How to Save an Overwatered Succulent (Mushy, Translucent Leaves)

You would not be the first gardener to love a succulent to death, and the fact that you caught it counts for a lot. Mushy, translucent lower leaves plus soil that stays wet for a week usually means the roots are starting to rot. Do not wait for the pot to dry out on its own; the clock is running.

The rescue

1. Unpot it today. Slide the whole plant out and gently crumble away the wet soil.
2. Inspect the roots. Healthy roots are pale and firm. Trim anything brown, black, or mushy with clean scissors.
3. Remove the mushy leaves. They will not recover, and they invite rot to linger.
4. Let it rest bare. Set the plant on a dry surface out of direct sun for a day or two so the cut spots can callus over.
5. Repot into dry, gritty succulent mix in a pot with a drainage hole. No watering yet.
6. Wait about a week, then water lightly. From then on, water only when the soil is completely dry.

What to expect

The leaves you lost are gone for good; succulents do not regrow them in place, so expect a bare lower stem. Watch the center of the rosette instead. Firm new growth over the next month usually means you saved it. If the main stem itself ever turns soft, behead the healthy top, let it callus, and root it as a cutting. That backup plan works surprisingly often.