Succulents, known for their thick, fleshy leaves and drought tolerance, are popular houseplants, but their care often confuses new owners. You can soak a succulent in water, but only through the specific, controlled method of bottom watering. This technique should only occur when the plant is significantly dry and ready for deep saturation. Bottom watering provides necessary moisture without subjecting the plant to the primary danger of overwatering: prolonged surface dampness and subsequent rot.
The Practice of Bottom Watering
Bottom watering encourages the plant to draw water up through the drainage holes, offering deep and even saturation of the soil mass. This method is superior to traditional top watering because it ensures moisture reaches the deepest roots and prevents pooling around the plant’s base. It is particularly beneficial for succulents as it avoids wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal issues or wash away the protective waxy coating, farina.
To perform bottom watering, place the potted succulent into a shallow basin or tray filled with room-temperature water. The water level should reach about one-quarter to one-half the height of the pot, allowing the soil to absorb moisture via capillary action. The plant should remain in the water for 10 to 20 minutes, or until the top layer of soil becomes visibly damp.
Once the topsoil is moist, remove the pot from the tray and allow any excess water to drain completely from the bottom holes. Leaving the pot in standing water for too long can still lead to oversaturation, defeating the purpose of the controlled soak. This method encourages the roots to grow deeper in search of moisture, developing a more robust and resilient root system over time.
How Succulents Store Water
The unique watering requirements of succulents stem from their biological adaptations to survive in arid environments with infrequent rainfall. These plants store water in specialized tissues within their leaves, stems, or roots. Their plump appearance is a direct result of specialized cells that retain large volumes of water, acting as natural reservoirs.
Many succulents utilize a specialized form of photosynthesis called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), a mechanism that greatly reduces water loss. Unlike most plants, CAM plants open their stomata, the pores used for gas exchange, only during cooler nighttime hours to take in carbon dioxide. They store this carbon dioxide as malic acid until daylight, performing photosynthesis with their stomata closed to seal in moisture.
The physical structure of a succulent also helps conserve water. Their leaves are often thick and rounded, which minimizes the surface area exposed to the air, reducing evaporation. A waxy cuticle, or thick outer skin, also covers the plant’s exterior, acting as a barrier to seal in water. These adaptations mean the succulent’s system is designed to conserve water over long periods, making constant moisture highly detrimental.
Preventing Overwatering and Root Rot
The greatest threat to a succulent is root rot, caused by overwatering and poor drainage. When roots are waterlogged, they are deprived of oxygen, leading to cell death and making them susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections. This condition quickly kills the plant because damaged roots cannot absorb water and nutrients, causing the plant to starve.
Prevention requires the correct planting medium and container choice. Succulents must be planted in a fast-draining, gritty soil mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend, rather than standard potting soil. The pot must have at least one drainage hole to allow all excess water to escape immediately after soaking.
A successful watering schedule relies on the “soak and dry” cycle, meaning the soil must be allowed to dry out completely between watering sessions. Before watering, check the soil deep into the pot, ensuring it is bone dry. Signs of potential root rot include leaves that become mushy, yellow, or translucent, often feeling soft, and the plant may look wilted despite the soil being wet.