succulent plants

Wrinkled succulent leaves

By Hugh Midity · Updated

Wrinkled leaves · Most likely cause

Thirst

Wrinkled, deflated leaves usually mean the plant has used up its stored water. Check the soil first, because wet soil changes the answer.

  1. 1. Feel the soil. If it's dry all the way down, water thoroughly.
  2. 2. If the soil is wet, unpot and check the roots for rot.
  3. 3. Expect the leaves to firm up within a few days. If they don't, check the roots.

Thirst or rot?

Dry soil

The plant is thirsty. Soak the pot, let it drain, and the leaves should plump up within a few days.

Wet soil

The roots have probably rotted, so the plant can't drink. That's often mistaken for thirst. Treat it as overwatered.

Read the watering guide →

FAQ

Is it normal for the bottom leaves to wrinkle?

A few lower leaves shriveling as new ones grow from the center is normal. Wrinkling all over is not.

Plants this often happens to

String of pearls Curio rowleyanus
Jade plant Crassula ovata

Sources

  1. Common Problems and Issues of Succulents: Iowa State University Extension · accessed October 20, 2026
  2. String of Pearls, Curio rowleyanus: 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. Stretching Not enough light Etiolation. Move it brighter, gradually. White fluff Mealybugs Isolate the plant and treat it promptly. Leaves falling off Water stress, a move, or rot Soft leaves falling means too much water; shriveled means too little.