Watering succulents can become a challenging task for both beginners and seasoned plant owners due to their unique, drought-tolerant nature. Adequate and appropriate watering leads to healthy and vibrant growth while too much or too little nurtures a stunted, withering succulent. To guide you through this diverse plant-caring aspect, here are the dos and don’ts of watering succulents.
## Do: Understand What Succulents Are
Succulents are plants adept in storing water in their leaves, stems, and roots, making them survive in arid conditions. Species such as cacti, jade plants, aloe vera, and zebra plants appropriately illustrate this category. The understanding of the inherent drought-tolerant characteristic prepares you for their watering needs.
The principle is simple: since succulents are designed to go for long periods without water, overwatering becomes a primary mistake to avoid. It is paramount to optimize their watering schedule, recognizing their unique biological adaptations, and responding accordingly.
## Don’t: Water Succulents Like Regular Plants
The care for succulents varies significantly from regular houseplants. Most houseplants thrive better when their soil is kept continuously moist. However, this practice can be deadly for succulents. They thrive in conditions of neglect, constantly preferring their soil to dry out completely before you think of watering again. In essence, succulents wouldn’t do well with the regular watering schedule of other plants.
## Do: Water Thoroughly then Let it Dry Out
Succulents prefer to be ‘soaked and dried’. This means watering the plant thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain out, and then let the soil dry out completely before the next watering. This doesn’t mean misting or spraying water on the topsoil; this method amounts to insufficient watering, leaving your succulents parched.
Instead, water your succulents until you see a proper drainage from the pot’s bottom. The soil should be thoroughly drenched so the roots can absorb enough water. Then, move your succulents outside or somewhere it can dry out completely. Repeat this process only when the soil is bone-dry.
## Don’t: Use a Non-draining Pot
Non-draining pots can retain water, leading to root rot, a common issue for succulents. Therefore, always choose a container that has drainage holes at the bottom. If you want to use a pot without holes for aesthetic reasons, use it as a cover pot. Put your succulent in a smaller, draining container, which can then be placed inside the larger, decorative one.
## Do: Consider the Humidity Factor
Environmental factors play a crucial part in watering succulents. Humidity, specifically, greatly influences how often you need to water your plants. If you live in a dry region, you might need to water your succulents more frequently than if you resided in a more humid area.
## Don’t: Water Succulents Equally in All Seasons
Succulents need different amounts of water at different times of the year. They need more water during their active growing season, which is usually in spring and summer. Conversely, during the dormant winter season, it’s essential to minimize watering as the plant’s water needs decrease.
## Do: Adjust Watering to the Type of the Succulent
Not all succulents are the same. For instance, thick-leafed, large succulents will need less water than thin-leafed, small ones. Therefore, research about the particular type of succulents you possess is crucial to adjust and optimize their watering.
## Don’t: Neglect Signs of Over or Under-Watering
Signs of an over-watered succulent may include discoloration, mushiness, and falling leaves. Conversely, an under-watered succulent may have shriveled, droopy leaves. Watch for these signs and adjust the watering accordingly.
## Do: Use Well-Drained Soil
The best soil for succulents is fast-draining like a special cactus mix. Alternatively, you can make your own by mixing regular potting soil with coarse sand and pebbles to allow quick run-off.
In essence, the concept of watering succulents hinges on understanding their biophysical adaptations. This knowledge informs the profound approach of adopting a route of neglect- watering sparsely and sparingly, best suited for their arid-condition-adapted physiology. Succulents are certainly low-maintenance and easy-to-care plants once their specific watering needs are catered for. With the mentioned dos and don’ts of watering succulents, it becomes easier to nurture them from small buds to beautiful, vibrant blooms.
