Introduction
Most beginner succulent owners are unaware of the importance of proper watering. Watering your succulents properly is essential if you want to keep them healthy. Most people would believe that succulents need very little water, but the truth is, they do require water regularly, but in specific measures.
Overwatering and underwatering succulents are two of the most common problems succulent owners face. Overwatering succulents leads to root rot, while underwatering, on the other hand, causes the plant to wilt and dry out. Both instances can lead to the death of the plant.
It’s crucial to know precisely how to water your succulents, as it plays a major role in the survival of the plant. Our guide gives you tips on the right amount of water, optimal frequency, soil moisture, and everything needed to ensure your succulent thrives.
The Ultimate Guide to Watering Succulents: Tips and Tricks for Healthy Plants
When it comes to watering succulents, getting the right amount of water is the most crucial part. Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves and stems, making them more susceptible to issues like root rot if they do not get enough water. On the other hand, giving them too much water may make them explode, causing them to rot.
The right amount of water for your succulent depends on several factors, including the humidity of your space, how much light it gets, and the type of soil. You can determine this by doing the “finger test.” Here, you insert your finger into the soil and feel for moisture. If it feels slightly moist to the touch, then you must leave it to dry before the next watering. But if it feels completely dry, it’s time to water.
There are several methods for watering succulents, including soaking, bottom watering, and misting. Each has its pros and cons, as outlined below:
Soaking
Soaking involves immersing the plant in water for a period. It works best for potted plants. To do this, fill a container with water and place your pot gently into the water. Leave it to soak for around an hour before removing it. Soaking ensures that the soil is entirely saturated and improves the absorption rate of water. It also helps to flush out the excess fertilizer or accumulated salts from the soil.
The downside of soaking is that it can cause root rot if overdone. Therefore, understand how much water your plant needs before you soak it, using the finger test explained above.
Bottom Watering
The bottom watering method involves placing your succulent pots into a tray of water and allowing the water to be absorbed into the soil through the drainage holes. Doing this ensures water only penetrates the roots’ base, making them stronger while keeping the soil overall dry.
The downside is that failing to keep a check on the water level can lead to waterlogging and, ultimately, root rot.
Misting
Misting has various benefits. It helps remove dust, pests and improve humidity levels. Additionally, spraying your succulent regularly helps provide enough moisture to your plants. It works best for succulents that cannot soak up water as readily through their roots caused by their thin stems or leaves.
However, it would be best to avoid misting your succulent if you live in areas with high humidity levels as it is prone to lead to over-saturation and eventual root rot. Therefore, usage of a humidifier is recommended in such areas. Also, misting must be done carefully as only the leaves should be moist but not the root of the succulent.
How Often Should You Water Succulents? A Comprehensive Guide
The frequency of watering succulents depends on several factors. Room temperature, humidity, and seasonal changes can affect the frequency of watering your succulents. In general, you should water your succulent once per week. However, the “soak and dry” method proves to be the most efficient way of watering succulents.
The “Soak and Dry” Method
The soak and dry method involves watering your succulent until the soil is entirely soaked and letting it dry out before the next watering. Water your succulent to the point where the soil is entirely saturated and no longer absorbs water. After that, its best to let the soil dry out completely before giving it the next watering.
It may take between 2 – 4 weeks to dry out, depending on climate and soil type. Ensure you water the succulent again only after the soil has entirely dried out.
Checking for Soil Dryness
You can check if your soil is dry by sticking your finger into the soil; if it feels dry from the tip of your finger to the second knuckle, it is time to water your succulent. Also, look for signs of underwatering such as withered leaves, wrinkled skin, and tip decay.
Changes in Watering Frequency According to Season
Watering frequency can vary depends on the season and climate. During summer, succulents need more water to deal with the extra heat. During the fall and winter, the days get shorter, and the sun is not as strong, meaning that your succulents will need less water regularly. Visit your succulent daily to observe any changes and keep watering it according to the finger test.
Tips for Watering Succulents in Extreme Climates
For people living in areas with extreme climates, such as extreme heat or cold, watering succulents might be challenging. In those areas, you might consider moving the succulent indoors or planting them near the house’s sheltered side. Installing greenhouses and using irrigation systems will help regulate the moisture. Remember to use the finger test to gauge whether or not to water the plants.
Watering Succulents 101: Dos and Don’ts for Optimal Growth
For optimal growth, you need to follow some best practices in watering succulents as outlined below:
Best Practices for Watering Succulents
- Ensure your pot has proper drainage holes, allowing excess water to escape easily.
- The soil must be high quality and have a pH level that is suitable for your plant.
- Water your succulent adequately; avoid overwatering and underwatering.
- Water the soil rather than the plant’s leaves or stems since succulents are prone to burst when wet.
- Understand the succulent’s water requirements and create a watering schedule that suits them.
How to Water Newly Planted Succulents
When transplanting succulents, remember to water them thoroughly. Water helps to settle the soil, ease transplant shock and aid in rooting. After watering the succulent, leave it to dry out entirely before giving it the next watering.
Guidelines for Watering Established Succulents
For established succulents, watering them once or twice a week is usually enough. The soak and dry method also applies here. Always check the soil before watering and avoid overwatering your succulent.
Importance of Drainage and Soil Quality
Proper drainage ensures your succulent doesn’t accumulate excess water that causes root rot. It’s important to note that inadequate drainage, using the wrong soil type, or planting your succulent in a container that’s too large can lead to overwatering issues and cause rotting.
Tips for Correcting Overwatered Succulents
To save an overwatered succulent, you must take swift action. Remove the plant from its pot and leave it in a well-ventilated area to dry. You can also move the succulent in a shallow container filled with dry soil. Allow it to dry out naturally before moving it back to its original pot. Remember to adjust the watering schedule once you plant it back in the pot.
Dry vs. Drenched: Understanding and Maintaining the Right Soil Moisture for Your Succulents
Keeping the soil moist is vital for a succulent’s survival. It’s important to avoid overwatering or letting the soil dry out completely. The optimal moisture range for succulents is between 20-60%. If the soil is too moist, the plant will become vulnerable to root rot, while too dry, and the plant will wilt and die.
Effects of Overly Moist and Dry Soil
Overly moist soil causes bacteria growth, and the succulent will have a difficult time absorbing any moisture. Conversely, soil that’s too dry leads to the roots dying and renders your succulent unable to eat.
Tips for Improving Soil Moisture Management
- Ensure the soil is of high quality and is specifically for succulents.
- Use containers with proper drainage.
- If your succulent is planted in the ground, add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Consider a soil moisture meter to help monitor your soil’s moisture levels.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Watering Succulents
As a beginner, it’s essential to avoid making the following five mistakes:
Overwatering
Overwatering succulent plants can kill them. Always make sure the soil is dry before watering your plants again.
Not Enough Water
Succulents require water like any other plant. It’s important to water them regularly but not to overwater them.
Wrong Type of Watering
When watering your succulent, make sure to soak the soil and not the plant. Watering the plant directly can lead to fatal rotting.
Too Much Fertilizer
Overfertilizing succulents can harm them and retard growth. Don’t fertilize your succulent frequently.
Incorrect Drainage and Soil Quality
Using the wrong soil or pot with poor drainage can lead to the buildup of excess water that causes root rotting.
Conclusion
Water is essential to your succulent’s growth and survival. Watering your succulents properly ensures that they stay healthy and beautiful for years. We hope our guide helps you understand how to water your succulents with ease. Always remember to monitor the moisture level of your soil, understand your plant’s specific water requirements, and be vigilant in preventing overwatering and underwatering.