A common misconception about succulent care is that these quirky, resilient plants need little to no water to thrive. On the contrary, succulents definitely need water, but the trick lies in understanding how and when to provide it.
Right Watering Cycles
The key factor to ensuring succulent health is establishing the correct watering cycle. Unlike typical houseplants, succulents don’t need constant moist soil to grow efficiently. Instead, they retain water in their leaves, stems, or roots, and use that stored water during dry spells.
So, how often should you water succulents? The best approach is the “soak and dry” method. This involves watering the plant thoroughly so that the water goes through the drain holes, then waiting until the soil has completely dried out before watering again. While the frequency may vary depending on climate and the type of succulent, this method generally requires watering about once a week during the growing season and reducing the frequency to once a month during dormancy.
Correct Watering Techniques
Proper watering techniques also play a key role in succulent care. When watering, make sure you pour water directly into the soil until it drains out from the bottom. Avoid pouring water over the succulent leaves as this can lead to the growth of harmful fungi or cause leaf rot.
An efficient alternative is using a syringe or a squeeze bottle to deliver water directly to the root zone. Avoid water sprays, as they might not reach the roots thoroughly. Remember, overwatering can often be more harmful than underwatering.
Overwatered succulents display symptoms like yellow leaves, an overly plump or mushy appearance, while underwatered succulents exhibit signs such as wilting, discoloration, or shrivelled leaves.
Water Quality and Types
The quality and type of water used also impacts the health of succulents. Ideally, rainwater is the best choice as it’s natural, clean, and already balanced in terms of pH. However, most indoor gardeners use tap water without significant issues. If using tap water, let it sit for a couple of hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate before you use it.
Hard water, containing high mineral content, can lead to unhealthy salt build-up in the succulent soil. In such cases, using purified, filtered, or distilled water can prevent potential damage.
Understanding Your Specific Succulent Needs
Different succulents have different water needs. Researching your succulent’s unique water requirements and growing conditions will be helpful in maintaining its optimum health.
For instance, jungle succulents (like Christmas cacti) are accustomed to receiving regular rainfall and can tolerate moister soil than their desert counterparts (like Echeverias).
Watering Succulent Cuttings and Propagated Plants
Succulent cuttings and newly propagated plants have different watering needs. While the “soak and dry” method is ideal for mature plants, it’s not suitable for cuttings and young plants that don’t have fully developed root systems to absorb water efficiently.
They should be misted until roots form. Once they do, decrease watering gradually until they are on the same “soak and dry” schedule as mature succulents. Also, avoid watering right after planting to prevent root rot.
Watering Succulents in Containers without Drainage Holes
While not ideal, many succulents thrive in containers without drainage holes. But watering them needs to be more controlled. Rather than thoroughly soaking the soil, slowly add water until it just reaches the surface of the soil. This eliminates the risk of water logging.
Watering Succulents in Different Seasons
The watering needs of succulents change with the seasons. More water is necessary during their active growth season (usually spring and early summer) while during the dormancy period, watering should be limited.
In conclusion, watering succulents requires a balance of the right approach, water quality, frequency and technique. By understanding the specific needs of your plants and adjusting your care accordingly, you will enjoy a lush, healthy succulent garden. Never forget, when it comes to watering succulents; less is usually more.
