Succulents are genetically adapted to survive in arid environments. They are defined by fleshy tissues specialized for water storage in their leaves, stems, or roots, allowing them to survive long periods without rainfall. This adaptation means they are drought tolerant, not suited for constant moisture. For the home grower, the primary rule of care is that underwatering is preferable to overwatering. Failure to understand this principle of infrequent, deep watering is the most common reason for a succulent’s decline.
Determining When to Water
The frequency of watering should be determined by the soil’s dryness, not a fixed calendar schedule. Succulents thrive on a “soak and dry” philosophy, mimicking the natural pattern of heavy rainfall followed by a prolonged dry spell. The soil must be completely dry from the surface down to the bottom of the pot before rewatering.
A simple and accurate method for checking soil moisture is the finger test, where you insert your finger one to two inches into the potting mix. If you feel any dampness or coolness, wait a few more days before checking again. Another method is the weight test: a fully saturated pot feels significantly heavier than a completely dry one. Learning this weight difference helps determine when the plant is thirsty.
Visual cues from the plant are the final indicator of thirst. Many succulents show slight wrinkling, shriveling, or a deflated appearance in their lower leaves when internal water reserves are depleted. While this signals the plant is ready for water, it is best not to wait until the plant is severely stressed before providing a deep soak.
The Proper Watering Technique
When cues indicate it is time to water, the application method must be thorough to encourage a robust root system. The goal is deep saturation, meaning water should be applied slowly until it flows freely out of the drainage hole. This deep soak encourages roots to grow downward, seeking moisture, resulting in a stronger, healthier plant.
Ineffective methods like misting or shallow surface watering should be avoided completely. Misting only wets the top layer of soil and can encourage the development of weak, shallow roots that rely on the surface moisture. Furthermore, water sitting on the leaves can lead to cosmetic damage or, more severely, fungal rot.
A drainage hole is essential for succulent health, as it allows excess water to escape. After a deep soak, immediately empty any water that collects in the saucer or cachepot. Allowing roots to sit in stagnant water, even for a few hours, creates an anaerobic environment that quickly leads to root rot.
Environmental Variables That Change Needs
The amount of water needed changes drastically based on the surrounding environment, which affects how quickly moisture evaporates from the soil. One significant variable is the season, as succulents are “opportunistic growers” that slow their metabolic processes during extreme temperatures. During winter dormancy or intense summer heat, the plant’s need for water decreases significantly because its growth has slowed or stopped.
The material of the pot also plays a role in evaporation speed. Unglazed terracotta is highly porous and wicks moisture away from the soil through its walls, causing the soil to dry out faster. Conversely, plastic and glazed ceramic pots are non-porous, retaining water for a longer period and requiring a less frequent watering schedule.
Soil type is the most important variable to control, as standard potting soil holds too much moisture for too long. Succulents require a fast-draining, gritty mix to ensure the roots do not suffocate. An effective mixture often includes approximately 50% mineral grit, such as pumice or perlite, mixed with coarse sand and organic material like cactus potting mix.
Diagnosing Watering Issues
Visual inspection of your succulent’s leaves is the most reliable way to troubleshoot past watering practices. The symptoms of incorrect watering fall into two distinct categories.
Underwatering symptoms include shriveled, wrinkled, or deflated leaves that appear soft and pliable to the touch, indicating the plant is drawing water from its internal reserves. The leaves may also begin to dry out and turn brittle, often starting with the older, lower leaves. The remedy for an underwatered plant is a deep, thorough soak to rehydrate the tissues.
Overwatering is the more dangerous condition, leading to root rot, the most common cause of death for succulents. Symptoms include leaves that are mushy, translucent, or yellowing, and they will often fall off the stem easily when barely touched. In advanced stages, the stem may turn black or feel soft and squishy. If overwatering is diagnosed, stop watering immediately, unpot the plant, inspect the roots, and use a sterile tool to cut away all black or mushy sections before repotting into completely dry, well-draining soil.