If the roots are completely rotten, remove all of them and part of the stem that is puckered and has black or brown spots. You can plant the succulent stem in the soil for propagation.
Leave the overwatered succulent on a mesh or any kind of strainer till the roots have air dried from anywhere two to three days.
3. Change the soil
If your succulent is already planted in succulent soil, store bought or homemade, you might not have to change it completely. Generally, algae (green living matter) grow on overwatered soil. If this is the case, it’s your job to get rid of all the top soil (throw it in the bin far from your plants) and replace it with fresh succulent soil.
You would have to scoop out quite a lot of soil from the middle too if the roots had developed root rot.
In the not so bad but bad enough scenario, your succulent is planted in the usual potting mix, it is better that you prepare soil that’s suitable for succulents. Just take three parts potting soil, two parts poultry grit and one part perlite, this mixture provides good drainage and ventilation.
It is better that you prepare soil that’s suitable for succulents.
You can substitute the last two ingredients with sand and pumice and if you are short on time, just order a bag of succulent mix.
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How to avoid overwatering succulents
1. Keep track of your watering routine
Using a marked pitcher or measuring cup to control how much water you are giving your succulents is really helpful, especially if the pots you are using don’t have any drainage holes. Tools like moisture meters or hygrometers would be a big help as well in assisting you to know when is the right time to give your succulents a good soak of water. Also, remember to check when your plant is actively growing, as they will most likely need to be watered more during this time of the year compared to when they are in their dormancy period.
2. Improve the Drainage
This step is important otherwise you might encounter the same overwatering problem the next time. There are two ways you can do this: take another pot that’s larger than your succulent pot and put 2 inches of gravel or expanded shale in it. Place your succulent planter on it so the roots don’t have to sit in excess water each time you water.
Note: The gravel must not get submerged in water otherwise you will be back to square one.
The second method requires succulent soil and is explained in detail in the section below.
3. Use the right kind of soil
Remember, succulents generally like a good drink of water, and then have some time to dry out. So if the soil you are using for your succulents is compact and doesn't drain fast enough, then their roots will still be sitting in wet soil for too long, even though you are just giving it the right amount of water it needs.
It is recommended to use succulent or cactus soil mix
With that in mind, it's highly recommended to use a succulent or cactus soil mix (available at a local store near you), added with some perlite to promote better drainage and aeration. You can also blend your own potting medium by mixing 3 parts of regular soil, 2 parts bark fines, and 1 part perlite or pumice.
4. Promote better airflow 
Promoting better airflow to your succulents also prevent overwatering, as it assists in lowering the humidity in moist conditions that may also encourage pest and disease.
To ensure proper air circulation, it's recommended to place your outdoor succulents with enough space between them (about 3 to 5-inches apart), and near a window, if kept indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the color of overwatered succulent?
The leaves close to the bottom are brown whereas the overall leaves and stems look bloated and feel squishy to the touch instead of firm. The leaves seem lighter or show translucence (can be the whole leaf or just patches) due to excess water breaking the cell walls. New growth will be brown.
2. How to differentiate overwatering and underwatering
An underwatered succulent will have soil that feels dry and leaves with brown tips, dry, and will start to curl, drop, or even drop. An overwatered succulent, on the other hand, will have yellowing leaves, browning tips, and also wilting (with wet or soggy soil).
Summary
Propagation is the last resort in case your succulent can’t recover from its condition. Cut a few surviving healthy leaves from the base or stem and let the ends dry for 5 to 7 days. Plant them in a tray or a shallow pot in succulent soil mix. Water regularly for the roots to grow but make sure there is good drainage.
You can also watch this video to see some of the tips in action:
See more about Water therapy for succulents
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