Why do succulents never seem to grow?

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Many succulent lovers bring succulent plants home, thinking they have carefully cared for them for a long time, only to find that the succulents have not changed at all, and some even keep getting smaller. Why is this? The reasons are as follows:

First, being afraid to water

Many people believe that succulents do not like water and will die if watered, so they are afraid to water them. Each time they give just a tiny bit, watering only once every ten days to half a month. As a result, the succulents remain in a water-deficient state for a long time. In mild cases, the succulents do not grow; in severe cases, water deficiency can damage the root system and cause the succulents to die. When succulents remain in a water-deficient environment for a long time, they are also prone to black rot or mealybugs.

In fact, succulents do not dislike water; they are drought-tolerant. Controlling water helps with the coloring and shape control of succulents. In addition, overwatering can also cause black rot and leggy growth in succulents. It is precisely for these reasons that everyone generally believes succulents do not like water.

Second, the soil is compacted, and water runs right through

Soil compaction refers to the phenomenon in which the soil surface, due to a lack of organic matter, hardens after drying under cohesive forces, making it unsuitable for the growth of flowers, nursery stock, and crops. Only when the potting soil is loose can water flow through without obstruction. After a long period of home cultivation, and because of water quality, soil compaction is unavoidable. Even though a lot of water is poured, it is simply not absorbed, which affects the growth of succulents. Compacted potting soil generally should be replaced, and the soil mix should contain more grit. In addition, the water usually used for watering flowers should be left in the sun for a few days before use.

Third, mealybugs

Mealybugs can be said to be the greatest natural enemy of succulents, because they appear frequently, spread quickly, and are very difficult to eradicate completely. Once succulents are infested with mealybugs, the growth of the succulents will be affected, so everyone should frequently check whether the succulents have mealybugs.

Fourth, watering too much before the plant has established itself

After bare-root succulents are planted, establishing themselves takes a process. At the beginning, you cannot water heavily; you need to wait until the succulents grow new roots before watering normally. If too much water is given at the start, the root system of the succulents stays soaked in water, new roots cannot grow out, and the plant will never establish itself, let alone grow.

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