Saving an Overwatered Echeveria

Rescuing a Rotting Echeveria 'Metallica'

Elizabeth's echeveria, grown from a cutting, started dropping leaves and leaning after she fertilized and possibly overwatered. The soil stays damp, and the plant is in a 5-inch pot.

Diagnosis

Echeverias are succulents needing direct sun, very small pots, and fast-draining, gritty soil. A 5-inch pot is likely too large, and the soil too moisture-retentive. Fertilizer on wet roots causes burning.

Immediate Steps

1. Remove from pot; gently wash all old soil off roots.
2. Inspect roots—trim any black, mushy parts.
3. Let the plant air-dry 1–2 days (callus the cuts).
4. Repot in a 3–4 inch pot with cactus/succulent mix (add extra perlite/pumice).
5. Place in direct sun (south window).
6. Do not water for 5–7 days after repotting; then water sparingly.

If the main rosette is too far gone, take healthy leaf cuttings or behead the rosette and root it as a cutting. A campus greenhouse can assist with repotting.