Succulents are fascinating plants. They have the reputation of being resilient and easy to grow and maintain. But that isn’t always what everyone experiences when they first get one.

While it is true that succulents are tough, they can also become delicate and hard to please. This can happen when they are watered the same way as non-drought-tolerant plants. The most common reason why growing succulents fails is overwatering. Of all the mistakes one can commit when growing succulents, overwatering should be the number one to avoid because its effects happen quickly and are the most deadly.

Some succulents can elongate when placed indoors without adequate lighting. But this won’t kill them fast. You can even take advantage of the result and grow your collection by propagating new succulents from their leaves and fast-growing stems. But combining lack of sunlight with too much water will result in succulents’ early demise.

They can get sunburned when exposed to harsh sunlight abruptly. Yes, this may sound a bit confusing, since succulents are native to areas where they are exposed to the extreme heat of the sun all day. The reason they get sunburned is when they are not allowed to acclimatize. Although sun damage is irreversible, succulents can outgrow it over time. But the combination of overwatering and sunburn will result in a mushy succulent with squishy black leaves - an ugly sight with almost no hope for survival.

When succulents are overwatered, their cells are damaged from the inside. When not detected early, the plant may die fast. There is a lot of opposing advice when it comes to watering succulents. If you go online for your succulent care needs, you probably have noticed that the more you search, the more confusing it gets. Some say they water their succulents twice a week, while others water twice a month. Some soak their plants in water, but some give just a few drops. Some say that misting is not good, while others swear it's how they kept they kept their succulents alive. 

Growing succulents and creating arrangements using them is a very relaxing hobby - if you understand how to care for them. Start your hobby off right by understanding the uniqueness of succulents, their strengths and weaknesses, and the unusual way they handle water.