Why Is My Never Die Plant Dying? Tips for Rescuing Your Dying Kalanchoe Plant

The Kalanchoe plant can come in a variety of sizes and colors, but the never die, the Kalanchoe integra, comes with pretty little yellow flowers and scalloped green succulent leaves.

It’s perfectly lovely and makes a great addition to any home or office. So, if yours is in distress, you’re likely in distress yourself.

Fortunately, the never die plant typically lives up to its name. It’s hard to kill and pretty easy to bring back to thriving.

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A Never Die Plant Is a Great Choice for Your Home or Office

Native to Madagascar in Africa, the never die plant is a succulent plant that needs warm weather, plenty of sun, and very little water. It will grow up to 18 inches tall in the right environment and just as wide.

Like most succulents, the never die plant, because it is so hardy, can encourage wealth and abundance in your environment in the feng shui practice. It can also help reduce stress and inspire you to balance your energies.

Furthermore, the never die plant will clean the air where it sits by absorbing common household toxins and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere around it. This plant would be great to keep by your bed to soothe you while you sleep or right on your desk in your office to keep you calm and manage your energy.

Signs of a Dying Never Die Plant

The most obvious signs of a dying never die plant are as follows:

Mushy stems
Yellowing or browning leaves
Dropping leaves
Scorched leaves or flowers
Soggy soil

Common Causes of a Dying Never Die Plant

The most common causes of a dying never die plant include:

Too much direct sunlight
Too much water
Not enough light
Not enough water
Not enough humidity

Watering Needs of a Never Die Plant

The biggest watering issue with the never die plant is that it needs to dry out fully before watering it again. You don’t want this plant to get waterlogged and root rot.

To read more about watering your plant, take a look at this article on watering mistakes that might be killing your plant.

Am I Underwatering My Never Die Plant?

In the unlikely event that you’ve been underwatering your never die plant, you’ll be able to tell by the hard-packed soil, and the leaves are dry and soft to the touch.

You’ll also notice wrinkles in the skin of your leaves, which will start sagging and drooping.

Restoring Water to Your Underwatered Never Die Plant

If it has been underwatered, simply water the never die plant until the water runs through the bottom of the pot then get on a regular watering schedule.

Am I Overwatering My Never Die Plant?

It is much more likely that you are overwatering your never die plant. You’ll be able to tell by the mushy stems, leaves, and flowers. The soil may be soggy, and the plant may attract bugs.

Restoring Balance to Your Overwatered Never Die Plant

If you have overwatered your plant, you’ll need to allow it to dry out. You can place the succulent near an open window to allow the air to dry out the soil.

Also, make sure you allow it to sit in full sun. If this still does not dry out your plant, you’ll need to remove the root ball from the soil and cut away any mushy stems and leaves.

Next, allow the root ball to dry out in the sun on a screen for a couple of days. Finally, replant the root ball in fresh soil and water it thoroughly. Then get on a regular watering schedule.

Also, get into the habit of checking your soil for whether to water it or not.

Stick your finger in the soil. If it is moist at all, you can wait. If it is dry, you can water the soil until the water runs through the bottom of the pot.

Soil Needs of a Never Die Plant

The never die plant calls for sandy soil that drains well.

Soil Drainage Needs for a Never Die Plant

Make sure you place the plant in a pot with holes in the bottom that sits on a plate to catch runoff.

Resolving Soil Drainage Issues for a Never Die Plant

If the plant is still holding water, place pebbles under the soil in the bottom of the pot to ensure it never sits in water.

Lighting Needs of a Never Die Plant

As an African succulent, the never die plant calls for bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day followed by partial shade. The sunlight will allow the plant’s colors to pop.

Resolving Lighting Issues for a Never Die Plant

If your plant’s leaves start to burn and crisp, you can move it farther away from the window. If the plant starts to droop and look lackluster, move it closer to the window.

Pests or Diseases that Can Cause Issues with a Never Die Plant

The never die plant is not particularly prone to pests or diseases, but if it has been overwatered and sits in water for too long, it might attract bugs. In this case, first resolve the watering issue as noted above.

Next, spray the leaves liberally several times a week and wipe away any bugs that continue to return. Once they’re gone for good, you can stop spraying your plant.

It is also important to note that the never die plant is toxic to household pets, so watch your animals.

Fake Never Die Plants May Be an Additional Consideration

Now, if you find the never die plant is too much to care for, you can always consider investing in a fake never die. Because succulents are thick, rubbery, and shiny, a fake plant can look just like the real thing.

If you’re worried a fake autograph plant is not trendy, check out my article on whether artificial plants and flowers are tacky.

Whether you choose a fake version or a real one, you’ll be so happy to have the never die in your home or office, you’ll probably want a second one!

Do you have a never die plant? How do you care for it?

Let me know in the comments. I love to hear from my readers.