When to Water in New Succulent Plantings

Succulent plants are known for their ability to thrive in arid and dry environments. They have adapted to store water in their leaves, stems, and roots. These traits make succulents popular choices for indoor and outdoor planting. However, just like any other plant, new succulent plantings require the right amount of water to ensure their survival and growth. When is the best time to water your newly planted succulents? Keep reading to find out.

Watering new succulent plantings: things to consider

Before we dive into when to water new succulent plantings, let us first consider some factors that affect the watering schedule. These include:

Location

Climate

Soil type and texture

Type of succulent plant

Container size and material

These factors can affect the amount of water your succulent needs and how often you should water it. A succulent planted in a sandy soil mix, for example, will require less water than one planted in a clay soil mix. Similarly, succulents planted in small containers will dry out faster than those planted in larger ones.

When to water new succulent plantings

The general rule of thumb when it comes to watering succulent plantings is to water when the soil is dry. However, this does not mean that you should wait for the soil to become bone dry before watering again. In fact, allowing the soil to completely dry out can cause damage to the plant.

A better way to determine when to water your newly planted succulent is to check the soil moisture level. You can do this by inserting your finger into the soil up to your second knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water. If it still feels moist, wait a few more days before watering again.

In general, you should water new succulent plantings once every 7 to 10 days. But keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate. The frequency of watering will depend on the factors we mentioned earlier, such as the plant's location, climate, soil type, and container size. You may need to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

How to water new succulent plantings

Watering succulent plantings is not just about how often you water. It is also about how you water. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Water the soil, not the plant. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause rot and disease.

Use a watering can with a narrow spout or a spray bottle to control the amount of water you apply.

Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the water to soak into the soil and reach the roots. Avoid frequent shallow waterings, as this can cause the roots to grow near the soil surface.

Water in the morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, as this can cause the water to evaporate before it reaches the roots.

If you follow these watering tips and keep an eye on the soil moisture level, your newly planted succulent should thrive and grow beautifully.

Conclusion

Knowing when to water new succulent plantings is essential for their survival and growth. The general rule is to water when the soil is dry, but you should also consider other factors that affect the watering schedule. Watch out for signs of overwatering or underwatering, such as yellowing leaves, drooping stems, or a soft and mushy plant. With the right amount of water and care, your succulent plantings will flourish and make a lovely addition to your home or garden.