Succulents store water in specialized tissues, typically in their leaves or stems. This adaptation allows them to thrive in arid conditions, making their watering needs different from common houseplants. Overwatering is the most frequent cause of decline, yet a lack of water will also cause issues. Learning to correctly diagnose your plant’s hydration status is the most effective way to ensure its long-term health.
Visual Indicators of Thirst
Succulents possess clear physical cues when they require hydration. When water is scarce, the plant conserves moisture by pulling it from its oldest, lowest leaves first. This causes the leaves to lose the turgor pressure that keeps them plump and firm, leading to a noticeable change in texture.
A well-hydrated leaf is rigid, but a thirsty one will feel soft, flat, or deflated when gently squeezed. Look for fine wrinkles or shriveling, often starting at the tips or edges. The entire rosette may also appear to be shrinking inward as the plant attempts to minimize surface area for water loss.
Assessing Soil Dryness
Checking the moisture content of the potting medium is a proactive approach. Succulents thrive on a “soak and dry” cycle, meaning the soil must be completely dry throughout the entire pot before watering again. Feeling only the top layer is insufficient, as the surface often dries quickly while the deeper soil remains moist.
A simple method is the finger test: insert a finger one to two inches deep, and if any moisture is detected, withhold watering. For a more accurate check, insert a wooden chopstick or skewer all the way to the bottom of the pot for a few minutes. If the wood comes out clean and dry, the soil is dry and watering is safe. If it is dark, damp, or has soil particles sticking to it, wait several more days. Another indicator is the pot’s weight, as a dry container is lighter than one holding moisture.
Symptoms of Too Much Water
The symptoms of overwatering are often confused with thirst, but they indicate root rot. Excessive moisture starves the roots of oxygen, causing them to decay and hindering the plant’s ability to absorb water. The key distinction lies in the leaf’s texture and color.
An overwatered leaf will be soft and mushy, often turning yellow or translucent due to the cells becoming oversaturated with water. If a leaf falls off with just a slight bump, or a gentle touch causes it to rupture and leak fluid, the plant is likely experiencing rot.
Another specific symptom is edema, a condition where the plant absorbs water faster than it can release it through transpiration. This cellular imbalance causes small, corky brown or rust-colored spots and blisters to form permanently on the leaves as the cells burst and callous over. These indicators signal an immediate need to stop watering and allow the plant and soil to fully dry out.