Succulents are celebrated for their distinctive appearance and their resilience as drought-tolerant plants. These species have evolved to store water in their fleshy leaves, stems, and roots, allowing them to survive prolonged dry periods. While this adaptation makes them relatively low-maintenance, a common mistake for new owners is overwatering, often due to applying a fixed schedule. The frequency of watering should never be based on a calendar date but on a direct assessment of the soil’s moisture level, which provides the plant with the hydration it needs.
The Primary Rule for Watering Frequency
The golden standard for hydrating these desert-adapted plants is the “soak and dry” method. This approach mimics the natural environment of succulents, which experience heavy, infrequent rains followed by long dry spells. It is important to wait until the soil is entirely dry before applying any water again, which prevents the roots from sitting in perpetually damp conditions that lead to rot. To check for dryness accurately, the moisture level must be checked deep within the pot, ideally about two inches down, since the surface layer dries out quickly. Insert a clean wooden skewer or chopstick into the soil; if it comes out clean and dry, it is time to water, or note the pot’s weight, as dry soil is significantly lighter than saturated soil.
The Proper Technique for Deep Watering
Once the soil is completely dry, the method of application should be a deep, thorough saturation, not a light sprinkle. The goal is to drench the soil until water flows freely out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the container. This ensures that the entire root system is properly hydrated, promoting the growth of a robust and deep root structure capable of supporting the plant during dry periods.
Shallow watering or misting is counterproductive and should be avoided, as it encourages the development of weak, shallow roots. Water sitting on the leaves or the crown of the plant can increase the risk of fungal disease, rot, and sunburn, while bottom watering, where the pot sits in a tray of water to absorb moisture through the drainage holes, is an excellent technique that guarantees deep saturation without wetting the foliage.
Environmental Variables That Alter the Schedule
The time it takes for the soil to dry out will fluctuate widely, making any fixed schedule unreliable. Light exposure is a major factor, as succulents placed in bright, intense light will utilize water and dry the soil much faster than those in lower light conditions. Similarly, higher ambient temperatures increase the rate of transpiration and evaporation, speeding up the need for the next watering session.
Seasonality also plays a significant role, as many succulents enter a period of dormancy during the colder, darker winter months. During this phase, the plant’s metabolic activity slows down, and its water requirements can decrease by 50 to 70 percent, sometimes needing water only once a month or less. Conversely, during the active growing season of spring and summer, more frequent watering is typically necessary. The type of container material also affects the drying time because porous terracotta pots wick moisture away from the soil and into the air, causing the substrate to dry faster than plastic or glazed ceramic pots. High humidity in the surrounding air slows the rate of evaporation from the soil, meaning the plant will require less frequent watering than a succulent kept in a dry, arid environment.
Identifying Symptoms of Overwatering and Underwatering
Learning to read the plant’s physical signals is the final check against a faulty watering routine. Overwatering is often signaled by leaves that appear swollen, soft, and translucent, sometimes turning yellow or black due to cell damage and rot. In severe cases, the stem may blacken as root rot progresses, and leaves may drop off with only a slight touch. The signs of underwatering, while less immediately destructive, are distinct: a thirsty succulent will display shriveled, wrinkled, or deflated leaves as it uses up its stored water reserves. The corrective action for an underwatered plant is a deep soak, while an overwatered plant requires an immediate halt to watering to allow the soil and roots to dry out completely.