Watering Guidelines: Important Do's and Don'ts for Adorable Succulents
Succulents, often mistaken for desert plants that need minimal water, require a balanced approach to hydration to thrive. In this article, we'll explore the best practices for watering succulents, signs of over-watering and under-watering, and tips for maintaining healthy, vibrant succulents.
**Watering Method**
The 'Soak and Dry' method is the recommended approach for watering succulents. This involves watering thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, soaking the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes. It's essential to let the soil dry out completely before watering again, from the top to the bottom of the pot. To prevent excess moisture on the leaves, which can cause rot, water indoor succulents by pouring water onto the soil rather than from above. Using well-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole is crucial to prevent waterlogging.
**How Often to Water**
To determine when to water, check the soil's dryness and avoid a strict schedule as frequency depends on temperature, humidity, and pot size. Outdoor succulents generally need more frequent watering in warm weather, but still allow the soil to dry out between waterings. If using a pot without drainage, water with a measured amount (about half the pot’s soil volume) and be cautious to avoid excess water pooling.
**Signs of Watering Issues**
Under-watered succulents may show signs such as leaves shrinking, wrinkling, or becoming soft and droopy. On the other hand, over-watered succulents may have mushy, discolored, or falling leaves, and may rot at the base.
**Tips for Success**
Watch your plants for signs of needing more or less water and adjust your routine accordingly. When in doubt, it's better to wait. It's easier to revive a dehydrated succulent than one suffering from rot due to over-watering. For extended absences, consider a self-watering system with a wick (like a cotton string), but move plants to a shadier spot to reduce water loss.
**Maintaining Healthy Succulents**
Succulents prefer well-drained soil, and following the 'Soak and Dry' method will help maintain this. If your succulent has been over-watered, remove all damaged parts, air dry the plant for 2-3 days, replace the wet soil with dry soil, place in indirect bright light, and don't water until the plant recovers. A severely under-watered succulent can be revived by watering it thoroughly until the wrinkles go away.
In winter, water your succulents when the soil is dry, which could be as infrequently as once per month. Despite their hardy reputation, succulents are still plants that need water to survive. By following these guidelines, you'll help your succulents thrive, balancing their water needs for a vibrant, healthy display.
- To care for succulents effectively, utilize the 'Soak and Dry' method, which involves watering thoroughly when the soil is completely dry and allowing it to dry out completely before re-watering.
- The frequency of watering depends on factors such as temperature, humidity, and pot size, so it's crucial to check the soil's dryness instead of adhering to a strict schedule.
- Under-watered succulents may show signs like leaves shrinking, wrinkling, or becoming soft and droopy, while over-watered plants may have mushy, discolored, or falling leaves.
- Adjust your watering routine based on the signs your succulents display, as it's easier to revive a dehydrated succulent than one suffering from rot due to over-watering.
- For a hassle-free watering system when you're away, consider using a self-watering system with a wick, but ensure the plants are in a shadier spot to reduce water loss.
- In winter, water succulents only when the soil is dry, which could be as infrequently as once per month, and ensure they have well-drained soil to maintain their health and vibrancy.
