It will take some time for your succulents to use all the extra water that it has absorbed into its leaves before they are ready for more. The water that makes it to the roots is almost all water. Container Size - Too large containers can hold too much water, which can cause roots to rot. I water the soil lightly every few days until the roots develop. Succulents that are overwatered will develop leaves and stems which become soft and darkened, then droop and eventually drop off. Its stems spread over the ground and produce shoots that create ground cover and a greater root system.