Watering succulents correctly

Understanding succulent water needs

Succulents are truly unique, boasting water-storing leaves, stems, or roots that allow them to survive in some of the harshest, driest environments on Earth. This means their water needs are vastly different from the thirsty houseplants you’re probably used to. In most cases, they hail from arid regions where rain is infrequent but intense — think sudden downpours in deserts. As such, understanding succulent watering isn’t only about providing hydration; it’s about doing it in a way that mimics their natural habitat.

One of the primary reasons succulents are popular is because they appear to be “low-maintenance.” But low-maintenance is not the same as “no-maintenance”! While they don’t need as much water as most plants, improperly watering succulents, either too much or too little, can lead to problems — namely overwatering or underwatering (both equally detrimental).

Remember: succulents dislike soggy soil. Their specialized tissues allow them to store water for long periods, so giving them a daily splash is not only unnecessary but potentially harmful. The real challenge lies in striking the right balance. Whether you’re a newbie succulent parent or a seasoned plant aficionado, that delicate balance is key to understanding their intricate watering needs.

Best time to water succulents

Timing is everything when it comes to giving your succulents the hydration they need. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s an ideal time of day to water your little green friends, you’ll be pleased to know that there is! Like many plants, succulents follow their own biological rhythms, and the time they absorb water most efficiently is during the morning hours — when the soil and plant tissue are just beginning to warm from the cool of night.

Watering your succulents early in the day gives them a head start, allowing moisture to penetrate deeply into the soil while the plant gears up for photosynthesis. This timing also means they’ll have all day to dry out any excess water on the surface, which prevents those dreaded issues associated with overwatering, like root rot.

On the flip side, watering your succulents in the evening isn’t ideal. Cool nighttime temperatures slow down evaporation, potentially leaving your soil too damp and your succulents vulnerable to diseases. So, if you want your succulents to thrive, start your day by soaking them in the early morning or, if you miss that window, late afternoon in hotter climates can still work. Just ensure the water has time to dry out by nightfall.

Choosing the right watering method

Believe it or not, how you water your succulents can be just as important as when you water them. Overwatering, underwatering, or using the wrong watering method can significantly impact the health of your plants. You may be tempted to give a quick sprinkle or mist your succulents every day, but that’s usually the fast lane to unintentional plant disaster. To really set up your succulent watering routine for success, choosing the right method is crucial.

The preferred technique for watering succulents is often called the “soak and dry” method. Why? Because it mirrors the way they’d receive water in their natural habitats after sporadic rainy days. Here’s how it works: you water your succulents until the soil is thoroughly drenched, ensuring moisture seeps deep into the roots (don’t be shy with that watering can!). After that, you allow the soil to dry out entirely before you water again. No soggy soil hanging around for days, waiting to harm the roots!

One method to avoid is misting. While misting may seem gentle and refreshing, most succulents don’t need or benefit from it. Their thick, fleshy leaves are designed to hold water within, so spraying only the surface may encourage shallow root growth instead of deep, strong roots. This can leave your plant more frail and vulnerable to drying out quickly. Plus, wet leaves for prolonged periods in low light can attract mold or fungal problems, which is a common issue when succulents are overwatered.

Signs of overwatering and underwatering

Understanding the signs of overwatering and underwatering in succulents is crucial to their long-term health, as these hardy plants send out clear distress signals when their watering needs aren’t being met. Think of them as nature’s air-purifying, oxygen-pumping housemates that won’t hesitate to let you know when they’re unhappy — but you need to know what to look for.

When it comes to overwatering, the signs are all about excess. Soft, mushy leaves might be your plant’s way of crying for help. Succulents store water in their leaves, so when they absorb too much, their cells can actually burst. If you notice translucent or even blackened leaves, chances are your succulent has taken a literal dive into the deep end of the watering pool. The roots can suffer, too — root rot is one of the most common and dreaded effects of overwatering, and often it’s the point of no return for the plant.

In contrast, underwatering succulents usually means you’ll see dried-out leaves that wrinkle or shrivel. Those juicy, plump leaves that make succulents so striking? When the water reserves run dry, they begin to look like deflated balloons. The lower, older leaves are often the first to go, turning brown, crispy, and dropping off the plant. But don’t despair just yet! Succulents can often bounce back from underwatering with a good soak and nurturing care, while overwatering is a trickier culprit to undo.

Seasonal watering adjustments

Just like people swap out sun hats for scarves when the seasons change, succulents need different levels of care depending on the time of year. Because succulents have evolved to survive in environments with dramatic fluctuations in weather, they can handle shifts in watering routines — but only if you know how to adjust.

During the growing season, which typically runs from spring to early fall, your succulents will actively absorb water to boost growth and prepare for the harsher months ahead. This is the time to keep an eye on your plants and adopt a regular watering schedule. Depending on the climate, this might mean watering every 1-2 weeks but always making sure that the soil is completely dry before the next drink.

Conversely, in the winter months, most succulents enter a period of dormancy, somewhat like hibernation but for plants. Their metabolic rate slows down, meaning they don’t need as much water to function. Winter watering can be tricky because you don’t want to starve your succulent during these cold stretches, but you also want to avoid waterlogged soil at a time when the plant is least equipped to deal with excess moisture. In most cases, watering once every three to five weeks is sufficient, though this can vary depending on your home’s climate and the type of succulent.

Adapting to your environment

It’s important to remember that the rules aren’t set in stone. Different succulents have various cold-tolerance abilities, and indoor environments can mimic perpetual spring or summer, wreaking havoc on their natural sense of seasons. If you keep your succulents indoors in a low humidity region, you might find yourself needing to water more frequently. Meanwhile, outdoors or in high humidity environments, you’ll likely need extra patience as the soil will remain moist for longer.

• If you live in a dry, hot area, your succulents may need extra hydration support even during winter.
• In colder climates, limit watering to prevent wet, cold soil from shocking your plant’s roots.

A signal from your plants

One of the best ways to adjust your succulent watering routine by season is to pay attention to how your plants are behaving. Succulents have sneaky ways of showing their preferences – whether they need more water or a long dry spell. Take note of how long the soil remains moist, and adapt accordingly. The key to success with seasonal watering adjustments is to always check the soil and, above all, listen to what your succulents are trying to tell you.

“Succulents are like nature’s little philosophers – they prosper by knowing how to thrive in ever-changing environments.”