Succulents are specialized plants that evolved to thrive in arid environments, storing water within their thickened leaves, stems, or roots. This internal reservoir allows them to endure prolonged periods of drought, making them popular low-maintenance houseplants. However, this water storage capacity also makes them highly susceptible to overwatering. When the soil remains wet for too long, the roots are deprived of oxygen, leading to root rot and plant death.
Determining When to Apply Water
The most frequent mistake in succulent care is watering on a fixed schedule, which ignores the plant’s actual needs and environmental conditions. You should only water your succulent when the soil has completely dried out from the previous watering. This practice ensures the roots have a necessary dry period, mimicking the plant’s natural habitat of heavy, infrequent rainfall followed by drought.
To check for dryness, insert your finger two inches deep into the soil mix. If you feel any moisture or coolness at this depth, wait longer before watering. For deeper pots, insert a wooden skewer or chopstick to the bottom; if it comes out clean and dry, the soil is ready for water.
The plant provides visual cues indicating thirst. Thirsty succulents display leaves that are slightly shriveled, wrinkled, or less plump and firm than usual. You can gently squeeze a lower leaf, and if it feels soft and pliable, the plant is ready for a drink.
The Soak and Dry Watering Technique
The proper watering technique is the “soak and dry” method, which replicates the flash-flood conditions of their native environments. The “soak” involves deep saturation of the soil to encourage a healthy root system. Apply water directly to the soil until it runs freely out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot.
Pouring water onto the soil ensures the entire root ball is saturated. Avoid pouring water directly onto the leaves or the crown (the center growth point), as standing water there can lead to rot or fungal issues. After the water has drained through, ensure no excess moisture remains in the pot’s saucer or tray.
Water left standing in the saucer can be reabsorbed by the soil, causing the roots to sit in a perpetually wet environment. This causes root rot. Immediately emptying the saucer prevents the soil from wicking water back up, allowing the “dry” phase of the technique to begin effectively.
Seasonal and Environmental Adjustments
Watering frequency must be adjusted based on the succulent’s growth cycle and environment. Most succulents experience their active growing season during spring and summer, requiring more frequent watering to support new growth. During winter, many varieties enter dormancy, slowing their metabolism and reducing their need for water.
During winter dormancy, reduce watering to half the frequency of the active season, sometimes watering as infrequently as once a month, especially if temperatures are low. Environmental factors like light exposure and air circulation also impact how quickly the soil dries out. Plants receiving strong, bright light or high heat will evaporate water faster, necessitating more frequent checks than those in lower light conditions.
The physical characteristics of the pot and soil are major variables in the drying process. Terracotta pots are porous and allow moisture to evaporate through their walls, helping the soil dry faster compared to plastic or glazed ceramic containers. Using a fast-draining soil mix, a blend of potting soil with inorganic materials like pumice or perlite, prevents water retention and promotes rapid drying.
Recognizing Signs of Watering Stress
Watering issues manifest in distinct ways; understanding the difference between overwatering and underwatering symptoms is important. Overwatering first appears as leaves that are soft, mushy, and often look translucent or slightly yellow. The leaves may also feel bloated and fall off easily because the plant cells have absorbed too much water and ruptured.
If overwatering continues, the plant develops dark spots or black discoloration on the stem, indicating fungal disease and root rot. At this stage, the plant must be removed from the wet soil immediately to allow the roots to dry out, and any rotted sections should be cut away. The plant should not be watered again until it has fully recovered or rerooted in fresh, dry soil.
Underwatering causes the leaves to become shriveled, wrinkled, or flat as the plant draws on its internal water reserves. These leaves are soft and pliable, lacking their usual firmness. The plant’s leaves may also curl inward to conserve remaining moisture. If the plant is only showing signs of thirst, a deep watering will cause the leaves to plump back up within a day or two.