succulent plants

Why are my succulent's leaves falling off?

By Hugh Midity · Updated

Leaves falling off · Most likely cause

Water stress, a move, or rot

Leaves that drop at a touch are usually a water problem. Whether they're plump or shriveled when they fall tells you which way.

  1. 1. Check whether the fallen leaves are soft and mushy, or shriveled.
  2. 2. Feel the soil. Wet soil points to overwatering; dry soil to thirst.
  3. 3. Keep conditions steady while the plant settles.

The usual causes

Too much water

Soft or mushy leaves fall at a touch. See overwatered succulents.

Too little water

Leaves wrinkle and dry before they drop. See wrinkled leaves.

A sudden move

A sudden change in light or temperature, or a cold draft, can make succulents drop leaves. Keep conditions steady and they usually settle.

Normal shedding

A few of the oldest, lowest leaves drying up as new growth appears is normal.

Read the watering guide →

FAQ

Can I grow new plants from the fallen leaves?

Often, yes. Healthy, plump leaves from Echeveria, jade and many others will root. See our propagation guide.

Plants this often happens to

Jade plant Crassula ovata

Sources

  1. Common Problems and Issues of Succulents: Iowa State University Extension · accessed October 20, 2026
  2. What causes the leaves on my houseplant to turn yellow or brown and drop?: Iowa State University Extension · accessed October 20, 2026
  3. Jade Plant, Crassula ovata: Wisconsin Horticulture, UW–Madison Extension · accessed October 20, 2026

Other common problems

Mushy leaves Overwatering and rot Soft, mushy leaves. Stop watering and check the roots. Wrinkled leaves Thirst Unless the soil is wet, in which case check the roots. Stretching Not enough light Etiolation. Move it brighter, gradually. White fluff Mealybugs Isolate the plant and treat it promptly.