Like most people, you probably think watering succulents is easy. Just give them a little water. WRONG. Watering succulents is a delicate art; if you don’t do it correctly, your plants will suffer. In this blog post, we’ll share the dos and don’ts of watering succulents, so you can keep your plants healthy and happy.
Succulents are plants adapted to survive in dry, arid climates by storing water in their leaves, stems, or roots. As a result, succulents can be watered infrequently as other plants.
How often do you think you should water succulents?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question since the watering frequency will vary depending on several factors, succulent, the size of the pot, the kind of potting mix, the time of year, and whether the plant is indoors or outdoors.
In general, it is best to err on the side of too little water rather than too much. Water succulents only when the soil is completely dry to the touch, allowing excess moisture to drain away. If you are unsure whether your plant needs watering, it is best to wait a day or two before giving it a drink.
Some succulents – such as Sempervivum (hens and chicks) and Jovibarba heuffelii – will tolerate (and even prefer) periods of complete drought. Others – such as Kalanchoe and Crassula – need to be watered more frequently when actively growing in spring and summer.
In general, succulents that grow in hot, dry climates need less water than those from cooler regions. And those that are native to the mountainous areas may need more water than lowland species.
If you are still determining how often to water your succulent, check its roots regularly (about once a week) to see if they are getting enough moisture. If they are still plump and moist, wait another day before watering again. If they are beginning to fade and wrinkle, it’s time to drink!
The best time of day to water succulents
The best time of day to water succulents is in the morning. This gives the plants enough time to absorb the water before the heat sets in. If you were to water in the evening, the plant will not have an opportunity to dry out before nightfall, which can lead to rot.
How do water succulents?
Most succulents need very little water, and too much can be harmful. One of the most common mistakes people make when caring for succulents is overwatering. If you think your plant might be getting too much water, it’s essential to act quickly.
Here are a few tips for watering succulents:
-Do water in the morning or evening to avoid evaporation.
-Do water at the base of the plant rather than from above.
-Do allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
-Don’t water too frequently – once a week or less is usually sufficient.
-Don’t let your plant sit in water – it will cause the roots to rot.
What type of water to use for watering succulents?
Succulents must be watered about once a week or when the soil has completely dried. The type of water you use can impact your plants, so it’s essential to use the right kind.
Tap water – This is fine for most succulents as long as it’s not too high in mineral content. If you need more time, let the water sit out overnight before watering your plants. This will allow any chlorine to evaporate.
Distilled water – This is a good option if you’re concerned about mineral build-up in your soil. It’s also suitable for succulents sensitive to salt, such as echeverias.
Rainwater – This is the best option if you can get it. It’s naturally soft and free of chemicals, so it’s perfect for watering succulents. If you live in an area with hard water, rainwater can also help to reduce mineral build-up in your soil.
Mineral water can be high in salt and minerals, so it’s not the best choice for most succulents. However, some plants, such as sempervivums and sedums, prefer water high in minerals.
What type of water should you NOT use for watering succulents?
Hard water – This is high in minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. It can cause mineral build-up in your soil and make it difficult for your plants to absorb moisture.
Chlorinated water – This can be harmful to your plants, especially if it’s left to sit out overnight before watering them. If you must use chlorinated water, let it sit out for at least 24 hours before using it on your plants.
How to tell if a succulent is overwatered
It is overwatered if your succulent’s leaves are soft, squishy, or discolored. This is the number one way to tell if a succulent is overwatered. Other signs that a succulent may be overwatered are if the leaves are falling off or if the stem is soft. If your plant is showing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to take action right away to save your plant.
There are a few things you can do to save an overwatered succulent. First, stop watering the plant and let the soil dry out completely. Once the soil is dry, you can gently remove the affected leaves. If the plant’s stem is soft, you can cut it back to a point where there are still firm leaves. Once you have taken these steps, you can resume watering your plant, but be sure to water less frequently and allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
How to tell if a succulent is underwatered
There are a few ways to tell if a succulent is underwatered. One is to look at the color of the leaves. If they look pale or yellow, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. Another way to tell is to feel the leaves. If they feel soft or mushy, this is also a sign of underwatering. Finally, you can check the soil. If it feels dry several inches down, your plant needs more water.
The bottom line on watering succulents
The bottom line of watering succulents is to let the soil dry out thoroughly before you water again. This might mean watering once a week or even once every two weeks. It all depends on the size of your pot, the succulent, the climate you live in, and how much light your plant is getting.
When in doubt, always err on the side of too little water rather than too much. It’s better to underwater your succulents than to overwater them. Overwatering is one of the most common ways people kill their succulents.
If you see your succulent starting to wilt or its leaves begin to wrinkle, that’s a sign that it needs more water. Water your plant deeply, but ensure the soil dries out completely before watering again.
Read More Articles :
Everything You Need To Know About Hydroponic Gardening
