A succulent is a kind of plant that has thick, fleshy leaves or stems. The term “succulent” comes from the Latin word “sucus,” which means juice or sap. Succulents are often seen as ornamental plants because of their interesting shapes and colors. Some common types of succulents include cacti, aloe vera, and sedum.
Succulents can store water in their leaves and stems, which helps them survive in hot, dry climates. They typically have shallow root systems and can grow in both sandy and rocky soil. But the question is how often to water succulents?
This is one of the most pressing questions concerning succulents. The answer to this is not as straightforward as it may seem.
And so this is why this article will walk you through the answers on how often to water succulents and recap some types as well.
Factors to consider ono how often to water succulents
Some variables or factors directly affect on how often to water succulents. It includes the following.
● Planting style
When it comes to planting succulents, one of the important things you can do is ensure they have well-draining soil.
This is where pea gravel comes in. Pea gravel helps to improve drainage while keeping the roots of your succulents aerated. In addition, pea gravel can help prevent root rot and other problems that can occur when succulents are grown in soggy soil.
● Location
Succulents located outside exposed to more wind and heat will need more water than those located indoors.
● Size
Smaller succulents demand little water, while larger succulents require more water.
● Container Type
When it comes to planting succulents, the best container is one that has drainage holes. This will allow excess water to drain out, preventing the roots from rotting. A pot without drainage holes can be used, but ensure to only water your succulent when the soil is dry to avoid overwatering.
How often to water succulents?
Before you water your succulents, make sure that you consider the factors we discussed above. Too much or little water can negatively affect your succulents if you’re unaware of them.
So, the question is, how often to water succulents? Here are the points you need to remember!
- During non-winter months, such as April to November, you must water succulents once a week, especially if the temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celcius.
- During winter or when the temperature is below 40 degrees Celcius, you can water your succulents once a month.
Types of succulents that need more water
We already answered the question of how often to water succulents, but there are succulent types that demand more water due to their body composition.
Note that the previous answer applies to plump varieties of succulents. Here are the other types of succulents that need more water.
- Spindly succulents need more water because their structure is too thin to store water. If you think your succulent is dry, then water it little by little more often.
- Tiny potted succulents also require more water due to their small container. Small containers can’t store and hold water for the plant, so you need to provide it. You can give them two tablespoons of water once a week during winter.
- Last is the Christmas Cacti. Since it needs to achieve optimal blooming, it’ll need more water too.
What’s better when watering succulents? Underwatered or overwatered?
When it comes to the question, how often to water succulents, there is a lot of debate on whether it is better to underwater or overwater them. While both options have their benefits, in general, it is better to underwater succulents. There are two reasons why.
- One of the reasons why it is better to underwater succulents is that they are more resistant to drought than they are to too much water.
Succulents keep water in their leaves and stems, which helps them survive in dry conditions. However, when succulents are overwatered, the excess water can cause the leaves and stems to rot.
- Another reason why it is better to underwater succulents is that they are typically slow-growing plants.
This means they do not need as much water as other plants. Overwatering can actually stunt the growth of succulents.
Watering succulents the right way
Here are just some examples of how you can water succulents properly and accordingly.
Example #1:
You have a tiny succulent almost 4 ½ inches tall and 2 inches wide. It is planted in a pot with pea gravel on it and has a drain hole. It is inside.
How to water it the right way?
You must give the succulent at least ¼ cup of water once a week during warmer months. While during winter months, you can give it ¼ cup of water twice a month. That’s every other week.
Example #2:
You have succulent that measures 1 ft tall and 5 inches wide living outside during non-winter months. It has pea gravel, and its pot has drain holes.
How to water it the right way?
You must give the succulent 2 cups water every other week during warmer months. Meanwhile, during winter, you can only give 1 to 1 ½ cups of water once a month.
Important things to remember when watering succulents
As you know, succulents aren’t your typical plants in your garden. So it would help if you knew some important rules for maintaining them in terms of their water.
Take a look at this list!
- You need to ensure that the soil is dry before watering them again.
- Rotted roots of succulents mean they’re dead.
- Dry out, then drench. Dry out, then drench. That’s the only routine you need.
It’s time to water succulents correctly!
Watering succulents correctly is crucial to keeping them healthy and happy. Although succulents are tough and low-maintenance, they still need the right amount of water to thrive.
So to recap some of the proper ways to water them, here’s what you need.
- Water your succulents early in the day, so the leaves can dry before nightfall. This will help prevent rot.
- Give them a good soaking, allowing the water to reach the roots. Then, let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
- Make sure you use a well-draining pot or container, so the roots don’t sit in water for too long.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your succulents stay healthy and happy for years to come!