Succulents are a diverse group of plants that have evolved to thrive in arid environments by storing water in specialized tissues, primarily within their leaves and stems. This adaptation allows them to survive long periods of drought. Because of this unique water storage capacity, the most common cause of succulent failure is improper watering, often leading to fatal root rot. Learning to time waterings precisely, waiting until the plant has depleted its reserves, is important for their long-term health.
Checking the Soil Moisture
The most reliable way to determine if a succulent needs water is to check the soil directly. Succulents thrive using the “soak and dry” method, meaning the soil should be completely saturated and then allowed to dry out fully before being watered again. This process encourages the roots to grow deep and strong as they search for moisture.
To check the moisture level, insert a finger one to two inches deep into the potting mix. If the soil feels damp or cool, watering must be postponed, as residual moisture can promote fungal growth. For deeper pots, a wooden chopstick or skewer can be inserted to the bottom and left for a few minutes. If the stick is pulled out with dark, damp soil clinging to it, the plant does not yet require water.
Another practical assessment involves lifting the pot to gauge its weight. A pot containing dry, fast-draining succulent soil will feel significantly lighter than one that has just been watered. Over time, you will learn to recognize the weight difference between a freshly watered pot and a dry one. While moisture meters exist, they typically give unreliable readings in the gritty mixes used for these plants. It is safer to rely on physical checks of the soil’s dryness.
Recognizing Visual Signs of Thirst
When the soil has been dry for a period, the plant signals its need for water by drawing on its stored reserves. The initial and most common sign of thirst is a change in the texture and shape of the leaves, reflecting a loss of turgidity. Leaves that were once firm and plump will begin to feel softer or more pliable to the touch.
As water reserves are depleted, the leaves will visually deflate, showing signs of wrinkling, puckering, or shriveling. This is noticeable along the edges or on the underside of the leaves, often affecting the older, lower leaves first. The plant is shrinking its water-storage cells to conserve moisture.
In some succulents, such as those with flatter leaves (Echeveria or Aloes), the leaves may curl inward, appearing taco-shaped. This visible deflation confirms the plant has utilized its internal water supply and is ready for a thorough soaking. These cues are reversible, and the leaves will plump back up within a few days of a deep watering.
Identifying Symptoms of Overwatering
Signs of overwatering indicate cellular damage, not reversible dehydration. The most telling symptom is a change in leaf color and texture, where leaves turn translucent, yellow, and take on a distinctly mushy or squishy feel. This mushiness occurs when the plant’s cells absorb too much water too quickly, causing them to swell and burst. This leads to cell death and the breakdown of tissue.
These saturated, damaged leaves often drop off the plant easily, sometimes with a slight bump. This differs from underwatered plants, which reabsorb water from their lowest leaves, causing them to dry up completely before falling off. If overwatering continues, the damage will spread, leading to stem rot.
Stem rot appears as a black or dark brown discoloration, starting at the base of the plant near the soil line. This indicates that the roots have succumbed to rot and the infection is moving upward. A foul, decaying odor from the soil is another sign of advanced root rot. Root rot is often fatal and requires immediate intervention to save any healthy parts of the plant.