Succulents are resilient plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, enabling them to survive in arid environments. This requires a specialized approach to watering, particularly during the heat of summer. For many new succulent owners, summer watering often leads to overwatering issues. Success with these desert plants lies not in a fixed schedule, but in understanding their natural growth cycles and responding to the complete dryness of their soil.
Determining the Summer Watering Frequency
The general guideline for summer watering is that it should occur more frequently than in cooler months, typically ranging from every one to three weeks for actively growing plants. However, a strict calendar schedule is misleading because the actual frequency must be dictated by the dryness of the soil. Succulents need the soil to be completely dry throughout the pot before being watered again to prevent root rot.
To check for total dryness, one reliable method is the wooden skewer test: insert a skewer deep into the soil, and if it comes out clean and dry, the pot is ready for water. For smaller containers, lifting the pot can be an effective way to gauge moisture; a pot with completely dry soil will feel noticeably lighter. Another technique involves using a moisture meter to provide a numerical reading of the soil’s moisture level. When in doubt, it is safer to wait a few more days, as succulents tolerate underwatering far better than overwatering.
Proper Application: Mastering the Soak and Dry Technique
When the soil is determined to be completely dry, the method of water application is as important as the timing. The “soak and dry” technique is the optimal approach, replicating the infrequent but heavy rainfall succulents experience in their natural habitats. This involves thoroughly saturating the soil until water flows freely out of the container’s drainage holes.
A deep, thorough soaking encourages the development of a robust and deep root system, making the plant more resilient and better able to withstand periods of drought. Conversely, shallow, frequent watering or misting should be avoided because it only moistens the top layer of soil, leading to a weak, shallow root structure prone to rot. The container must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape immediately. If watering indoors, empty any water that collects in the saucer after about 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring the roots do not sit in standing moisture.
Environmental Factors That Modify the Schedule
The time it takes for the soil to dry completely is heavily influenced by the immediate environment. The type of pot material plays a significant role in evaporation; porous terracotta pots allow water to wick away through the sides, causing the soil to dry faster than in plastic or glazed ceramic containers. Soil composition is equally influential; a fast-draining, gritty mix, often containing pumice or perlite, promotes rapid drying, while standard potting soil retains too much moisture and is unsuitable for succulents.
High heat and intense light accelerate the rate of soil evaporation, meaning plants in full summer sun outdoors will dry out faster than those kept indoors under filtered light. Conversely, high ambient humidity slows down the rate of evaporation, requiring less frequent watering. Low humidity in dry climates will necessitate more frequent checks. These variables modify the interval between watering applications, but they do not change the core rule of only watering when the soil is completely dry.