A stunning and low-maintenance plant family known as the Haworthia succulents has become a common appearance in home workplaces and on social media.
The Haworthia or dying zebra cactus succulent, with its unique, endearing, and exotic features that remind a specific stunning African horse, has developed into the most stunning yet low-maintenance houseplant for minimalists all over the world. The zebra plant is a drought resistant succulent native to South Africa, where they grow in gritty, well-draining soil.
If you own one of these well-liked indoor plants, the maintenance of zebra plants is something you should be aware of. Some zebra plant types have stunning multicolored flowers and pale, striped veins, while others more closely resemble cacti. However, occasionally, the leaves turn dark or get brown blotches, thus good zebra succulent care is necessary to avoid this.
What kind of plant is a dying zebra cactus?
The zebra succulent closely resembles its relatives in the Asphodelaceae family, the Aloe, and Gasteria plants, in addition to having the characteristic zebra-like look noted earlier, comparable forms, and sharp, thick sword- or tongue-shaped leaves.
The plants are all rosette-shaped, clump-forming succulents with thick leaves, making them all easily misidentified, at least from a distance.
Zebra succulent plants, however, are rarely particularly little and dainty, in contrast to their cousins Aloe and Gasteria. Zebra succulents grow naturally in shaded areas in their native environment.
The zebra succulent can even grow and display tiny flowers on its thin stalks, which adds to its appeal. Its growing season is from late spring to early fall.
Yellow, brown, or black zebra plant leaves have a mushy texture
Using slow-draining soil, putting the pot without any drainage hole, using saucers and trays underneath pots to prevent water from escaping around the roots, or watering plants too frequently cause overwatering.
Yellow, brown, and mushy zebra succulent leaves are the first signs of stress from overwatering.
In the summer, zebra succulents might become dormant if the temperature is too high. Zebra succulents are dormant for the summer as a survival strategy in hot, dry climates to conserve water resources. As a result, there is less demand for moisture, which increases the risk of the leaves turning yellow or brown from excessive watering.
Your zebra succulent should also be in a container with drainage so that excess water can drain out of the bottom and keep the soil from getting wet.
Although your zebra succulent prefers to be dry, do not allow it to become very dry. If you do, eventually, dehydration will destroy your succulent, effectively killing it. When the moisture that zebra succulents have stored in their leaves runs gone, you’ll have a severely dehydrated succulent on your hands.
How to save a dying zebra succulent. An easy step-by-step guide to everything you need to know
Reduce your irrigation frequency
It is excessive to water zebra succulents more than once each week. Only water zebra succulents after the soil in the pot have dried out. It is normal to water once every 14 days or so, although the actual frequency will vary according to the environment, the season, the soil’s capacity to retain moisture, and the size of the pot.
Replace the potting soil of dying zebra succulent if it is still wet
Even if you regularly water your zebra succulents, the leaves will eventually turn brown or yellow and die in slow-draining soils that remain wet for too long. Change the soil with specially formulated succulent and cacti soil which is well-draining soil, and can be found in the original environment of the zebra succulent.
Zebra succulents should be planted in pots and containers with drainage holes
Drainage holes in the bottom of the pot allow excess water to drain after watering, helping the soil to dry out properly and shielding the zebra plant’s roots from rot. Root rot is typically brought on by dense soil with poor drainage and inadequate aeration. Most succulents before planted in pots without drainage holes had this issue.
Planting zebra succulents require using pots that are the appropriate size for them
Greater soil volume in larger pots indicates greater potential moisture storage.
This increases the risk of root rot and the eventual death of the zebra plants by allowing the container to dry out much more slowly than a smaller pot.
For the zebra succulent’s perfect moisture balance, Plant zebra succulents are cultivated in smaller pots that are appropriate to their size. Whether you use clay, plastic, or ceramic container, the important thing to have are drainage holes and not to make it sit in water and to drain excess water.
Empty trays, saucers, and outside pots regularly
When watering plants, it’s common practice in the home to utilize saucers, trays, and beautiful outer pots to catch any extra water that might seep into the soil. Make sure to regularly drain anything below your container that may retain excess water if you don’t want your zebra succulent to perish from water stress.
When the soil dries out, water replaces it, maintaining the zebra plant’s vitality by simulating the natural process of moisture conditions in its native environment.
How should I take care of a zebra succulent?
Steer clear of chilly drafts and abrupt temperature swings. During the spring and summer, apply a liquid houseplant fertilizer once every one to two weeks, diluted to half the recommended concentration for optimal results.
- Moderate levels of light. Avoid areas that receive both direct sunlight and a lot of shadows.
- Moderate irrigation. Do it every week or so in the summer and every two weeks in the winter.
- Zebra succulents prefer bright indirect light. The temperatures are typical for an indoor setting. 10 to 29 °C (50 to 85 °F)
- Feeding. Fertilize zebra succulents when it is growing once every three months.
Frequently asked questions about zebra succulents
Why is my zebra plant succulent turning brown?
When zebra succulents experience drought stress from insufficient or excessive watering, the tips of their leaves turn brown. As an indication of stress, high temperatures, excessive wind, air conditioning, and too much sun can also cause the leaf tips to become brown.
To try to fix this problem, water your zebra succulent more frequently. But be careful not to overwater, as this can make it worse.
In general, they should receive a thorough watering, covering all of the soil areas, once a month. Make sure the zebra succulent is not close to a heating vent and that the soil is moist.
Any damaged or dead brown leaves should be clipped off, and the top layer of soil should always be moist. Water can also be added as needed. Zebra succulent dying is caused by receiving too much water, the leaves will begin to turn yellow with brown tips.
How can you tell if a zebra plant is overwatered?
If your zebra succulent is receiving too much water, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and translucent. The leaves decay, get discolored, and are easily blown off by too much water.
Roots that are mushy and brown can be a sign of root rot. A healthy plant should have a solid, white root system. However, in wet soil, fungal spores proliferate and the fungus begins to spread, initially appearing in the roots’ tips.
Why are the leaves on my zebra plant falling off?
Zebra succulents are sometimes regarded as temperamental. If improper care is given to them, they may begin to grow leggy and even drop their leaves.
But with a little care, you’ll be rewarded with lovely foliage and cheery blossoms.
Zebra plants can be difficult to water since too much or too little water can soon cause the leaves to fall off. Remembering that this plant prefers to be kept moist, water them when the top of the soil just begins to feel dry.
Why is my zebra cactus turning brown?
Zebra succulents experience drought stress as a result of little or excessive watering, which causes the brown leaf tips on their leaves. Zebra succulent leaf tips turning brown as an indication of stress is also caused by hot temperatures, strong air currents, and intense sunshine.
A zebra succulent suffers from drought stress if the leaves are turning brown and the base leaves feel dry and crispy. Although zebra succulents are drought tolerant and do well in dry conditions, they can still experience drought stress from inadequate hydration.
Do zebra succulents love direct sunlight?
Zebra succulents enjoy direct sunlight, but if the plant is always in the same position, only one side is probably receiving enough of it. Rotating succulents will help them stand up straight because they like to slant toward the sun.
Zebra plants, like other succulents, don’t require a lot of water and can tolerate some sunlight (but be careful if the window is getting too much direct sunlight as this can cause a hotspot to form by the window).
That less, they have a preference for bright indirect light. You should make sure that the plant is potted in a well-draining medium because they are acclimated to hot climates with rocky and gritty soil.
How long do zebra succulents live?
Although the plant zebra succulents grow slowly compared to other succulents, they can live for up to 50 years. These plants are typically discovered buried in sand and flourish in extremely hostile environments in the wild. They are simple to grow for gardeners and demand a soil mixture with good drainage.
What type of soil should I grow my zebra succulent?
Zebra succulents prefer soil that drains well and is either sandy or gravelly. Use a potting medium made specifically for container plants, such as a cactus potting mix.
Add perlite, aquarium gravel, or pumice to the soil before planting to promote soil drainage. Zebra plants will develop root rot if they are left in wet soil for too long.
Use a cactus mix or quick-draining potting soil for your zebra succulents for optimum growth. Because this mixture doesn’t give good drainage for your water, many seasoned gardeners do not suggest using it. Use drainage products instead, such as aquarium gravel, horticultural pumice, or perlite.
Final thoughts
So, why is your zebra plant dying?
The most frequent causes of dying zebra plant stress include over-watering, under-watering, and excessive direct sunshine exposure. Any of these elements may harm your zebra plant. But as you now know, you can deal with each of these issues pretty simply.
As soon as you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this essay, take the appropriate action right away. Determine the root of the issue first, and only then take the action. A dying zebra plant may require immediate attention, especially if overwatering is the root of the problem.
Why is my zebra plant succulent turning brown?
There are a few potential reasons why a zebra plant succulent might be turning brown. Some possible causes include:
Overwatering, which can lead to root rot and cause the leaves to turn brown and mushy.
Insufficient light, which can cause the leaves to turn brown and dry up.
Pest infestation, which can cause brown spots or discoloration on the leaves.
Disease, which can also cause brown spots or discoloration on the leaves. It’s difficult to give a specific reason without more information and observation of the plant. It’s recommended to take a look at the watering schedule and light conditions, and also to check for any signs of pests or disease. If the problem persists, consider consulting a local nursery or a plant expert for further diagnosis.
How do you fix a wilting zebra plant?
To fix a wilting zebra plant, check the soil moisture and water the plant if the soil is dry. Make sure the plant is not sitting in water, as this can cause root rot. Additionally, ensure that the plant is getting enough light but not too much direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to wilt. If the problem persists, consider checking for pests or disease. Consult a professional if you are unsure of the cause or how to fix it.