Q: Could root rot be a problem for my succulent Christmas trees? Root rot is possible if you overwater your Christmas tree. It is possible, however, to create a succulent tray with living succulents. A: Yes. Black succulents are as easy to maintain as any other succulent. It is best to water the plant until it is completely saturated. This is especially important for desert-dwelling plants because rainfall is less likely to soak into the lower layers of dirt than it is to be evaporated by the hot sun and dry air.