For the green-thumb hobbyist and indoor plant enthusiast, learning how to properly care for and maintain succulents is essential. One of the most important parts of that care is watering. Like any other plant, succulents have their unique watering requirements that, if not dutifully followed, could lead to significant growth issues or even irreversible damage.
Succulents are hardy plants, known for their propensity to store water within their thick, fleshy leaves, stems, or roots. This adaptive trait makes succulents incredibly resilient, allowing them to withstand drought-like conditions that would otherwise be inhospitable to other types of plants. They are predominantly found in areas that experience infrequent rainfall, fierce heat, and sandy soil, like deserts or arid coastal regions.
Despite their innate resilience and water storage capacity, proper watering is crucial to keep these plants healthy and vibrant. Succulents need to be watered just enough – not too much, lest they develop root rot, and not too little, for they can dry out.
Generally, a deep watering once every one to two weeks (depending on the climate and conditions) is ideal. This might seem counterintuitive since many indoor plant caretakers strive not to overwater their plants. However, remember that when it rains in succulents’ natural habitats, it often pours. Mimicking this pattern, a deep, thorough watering – wherein the water drains through the holes at the bottom of the pot – ensures that the roots can soak up a lot of water to store for the dry periods.
The frequency of watering should be adjusted based on environmental conditions. During warmer months, you may need to water more frequently, perhaps once every week. In contrast, during cooler months when the succulent’s growth slows, watering once every two weeks (or even less frequently) may suffice.
Consequently, understanding how different factors affect a succulent’s watering needs is vital. These factors include light, temperature, humidity, plant type, and pot and soil type.
Light – Succulents love light, and those provided with more light will consume more water than those in low light conditions.
Temperature – Warmer temperatures accelerate water evaporation from the soil, prompting more frequent watering.
Humidity – Lower humidity allows for faster evaporation and thus more frequent watering, while higher humidity slows evaporation, reducing watering frequency.
Plant Type – Different succulent species have various adaptations to mitigate water loss, causing differing water needs. For instance, a thick-leaved Echeveria requires fewer waterings compared to a thin-leaved Aloe.
Pot and Soil Type – Permeable pots (like terracotta) and well-draining soil help maintain moisture balance. Compact and non-porous pots (like ceramic or glass) retain more moisture and should be watered less often.
Learning to interpret the signs your plant gives can aid you in tailoring a proper watering schedule. Overwatered succulents may display yellow or transparent leaves, or black spots on the leaves or stem. However, under-watered succulents may have shrivelled, wrinkled, or deflated leaves.
Consistently hailed as a proven technique, the ‘soak and dry’ method is lauded for its simplicity and effectiveness. In essence, this method requires thoroughly soaking the soil, then letting it dry out completely before watering again. This approach mirrors the natural watering patterns of most succulent habitats and ensures that the plant is neither overwatered nor underwatered.
The source of the water you use to nourish your succulents can affect their health. While most tap water is generally safe for succulents, high levels of certain minerals or chlorine can harm sensitive varieties. Using alternate sources such as distilled water or correctly harvested rainwater removes these risks.
Succulents are a delight to care for, and with this depth of understanding regarding their watering needs and routines, you’ll be well on your way to growing beautiful, healthy succulents. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned succulent caretaker, practising these watering techniques will enhance the vibrancy and longevity of your succulent garden. Now, you have enough knowledge to navigate the nuanced world of succulent hydration, and you can flaunt a green thumb confidently.
