Succulents are resilient plants adapted to store water in their leaves, stems, and roots, allowing them to survive in arid conditions. This adaptation means their care differs significantly from typical houseplants, and the most common mistake made by new owners is overwatering. Since they hold reserves of moisture, determining the exact right moment to hydrate them is the biggest challenge. Successful succulent care requires shifting focus from a rigid schedule to recognizing the correct indicators that signal thirst.
The Primary Rule: Waiting for Soil Dryness
The single most reliable indicator for watering a succulent is the complete dryness of the soil throughout the pot. Succulents are highly susceptible to root rot if their roots remain in damp soil for extended periods. Therefore, wait until the soil is “bone dry” before introducing any more water.
Determining complete dryness requires checking past the surface layer of the potting mix. The finger test involves inserting a finger one to two inches deep into the soil to check for moisture. If the soil feels damp or cool at that depth, wait a few more days before checking again.
Another effective technique is the weight test. Lift the pot after a thorough watering and again when you suspect it is dry; a pot with completely dry soil will feel noticeably lighter. This method bypasses the need for physically probing the soil and confirms dryness in the lower portions of the pot.
Seasonal Changes in Watering Needs
The time of year significantly influences how quickly a succulent’s soil dries out. Most succulents follow a seasonal cycle that includes an active growing phase and a dormant resting phase. Watering frequency should be adjusted to align with these natural cycles, even when strictly following the dry soil rule.
The active growing season typically occurs during spring and summer, when light levels are high and temperatures are warm. During this period, the plant is actively producing new growth and consuming water at a higher rate. This means the soil will dry out faster, often requiring water every one to two weeks. When temperatures drop in the fall and winter, many succulents enter a period of dormancy where growth slows substantially.
During dormancy, the plant requires far less water. Reduced light and cooler air temperatures cause the soil to evaporate moisture much slower. Watering frequency may decrease to once a month or less, with some varieties needing no water for extended periods. Watering a dormant plant too frequently is dangerous, as wet soil and inactivity almost guarantee root rot.
Reading the Plant and Environment
While soil dryness is the primary signal, the plant itself provides visual cues that confirm its thirst. Under-watered succulents show signs of dehydration by shriveling or wrinkling their leaves, often starting with the lowest leaves closest to the soil. The leaves may also lose their firm, plump feel and become pliable or deflated when gently squeezed.
In contrast, signs of overwatering include leaves that become mushy, translucent, or yellow, indicating the plant tissue has taken in too much moisture. If the plant shows these symptoms, stop watering immediately regardless of the soil condition. Observing these physical cues allows you to fine-tune the timing established by the soil check.
Environmental factors also influence how quickly the soil dries and the correct time to water. Succulents placed in bright, high-light areas dry out much faster than those in lower light positions due to increased plant metabolism and evaporation. A high-humidity environment will slow the rate of moisture loss from the soil, requiring less frequent watering. Airflow and the pot material also contribute, as porous terracotta pots and good ventilation accelerate the drying process.
How to Water Succulents Correctly
Once the soil is completely dry and the plant shows signs of thirst, the correct method is to thoroughly saturate the soil. This “soak and dry” technique mimics the heavy, infrequent rains found in their native arid habitats. Apply water directly to the soil until it begins to flow freely out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot.
Allowing the water to drain out fully ensures that the entire root system has been deeply hydrated, encouraging the growth of strong, healthy roots. It is essential to immediately discard any standing water left in the saucer or cachepot after a few minutes. Succulents must be planted in a pot with a drainage hole and in a specialized, fast-draining cactus or succulent potting mix to facilitate this thorough soaking and rapid drying.