Succulents are specialized plants that thrive in arid environments by storing water in their thick, fleshy leaves and stems. This adaptation requires a watering approach that mimics the heavy, infrequent rains of their native habitats, followed by long periods of drought. The method used—top or bottom watering—is central to their care, as it directly impacts root health and the plant’s long-term survival.
The Deep Hydration Technique: Bottom Watering
Bottom watering is the preferred method for routine hydration because it encourages a robust and deep root system. This technique involves placing the succulent pot (which must have a drainage hole) into a shallow container of water, allowing the soil to absorb moisture from below through capillary action. The water level should reach about halfway up the pot to ensure the soil wicks up moisture effectively.
This method works by drawing the water upward, saturating the entire soil mass evenly and thoroughly, which is often difficult to achieve with quick top-watering, especially if the soil has become compacted or hydrophobic. Deep saturation encourages the roots to grow downward, seeking the moisture source, rather than remaining shallow near the soil surface. A stronger, deeper root system is more resilient and better equipped to handle periods of drought.
For effective hydration, allow the plant to soak for approximately 15 to 30 minutes, or until the top layer of soil feels damp. Once the soil is fully saturated, the pot must be removed from the standing water and allowed to drain completely. Succulents cannot tolerate sitting in consistently wet conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Bottom watering also helps to keep the plant’s foliage and crown—the central growing point—dry, which is a significant advantage for rosette-forming succulents like Echeverias. Moisture trapped in the tight spaces between leaves can promote fungal growth or rot in the crown, a common cause of succulent death. By hydrating from below, the risk of moisture-related leaf and crown issues is substantially reduced.
When to Use Top Watering
While bottom watering is excellent for deep hydration, top watering still serves two distinct and necessary purposes in a succulent care routine. One primary scenario for utilizing the top-down approach is the periodic flushing of mineral salts and fertilizer residue. Water, especially tap water, contains dissolved minerals that accumulate in the soil over time, which can eventually impair the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients.
To counteract this buildup, top watering should be performed thoroughly, perhaps once every three to four months, until a significant amount of water runs freely out of the drainage hole. This drenching action actively washes the concentrated salts downward and out of the pot, effectively refreshing the soil environment. The process should mimic heavy rain, ensuring a complete exchange of water within the soil medium.
Top watering can also be used lightly for cleaning the plant’s leaves, removing accumulated dust that can block light absorption and hinder photosynthesis. Care must be taken to ensure the water does not pool in the rosette or in the leaf axils (the angles between the stem and the leaves). Any moisture remaining on the foliage should be gently blown or wiped away to prevent localized rot.
Reading the Signs: How to Know When Succulents Need Water
The most important factor in succulent care is timing, which should follow the “soak and dry” principle. Succulents should only be watered when the soil has completely dried out, preventing the roots from sitting in prolonged moisture. The simplest way to check for dryness is the finger test, where you insert a finger one to two inches into the soil to feel for dampness.
A more reliable method is using a wooden skewer or chopstick inserted near the center of the pot, leaving it for a few minutes, and then pulling it out. If the wood comes out completely dry and clean, the soil is ready for water; if it has moist soil particles clinging to it, wait a few more days. Assessing the plant’s physical appearance provides the clearest indication of its hydration status.
A thirsty succulent will display visual cues such as wrinkled, shriveled, or slightly puckered leaves, often starting with the older, lower leaves. These leaves may also feel soft and pliable, indicating the plant is drawing on its stored water reserves. In contrast, an overwatered succulent will have leaves that appear translucent, yellow, or mushy, feeling waterlogged and easily falling off with a light touch.
The frequency of watering is highly dependent on environmental factors like light, temperature, and season. Plants receiving more intense light and warmth, especially during their active growing season in spring and summer, will deplete their water reserves faster. During the winter or a dormant period, water needs drastically decrease, and the period between waterings may safely extend from a couple of weeks to a month or more.