The Ultimate Guide to Watering Succulents: Dos and Don’ts
Succulents are a popular choice for home gardeners as they are low maintenance and require little water compared to other plants. However, it is important to understand the correct way to water your succulents to keep them thriving. In this ultimate guide, we will cover the dos and don’ts of watering succulents.
General Rules for Watering Succulents
The first rule of watering succulents is to ensure that the soil is completely dry between watering sessions. Overwatering is a common mistake made by beginners, which can lead to root rot, fungus gnats, and other issues. It’s also important to note that succulents store water in their leaves and stems, so they don’t need to be watered as frequently as other plants.
Best Times to Water Succulents
Watering succulents in the morning is the best time as it allows time for the soil to absorb the water before the afternoon sun dries it up. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day as the water can evaporate before it reaches the roots. Watering in the evening can lead to excess moisture, which can promote the growth of fungi and bacteria.
Proper Amount of Water to Use
When watering succulents, it’s important to use the right amount of water that the plant needs. The amount of water required depends on various factors such as the size of the plant, type of soil, container type and climate. As a general rule of thumb, succulents need enough water to moisten the soil just once per week. Use a watering can or a narrow-mouthed container to control the amount of water you add to your plant.
Avoid Over-watering and Under-watering
Over-watering can lead to root rot, while under-watering will cause the leaves to wrinkle, dry out, and fall off. To avoid overwatering, make sure that the soil is completely dry before watering again. To avoid under-watering, check the moisture level of the soil regularly, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. If you’re not sure when to water, wait until the lower leaves start to wrinkle before watering your succulent.
5 Creative Ways to Water Your Succulents
Idea 1: Using Ice Cubes
This method is ideal for small succulents as it provides slow, even moisture. Place one or two ice cubes directly on the soil, and they will slowly melt providing water to the plant’s roots. Avoid using this method for larger succulents as the ice may not provide sufficient moisture.
Idea 2: Using Spray Bottles or Watering Globes
Spray bottles or watering globes are ideal for providing precise amounts of water to your succulents. Avoid spraying the leaves directly as it can promote fungal growth.
Idea 3: Using DIY Watering Spikes Made of Wine Bottles or Plastic Bottles
You can create your watering spike by making a small hole in the cap of a wine bottle or plastic bottle and inserting it upside down into the soil. Fill the bottle with water, and it will slowly drip water into the soil providing moisture to your succulent.
Idea 4: Watering with a Syringe
If you have small succulents, using a syringe to control the amount of water they receive is an excellent option. Fill the syringe with water and inject it into the soil slowly, distributing water around the plant’s roots.
Idea 5: Using a Humidifier
You can boost humidity around your succulents by placing them near a humidifier. This method is ideal for succulents that prefer a high level of humidity.
Watering Succulents for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing the Right Soil
The right soil for succulents should be able to drain water quickly and provide aeration. A mix of potting soil and sand or perlite is an excellent choice.
Using the Appropriate Container
It’s important to choose the right container for your succulent, as pots without drainage holes or those that are too large or too small can lead to over or under-watering. Clay or terracotta pots with one or more drainage holes at the bottom are ideal.
Tips for Adapting Watering Schedule Based on Humidity and Climate
The frequency of watering your succulents depends on the climate and humidity of the location. Succulents in humid areas may need to be watered less frequently, while those in dry areas may require more frequent watering.
Step-by-Step Guide to Watering Succulents
Ensure that the soil is completely dry and use a narrow-mouthed container to control the amount of water you add to your plant. Slowly pour water around the base of the plant, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soaked. Once you are done, wait for the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
How to Tell if Your Succulents Need Watering
Warning Signs of Under-Watering Succulents
When succulents don’t receive enough water, the leaves may appear thin, yellow, or dry. The leaves may also wrinkle and appear shriveled.
Warning Signs of Over-Watering Succulents
Over-watering can be as harmful as under-watering; the leaves of the succulent will start to discolor, appear translucent, or feel mushy and soft. The roots may become black and weakened, causing the plant to eventually die.
Suggested Action Plan to Address These Issues
If you suspect that your succulent is under-watered or over-watered, adjust the watering frequency accordingly and ensure that the soil is draining well. Look for changes in the plant over the next few weeks; if there is no improvement or the plant is getting worse, it may be time to repot and adjust the soil.
Watering Succulents in Different Seasons: Tips and Tricks
Different Watering Needs of Succulents During Summer and Winter
Succulents may require more frequent watering during the summer months and less frequent watering in winter. It’s critical to monitor the moisture level of the soil and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.
Advice on Adjusting the Watering Schedule for the Different Seasons
Different seasons call for different watering schedules. During summers, it’s best to water your succulent once per week, while in winters, succulents may only need to be watered once or twice a month.
Suggested Precautions to Take During Seasonal Changes
When transitioning your succulents from one season to the next, it is essential to monitor your plant’s response to the changing environment. Avoid watering on humid days and mist the succulents to increase humidity during hotter months.
Conclusion
Recap of the Key Points Discussed in the Article
In summary, watering succulents correctly involves avoiding over-watering and under-watering, using the right soil, and choosing the appropriate container. You should also be aware of warning signs of both over and under-watering to avoid causing harm to your plants. By following the guidelines provided, you will keep your succulents thriving and healthy for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Watering succulents is easy once you know the right techniques and have the right tools. By following the above tips and tricks, you’ll be able to keep your succulents beautiful and healthy.
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Do you have any other tips or tricks for watering succulents? Share them in the comments below.
