leaves turning brown can be worrying. It’s a common signal that your plant needs a little attention, but the good news is that it’s often fixable. The key is to figure out the specific cause, as brown leaves can mean anything from too much water to not enough light. This guide will help you diagnose the problem and get your succulent back to health.

Let’s break down the main reasons for browning leaves. The color, texture, and location of the brown spots are your best clues. A soft, mushy brown leaf near the base points to a very different issue than a crispy, brown leaf tip. Pay close attention to these details.

1. Overwatering (The Most Common Culprit)

This is the number one reason for succulent problems. Succulents store water in their leaves and stems, so they prefer to dry out completely between waterings. Constant wet soil leads to root rot, which prevents the plant from absorbing water and nutrients. Ironically, the first sign of overwatering is often browning, soft leaves.

Symptoms: Leaves turn soft, mushy, and translucent, often starting at the lower leaves. They may appear dark brown or black. The stem might also feel soft.
The Fix:
1. Stop watering immediately.
2. Remove the plant from its pot and gently brush away the wet soil.
3. Inspect the roots. Healthy roots are white or light tan and firm. Rotted roots are dark, slimy, and fall apart easily.
4. Using sterilized scissors, cut away all rotted roots and any affected leaves or stem sections.
5. Let the plant air dry on a paper towel for a day or two.
6. Repot in fresh, dry, well-draining succulent/cactus mix.
7. Wait at least a week before giving it a small drink of water.

2. Underwatering (Yes, It Happens!)

While more tolerant of drought, succulents still need water to thrive. Severe neglect will cause the plant to use up all the moisture stored in its leaves, leading to a different kind of browning.

Symptoms: Leaves become dry, crispy, and shriveled. They typically turn a light brown and may curl. The entire plant may look deflated and wrinkled.
The Fix: This one is simple. Give your succulent a thorough, deep watering. Soak the soil until water runs freely from the drainage hole. The leaves should plump back up within a day or two. Crispy leaves won’t recover, but you can gently pull them off.

3. Sunburn (Too Much Direct Sun)

Succulents love light, but too much intense, direct sunlight—especially if introduced suddenly—can scorch their leaves, much like a sunburn on human skin.

Symptoms: Brown, crispy patches or spots on the upper leaves most exposed to the sun. The discoloration is often bleached-looking or has a scorched tan color. It won’t spread unless the sun exposure continues.
The Fix: Move the plant to a location with bright but indirect light, or provide some afternoon shade. Acclimate succulents slowly to stronger light over a period of weeks. Sunburned leaves are scarred and won’t turn green again, but the plant will outgrow them with new, healthy growth.

4. Natural Leaf Absorption

Sometimes, a few brown leaves at the very bottom of your succulent are completely normal. As the plant grows, it will naturally reabsorb nutrients from its oldest, lowest leaves to fuel new growth at the top.

Symptoms: The bottom leaves slowly dry out, turn brown or tan, and become crispy. They detach easily with a gentle tug. The rest of the plant looks healthy and is growing.
The Fix: No action needed! This is a sign of a happy, growing plant. Simply remove the dried leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and to prevent pests from hiding there.

5. Pest Infestations

Insects like mealybugs, scale, and spider mites can suck sap from leaves, causing damage that appears as brown, yellow, or dry spots.

Symptoms: Look for small brown bumps (scale), white cottony masses (mealybugs), or fine webbing (spider mites). The leaves may have localized brown spots where the pests have fed.
The Fix:
1. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spreading.
2. Remove visible pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl).
3. For larger infestations, spray the plant with a mixture of water, a few drops of mild dish soap, and neem oil.
4. Repeat treatment every few days until the pests are gone.

6. Fungal or Bacterial Disease

Excess moisture on leaves or in soil can create enviroment for pathogens. These issues often follow overwatering or poor air circulation.

Symptoms: Irregular brown or black spots that may spread rapidly. The spots might have a yellow halo or look water-soaked. Leaves may drop.
The Fix:
1. Immediately remove and discard all affected leaves.
2. Improve air flow around the plant.
3. Avoid getting water on the leaves when you water.
4. In severe cases, you may need to apply a fungicide labeled for succulents.
5. Repot in fresh, sterile soil if the problem is in the roots.

7. Chemical Burn from Fertilizer

Over-fertilizing or using a fertilizer that’s too strong can “burn” the roots, leading to brown leaf tips and edges.

Symptoms: Brown, crispy leaf tips and margins, sometimes with a crust of fertilizer salts visible on the soil surface or pot rim.
The Fix: Flush the soil with plenty of clean water to dissolve and wash away excess salts. Let it drain completely. Going forward, fertilize only during the active growing season (spring/summer) and use a diluted, balanced fertilizer at half the recommended strength.

Quick Diagnostic Checklist

Brown & Mushy? Think Overwatering.
Brown & Crispy/Shriveled? Think Underwatering or Sunburn.
Brown Spots with Bugs? Think Pests.
Brown Bottom Leaves Only? Think Natural Absorption.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

The best way to deal with brown leaves is to stop them from happening in the first place. Follow these core succulent care principles.

Use the Right Soil: Always plant in a fast-draining mix made for cacti and succulents. You can add perlite or pumice to regular potting soil to improve drainage.
Water Deeply, Then Dry: Soak the soil completely, then wait until it is fully dry—and the leaves show the slightest sign of thirst (a little softness)—before watering again. In winter, water much less frequently.
Ensure Ample Light: Provide plenty of bright, indirect light. South or east-facing windows are often ideal. If using grow lights, position them correctly.
Choose Pots with Drainage: A drainage hole is non-negotiable. It allows excess water to escape, preventing root rot.
Provide Good Airflow: Stagnant, humid air encourages fungal disease. A small fan or an open window can help.

FAQ: Succulent Leaves Turning Brown

Should I cut the brown leaves off my succulent?
Yes, you can remove them. Gently pull dry, crispy leaves away. For mushy leaves, use clean scissors to cut them off to prevent rot from spreading. Always be careful not to damage the healthy stem.

Can a succulent recover from brown leaves?
The brown parts of the leaf will not recover and turn green again. However, the plant itself can fully recover if the underlying cause is fixed. New growth will be healthy.

Why are the tips of my succulent turning brown?
Brown tips are often caused by sunburn, chemical burn from fertilizer, or inconsistent watering (letting it get too dry for too long). Assess your care routine to pinpoint the issue.

How often should I water my succulent?
There’s no set schedule. Water based on the soil’s dryness and the plant’s appearance. In warm months, it might be every 2-3 weeks. In cool, dim months, it could be once a month or less. Always check the soil first.

Is it normal for succulent leaves to turn brown and fall off?
It is normal for the very bottom, oldest leaves to do this as part of the plant’s natural growth process. If leaves from all over the plant are falling off, it’s a sign of stress from overwatering, pests, or disease.

Figuring out why your succulents leaves are turning brown is like being a plant detective. By observing the clues—texture, location, and pattern—you can accurately diagnose the issue. Most causes are related to water, light, or simple aging. With a few adjustments to your care, your succulent can continue to thrive for years to come. Remember, when in doubt, it’s usually safer to underwater than to overwater.