How Do I Water My Succulent Plant?

Succulents are amazing plants that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They have become popular in recent years due to their low maintenance and ability to thrive in almost any conditions. However, one of the most important aspects of taking care of succulent plants is watering them properly. Many people often get confused about how much water a succulent requires and end up overwatering or underwatering them. In this article, we will discuss how to water succulent plants properly.

Understanding Succulents Watering Needs

The first step in watering succulent plants is to understand their watering needs. Succulents are native to arid regions and have evolved to survive in conditions where water is scarce. Therefore, they have developed fleshy leaves and stems that store water. Overwatering can cause their leaves to become mushy and eventually rot, while underwatering can cause their leaves to wither and fall off.

A general rule of thumb is to water succulent plants once a week during their growing season and less frequently during their dormant season. However, the amount of water and frequency of watering will depend on various factors, including the type of succulent, the size of the pot, the location, and the climate.

Choosing the Right Pot and Soil Mix

The type of pot and soil mix you use can also affect your succulent's watering needs. Succulents do best in a well-draining soil mix that allows water to flow through quickly. A soil mix with too much organic matter, such as peat moss or compost, can retain moisture and cause the roots to rot. A good soil mix for succulents should contain sand, perlite, vermiculite, or pumice to increase drainage.

When it comes to pots, choose a container that has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting in the bottom. A pot that is too large can hold too much water, causing the soil to stay wet for too long. A smaller pot can help regulate the amount of water your succulent receives.

Signs of Underwatering and Overwatering

The best way to determine when your succulent plant needs water is to observe the signs of underwatering and overwatering. An underwatered succulent plant will have wrinkle or shriveled leaves and will be soft and flat to the touch. The leaves may also start to turn brown or yellow.

An overwatered succulent plant, on the other hand, will have succulent leaves that feel mushy or soft to the touch. The leaves may easily fall off, and the stem may turn brown or black. Overwatering can also cause a foul odor and attract pests and diseases.

How to Water Succulent Plants Properly

The best way to water succulent plants is to give them a deep watering once a week during their growing season. Water until the soil is moist, but not saturated, and allow any excess water to drain out of the pot. Avoid watering the leaves or stem directly, as this can cause the plant to rot.

If you're unsure whether to water your succulent, stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. If it feels moist, wait a few more days before checking again.

During the dormant season, reduce the frequency of watering to once every two weeks, or as needed. Succulents can survive for long periods without water, but it's essential to avoid overwatering during this time.

Conclusion

Proper watering is crucial to the health of your succulent plant. It's important to understand their watering needs and watch for signs of overwatering and underwatering. By choosing the right pot and soil mix and watering correctly, you can ensure that your succulent thrives and stays healthy for years to come.