How To Water Succulents - 10 Tips For Watering

Succulents themselves are capable of storing water in their leaves, stems, or roots. This is what allows them to thrive in arid conditions and require minimal watering. So, when you are looking for ways to water appropriately, it's better to adopt a "less is more" approach.

Less Is More Approach

Watering them minimally and less frequently helps to mimic their natural habitat. By allowing this, we encourage the succulent to tap into its stored water reserves.

This process helps to develop a strong and healthy root system, capable of efficiently absorbing water when it's available. In cases when succulents are watered more, it only harms succulents, as it creates a constantly damp environment for the roots.

The golden rule for watering succulents is to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. If you want to determine if your succulent needs water, it's essential to check the soil moisture.

The simplest method that has been tried and tested for years is the finger test. For this test, you simply have to insert your finger about an inch deep into the soil. In the cases you feel dry, it's a signal that the plant needs to be watered.

In Cases When The Soil Is Moist

If the soil is still moist, you should wait a few more days. Wait for the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This might take several days, depending on factors like pot size, humidity, and temperature.

You can also check the moisture of your succulent plant by observing its appearance. If the leaves don't appear plump and firm, the plant likely needs watering.

Frequently watering the surface of your succulent's soil without allowing it to dry out completely is a recipe for disaster. This practice can discourage succulents from developing a strong, deep root system.

When the soil surface is constantly wet, roots get more susceptible to fungi that cause root rot. These all reasons make the concept of "thorough watering" crucial.

Thorough Watering Principle

In this process, we water in a way that the soil gets soaked completely. Doing this helps water to reach the bottom. At this point, the importance of containers with proper drainage holes comes to play.

When you water your succulent, excess water should be able to escape freely through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This method of watering is called the 'Soak and Dry Method', where the soil is allowed to thoroughly soak water until it drains from the pot's bottom.

Directing water to the soil is paramount for succulent care. This approach makes sure that the plant's root system receives the necessary moisture.

Roots are responsible for absorbing water and nutrients, from where they get transported to the rest of the plant. So, by focusing on the soil, we optimize this vital process. Furthermore, watering the soil prevents water from accumulating on the leaves.

Consequences Of Watering Leaves

Watering the leaves can lead to several problems. First, excess moisture on the leaves can create a damp environment, which is an ideal breeding ground for rot and fungal diseases.

Second, constant moisture can damage the delicate skin of the leaves, affecting their appearance. Additionally, water with high mineral content can leave unsightly spots on the leaves.

Overhead watering is not proper for succulents. Doing so can lead to conditions like fungal diseases on leafs and stems, leaf damage and root rot.  Bottom watering is the technique that reduces all these risks of overwatering.

In this method, we submerge the plant pot in a tray or sink filled with water. This allows the soil to absorb moisture from bottom to top. Since the soil is allowed to absorb moisture gradually through the drainage holes, this process is time-consuming. 

Advantages of Bottom Watering

The biggest advantage of bottom watering is that it reduces the risk of overwatering. Succulents being prone to root rots, especially in the cases of consistent moisture, do not have to face such adverse conditions as plants will absorb only the water they need.

Moreover, the entire root system gets hydrated allowing for the development of a healthier root system.

If you are planning to fix a strict schedule for watering succulents, don't! Doing so can often lead to overwatering, the most common issue faced by succulent growers. It's better to monitor the moisture level of the soil instead.

As already mentioned earlier, you can check if the soil is dry by inserting your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. Once you observe the soil getting dry, it's the right time to water them.

Other Things To Consider While Deciding When To Water

It's also important to consider environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight, as they play a significant role in determining how often succulents need water. In hot and dry conditions, succulents may require more frequent watering to compensate for moisture loss.

On the other hand, during cooler or more humid periods, succulents won't require much water. Furthermore, if you have planted succulents in containers with good drainage and filled them with a well-draining soil mix (specifically formulated for cacti and succulents), they are less likely to suffer from overwatering.

Succulents are adaptable plants. Their growth will require different watering schedules based on the changing seasons. This is because of varying growth rates and water needs throughout the year.

Spring 

Spring marks the beginning of the succulent's growth period. As temperatures rise and daylight hours increase, the plant starts to become more active. During this time, you'll need to increase the frequency of watering. However, always make sure that the soil dries out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

Summer

Summer is the peak growing season for most succulents. While they still need regular watering, don't overwater, especially in hot and dry climates. You may observe the soil drying out quickly, but it's essential to let the plant adjust to its environment before increasing watering.

Fall 

As temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, it's time for succulents to enter a dormant phase. Their growth slows down significantly, and their water needs decrease. So, during fall, gradually reduce the frequency of watering as the plant prepares for winter.

Winter

Winter is the time for minimal watering. Many succulents go dormant during this period. So you can either provide only occasional sips of water to prevent dehydration or completely stop watering as well. Once you neglect and overwater during this season, the succulent will die.

Unlike many plants, succulents have evolved to store water. When excessively watered, the succulents have to face many detrimental effects. Whenever there is excessive moisture, it attracts fungi and bacteria to succulents, leading to root rot.

This insidious condition does not stop at the roots, it slowly disrupts the supply of water and nutrients, as a result, the above-ground parts of the plant will start to exhibit signs of distress, such as yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and overall decline.

Other Damages Related To Overwatering

The damage is not limited there, the succulent's tissues can become waterlogged as well. This shows up as unsightly lesions or spots on the leaves. If not controlled on time, excessive moisture can attract other pests, further affecting the well-being of your succulents.

Very Hot Weather

High temperatures can stress succulents. It's necessary to protect them by providing ample indirect sunlight, as intense direct rays can scorch leaves. While it might seem counterintuitive, increase watering slightly during scorching periods (keep in mind to allow the soil to dry completely between waterings).

During this time, it is also important to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to minimize water loss through evaporation.

Very Cold Weather

Succulents are sensitive to frost. Bring indoor plants to a sunny spot indoors. For outdoor succulents, consider covering them with frost blankets or moving them indoors temporarily.

We also recommend you to significantly reduce watering as cold temperatures can inhibit water absorption, leading to root rot. For snowing regions, snow itself can provide moisture to the soil as it melts.

Rainy Season Care

Excessive rain can be detrimental to succulents. If you have outdoor plants, it's better to relocate them to a sheltered area. Also, strictly reduce watering frequency during rainy periods. If you haven't used well-draining soil while planting succulents outdoors, then there is a high chance for them to die during this season.

This case can be avoided by elevating containers, place pots on pot feet, bricks, or other supports to elevate them slightly above the ground. This helps water drain away from the pot more effectively.

Morning watering is generally recommended for succulents. This timing offers several advantages. Watering in the morning provides sufficient time for soil to dry before night.

This is crucial to prevent root rot, a common issue caused by overly wet soil conditions. Succulents, originally desert dwellers, are adapted to dry conditions and can be susceptible to fungal diseases in excessively moist environments.

Earlier The Watering, Lesser Is The Chances Of Diseases

The morning sun helps evaporate excess water from the leaves reducing the risk of fungal infections and spots on leaves that can further attract other diseases. So, by watering in the morning you are also preventing the water to linger in the plants for a long time.

In general, indoor succulents require less frequent watering. This is because indoor setting has a lack of natural ventilation and lower light levels, and these conditions can slow down their growth. 

To determine watering needs, it's best to examine the soil moisture by inserting your finger about an inch into the soil or by inspecting it visually. If the soil feels/seems dry, it's time to water. You can use lukewarm water. Always allow the soil to dry completely before watering again and don't overwater to prevent root rot.

What To Avoid?

• Overwatering
• Using a pot without drainage holes
• Watering too frequently

Outdoor succulents are exposed to various weather conditions. The climate where you live and the current season significantly impact your succulent's watering needs. If you live in arid regions with hot summers, frequent watering is needed. Conversely, in cooler, wetter climates, it's okay to water less.

The only way to safeguard your outdoor succulents during the rainy season is by prioritizing proper drainage. If possible, elevate potted succulents to prevent waterlogging. During heavy rainfall, it's best to provide temporary shelter for your plants to shield them from excessive moisture.

What To Avoid?

• Overexposure to rain
• Using dense soil
• Watering during peak sunlight

Succulents can add a touch of exotic beauty to any outdoor space. If your garden soil retains moisture or is prone to frost, extra precautions are necessary. For soil that retains moisture, the minimal watering frequency will work.

Succulents planted in gardens with optimal moisture often benefit from natural rainfall. However, during prolonged dry periods, supplemental watering might be necessary.

Established succulents in well-draining soil often require minimal watering once they've rooted. For newly planted succulents, provide regular watering until they establish themselves. Monitor the weather and adjust watering accordingly.

What To Avoid?

• Planting too close together
• Not adjusting watering frequency with seasons
• Overhead watering

Cacti

Cacti are the most drought-tolerant succulents. As they have thick, fleshy stems, they don't need frequent watering. Water them deeply but infrequently, and don't allow water to get on the spines.

Echeverias

Echeverias are known for their beautiful rosettes. While they are drought-tolerant, they require slightly more water than cacti. 

Sedums

Sedums are versatile succulents that come in various forms. They generally prefer a bit more moisture than cacti and echeverias.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent with thick, fleshy leaves. It stores water in its leaves, so it can tolerate some drought. However, regular watering is essential for optimal growth.

Jade Plants

Jade plants are popular indoor succulents. They prefer a moderate watering schedule.