Basic Worm Plant Care
Worm Plants are one of the easiest succulent types to care for and are even easier to propagate. Below you will find our complete Worm Plant Care Guide with all the important information you need to help your plant thrive.
| Light |
Bright Indirect LightI love the sunshine but too much direct light will damage my leaves. |
| Water |
Water InfrequentlyI can be quite sensitive to root rot so be careful not to overwater me. |
| Humidity |
Medium HumidityPlease make sure the air isn’t too dry, otherwise I won’t be a happy plant. |
| Soil |
Draining SoilI like a mix that includes peat moss and perlite as these prevent my roots from becoming water-logged. |
Worm Plants thrive in bright indirect light
Worm Plants, like many other succulent types, love sunshine but can be scorched by the sun if sat in a lot of direct light so it is about finding the right balance.
Water your Worm Plant sparingly
Make sure that your Worm Plant doesn’t sit in too much water as this can very quickly lead to root rot. Before watering, check that the top few centimetres of the soil is completely dry. In winter, watering once a month or so should suffice or you may start to see signs that your Worm Plant is dying.
They aren't fussy about temperature
One great thing about Worm Plants is that they survive well in the natural temperature of your home, in both summer and winter. They aren’t super sensitive to the cold so don’t worry about your plant not making it through the colder seasons.
Only use fertiliser in the growth period
It is important that if you do fertilise your Worm Plant, that you only do so in spring and summer. We recommend using a specific fertiliser designed for succulents.
Worm Plants need low humidity levels
When caring for a Worm Plant, one thing you don’t need to worry about is trying to increase humidity levels. If anything, they thrive better in dry air so keep them away from bathrooms and kitchens where the natural humidity level is higher.
They don't mind being root-bound
One thing you don’t need to worry about when caring for a Worm Plant is repotting. They don’t mind their roots being a little crowded so can happily grow in the same pot for a few years. When you do repot, handle the roots and plant gently to avoid damage.
Worm Plants can be toxic to pets
Be slightly careful about where you place your Worm Plants if you have a pet because they can be a little toxic if digested.
Propagate your Worm Plant using cuttings
Worm Plants are actually one of the easiest succulents to propagate and you will have great success doing it. Place the cuttings in slightly moist soil in a bright spot. Avoid placing them in direct light as this will scorch the entire cutting.
If you spot signs that your Worm Plant is dying, then we recommend taking cuttings from a healthy section of your plant in case you aren’t able to revive the parent plant.
Common Problems with your Worm Plant
Here are some common issues that you might run into. It's important to diagnose any issues early to give your plant the best chance of bouncing back.
Why are my Worm Plant's leaves wrinkling?
Wrinkled leaves on a Worm Plant signals your plant needs more water. Check the moisture in the soil and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Why do my Worm Plant's leaves look burnt?
Scorched leaves on a Worm Plant can be due to direct sunlight. Make sure your plant is sat in a spot where it receives bright indirect light.
There are pests on my Worm Plant
Worm Plants are susceptible to mealybug infestation. Move your infected plant away from other houseplants and treat with a insecticide.
Why does my Worm Plant have brown leaves?
Brown leaves on your Worm Plant indicate issues with watering; either too much or too little. Underwatering will often cause light brown crispy leaves whilst overwatering will turn your Worm Plant dark brown and soft.
Check the moisture levels in the potting mix and adjust your watering schedule moving forward to prevent more brown leaves on your Worm Plant.
Why does my Worm Plant have yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves on a Worm Plant can be caused by a variety of factors, most commonly overwatering. However, if you have checked the potting mix and it’s not waterlogged and the roots haven’t started to rot then the yellow leaves might also be caused by heat stress, pests or overfertilization.
Why is my Worm Plant drooping?
A drooping Worm Plant indicates watering problems. Both underwatering and overwatering damage the root system which deprives your plant of needed oxygen, moisture and nutrients which causes it to droop.
Measure the moisture levels in the soil before adjusting your watering schedule moving forward to prevent your Worm Plant from drooping again.
Why is my Worm Plant dying?
There are several reasons that might lead to your Worm Plant dying but the most common one is overwatering. They have sensitive thin roots which are very susceptible to rot if given too much water. Outside of watering, your Worm Plant might be dying due to too much direct sunlight or a pest infestation.
