Succulents have roots that cling to surfaces around them, searching out water in the air. Constant misting can force this plant's energy towards survival rather than building new leaves and an extensive root network.
How often to water succulents depends on their location, soil type and the humidity levels in their environment. As a general guideline, wait until their potted soil or media feels dry to the touch before watering again.
Watering
Succulents have the ability to store water in their fleshy leaves and stems for extended periods between waterings, and may do just fine without constant misting or waterings when grown in pots or the ground. But whether indoors or outdoors, succulents need regular drinks to stay happy and healthy.
Succulents find water from raindrops or through evaporation from sunlight in their native environment. Once planted in soil or containers, however, their roots must absorb any available moisture when it arrives - this is why it is crucial to use well-draining soil or incorporate fast-draining material into their potting mix for best results.
Water type also plays an integral part. Avoiding extremes in temperature may shock and disrupt a succulent's water-storing mechanism, while rainwater or distilled water is often superior due to reduced build-up of salts and minerals in its soil.
Your succulents should be watered until their soil is nearly (but not completely) dry. Overwatering could result in root zone rot. When too much moisture has entered a succulent's soil through saturated roots, its uptake drops off completely, leading it to dehydrate quickly before eventually dying off altogether.
When watering succulents, always pour it onto their soil rather than their leaves. Water spots on leaves can rot them and make the plant appear unhealthy and discolored, while pouring it onto leaves may collect in crevices without draining away and could potentially lead to mold and rot forming on its leaves.
Succulents don't like to sit in wet soil for extended periods, and can quickly deteriorate if given too much water over an extended period. To avoid overwatering, ensure the container contains a drainage hole and water only until water begins escaping through at the bottom. Bottom-watering may also work effectively as it's an approach well suited to houseplants but could work especially well when watering succulents.
Soil
Although succulents are known for being drought-tolerant, they still require regular, deep watering in order to thrive. Water stores in their roots and leaves to withstand dry conditions; however, long deep drinks of water must still be administered regularly or they will begin losing leaves and eventually wither away altogether.
To determine whether or not your succulent needs watering, press your finger into the soil and feel for moisture levels in the top inch or so of soil. If this area of dry soil exists, water it immediately. Additionally, feel the weight of the pot to determine if there's enough humidity present, or use a moisture meter for more accurate results.
As much as succulents may tolerate being neglected for extended periods, it can still become overwatered very easily. When too much water enters a succulent's roots it can saturate them to the point that their roots rot - this process happens over weeks before you notice your plant is suffering and too late to save it!
Succulents are desert natives, so when watering them it is best to mimic their natural environment. Rainstorms in the desert typically come as torrential downpours which soak plants but do not accumulate on leaves. Pour water directly on succulent's soil then allow excess to run off through its drainage hole at the bottom of its pot.
Be wary of watering succulents directly onto their leaves as this could lead to rot and salt build-up. Instead, use a watering bottle with a small spout to direct it at their roots; additionally spritzing their foliage may encourage more rapid absorption of moisture.
Succulents benefit most from receiving frequent, deep watering sessions rather than small daily sips, to prevent water spots on their leaves and encourage healthier plants. If you need assistance choosing a suitable soil type for your succulents, visit our soil post for further guidance on which kind of potting mix should be used.
Light
Watering succulents is easy to overdo during hotter months. When too much moisture reaches their roots, rot can occur resulting in plants looking shriveled and dead; this usually is only temporary as long as overwatering does not reoccur in future.
An effective way to ensure you do not overwater succulents is to periodically check their soil's moisture levels using either a moisture meter, chopstick insertion or by simply feeling with your hands. A good rule of thumb would be only water your succulents when their soil becomes bone dry or slightly damp depending on climate and season.
As another way of testing your succulent's watering needs, observe its leaves. An overwatered succulent's leaves may start to pucker and shrivel from underneath as its roots lose water storage capacity; saving a succulent with such compromised leaves is often impossible but early intervention could save it!
Use rain or distilled water when watering succulents; this will be better for their health than tap water, which often contains high concentrations of minerals like magnesium and calcium that build up in soil, leaving plants looking yellowed or withered. Distilled or rain water is especially important when growing succulents in containers exposed to environmental hazards.
Succulents tend to be more resilient than many houseplants when it comes to water requirements, yet still require regular waterings for optimal health. With patience and dedication, you can learn how to water succulents correctly so they thrive in your home!
For optimal results, water your succulents either morning or afternoon to prevent too much evaporation of water and keep the soil moist longer. Winter may not require as much attention than usual in terms of water requirements; just check it regularly so as to make sure the soil doesn't dry out too rapidly due to evaporation and colder conditions.
Air
Succulents store water in their roots, stems and leaves for up to several months without needing watering again. When the time does come however, it's essential not to overwater as overdoing it could cause root rot that kills off succulents altogether. To avoid overwatering it's advisable to check whether your soil has dried out before watering again; otherwise leave it until dry before doing so again.
A succulent's behavior will tell you when and how often to water it, with overwatered succulents looking shriveled and dry while ones being under-watered may develop slimy or slimy spots. When in doubt about watering frequency or amount, always err towards under-watering rather than over-watering your succulent.
As previously mentioned, succulents don't enjoy sudden changes in temperature that could shock them, so using only pure water such as distilled or rainwater for watering your succulents is ideal. While tap or garden hose water could work just as well, its use should prevent minerals from building up in their soil that might harm their plants.
If you are planting succulents in the ground, it is recommended that they are watered every 7-10 days during spring and summer (depending on climate and sunlight), while during the dormant season only when their soil becomes very dry - this helps avoid overwatering as well as fungal diseases that arise due to overly moist conditions. Water should always be applied directly over soil without getting on leaves to avoid rotting and water spots; using a moisture meter is an excellent tool when uncertain of how often or deeply to water your succulents!