This excerpt is taken from Debra Lee Baldwin (photos by love2snap):

Succulents are easier to grow than most, but like all plants, they have their problems, too. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common afflictions and conditions.

SYMPTOM Bleached, beige, or dark patches on leaves CAUSE Excessive sun exposure REMEDY Move plants into bright shade. Remove damaged leaves if unsightly.

SYMPTOM Distorted buds that don’t open, tiny insects on new growth CAUSE Aphids or thrips REMEDY Spray with isopropyl alcohol diluted half-and-half with water and improve air circulation.

SYMPTOM Cancerous growth on aloes CAUSE Aloe mite REMEDY Cut out the damaged tissue, clean your tools, and if the plant is potted, isolate it from other aloes.

SYMPTOM Distorted growth at leaf axils and centers of rosettes, cottony bits CAUSE Mealybug REMEDY Remove or isolate affected plants; spray with diluted isopropyl alcohol and improve air circulation.

SYMPTOM Cottony bits adhering to roots CAUSE Root mealybug REMEDY Discard the affected soil; wash the container in soapy water; take cuttings of the plant and repot in fresh soil.

SYMPTOM Black depressions in aloe leaves CAUSE Bacterial leaf spot REMEDY Apply cinnamon spray or commercial systemic per label directions.

SYMPTOM Webs and paprika-like dots on leaves CAUSE Red spider mite REMEDY Spray with diluted isopropyl alcohol and improve air circulation.

SYMPTOM Sickly look, brown bumps on stems CAUSE Scale insects REMEDY Remove or isolate affected plants, spray with diluted isopropyl alcohol, scrape the scale off stems with a plastic knife, wash the plant with mild liquid detergent, and repot it in fresh soil.

SYMPTOM Collapsed outer leaves, upright center (agaves) CAUSE Agave snout weevil REMEDY Dig up and destroy the affected plant. Do not replant agaves in or near that area. Treat nearby agaves and soil with systemic insecticide.

SYMPTOM Holes in leaves CAUSE Snails and slugs REMEDY Hand pick; release predator snails or apply iron phosphate (Sluggo).

SYMPTOM Garden plants cropped to ground level CAUSE Deer, squirrels, rabbits, or javelinas REMEDY Enclose young, tender plants in chicken-wire cages.

SYMPTOM Collapsed, putty-colored leaves CAUSE Frost REMEDY Tent in-ground plants with frost cloth until the temperature exceeds 32 degrees F. Move containers beneath shelter or indoors. Prune dead tissue.

SYMPTOM Squishy stem or trunk CAUSE Overwatering REMEDY Take cuttings from healthy tissue and replant. Discard the old soil with the plant.

SYMPTOM Loss of sheen, shriveling at tips CAUSE Underwatering REMEDY Water thoroughly and then keep soil about as moist as a wrung-out sponge.

SYMPTOM Elongated, stretched-looking stems and leaves; flattened or downward-curving rosettes CAUSE Not enough light REMEDY Give greater sun incrementally. Rotate container weekly for even exposure.

SYMPTOM Greening of yellow, red, or orange leaves CAUSE Too much pampering REMEDY Stress the plant with less water, more sun, and less rich soil. Don’t fertilize.

SYMPTOM Irregular white rings on dark leaves CAUSE Mineral deposits from evaporated water drops REMEDY Using distilled water, gently wipe the leaves. Avoid splashing the leaves when watering the plant.

SYMPTOM Dry leaves at base of echeverias, aloes, or other rosette succulents CAUSE Normal growth REMEDY Crisp, papery leaves shade and insulate the stem. But if you find them unsightly, peel them away.

SYMPTOM Stem awkwardly long with rosette at the tip CAUSE Normal growth REMEDY Remove any old, dry leaves at the base of the rosette, then cut the stem 1 inch below healthy leaves and replant the rosette as a cutting.

SYMPTOM Closed or shrunken rosettes CAUSE Heat, drought, or cold; dormancy REMEDY Move container-grown plants under an eve or overhang to protect from harsh outdoor conditions. If plants are merely dormant, leave them alone; they’ll revive when they awaken.