How Often Should I Water My Succulents?

If you’re an avid gardener, you know all about succulents – those spiky green plants that are known for being fairly low-maintenance but still provide a beautiful pop of color to any garden or home décor.

As easy as it might be to take care of a succulent, it’s important to know how to water them correctly to ensure they thrive, and that’s why today we’re talking all about how to water succulents in soil! We’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to help you make sure those succulents are watered the right way, so you can keep your plant healthy and beautiful!

So, let’s dive right into it and get those succulents primed for healthy growing!

Quick Summary

The best way to properly water succulents in soil is by soaking them in water until the top layer of soil is moist and then waiting until the soil has dried out before watering again. Make sure not to over-water, as succulents are prone to root rot and other fungal diseases.

Understanding Succulent Water Requirements

Understanding succulent water requirements is essential to proper care. Succulents have various water needs depending on their species and environment, meaning that no one-size-fits-all advice is available. Generally, these plants adapt to most soils but prefer a well-draining soil, as they are susceptible to root rot when overwatered.

Opinions vary on how often succulents should be watered. Some gardeners believe that watering every week or two is sufficient, while others suggest waiting until the soil has dried out completely before adding more moisture. In general, all succulents enjoy dryness and only need to be watered once the soil becomes dry to the touch. To test this, insert a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If your finger feels moist, then there’s still enough moisture in the soil and further watering is not necessary at this time. While succulents prefer drier conditions in general, some varieties also tolerate frequent watering better than others, such as certain species of Echeveria or Haworthiopsis (Commonly referred to as Zebra Plant).

On the other hand, too little water can also cause damage due to dehydration. Furthermore, succulents can experience a lack of nutrients if underwatered since scarce amounts of water will not dissolve fertilizer efficiently. In order to prevent withering, yellowing leaves, droopy tips and stunted growth caused by dehydration or nutrient deficiencies, it’s important to stay mindful of your plant's water requirements and adjust accordingly.

Now that you understand the basics of your succulent's water demands, it's time to learn about properly watering succulents in soil.

Properly Watering Succulents in Soil

Watering succulents in soil is a delicate balance between keeping the soil moist but not overly wet. If watered incorrectly, succulents can suffer from root rot, so it’s important to determine the right amount of water and watering frequency.

When watering succulents in soil, the best practice is to use just enough water to soak the potting mix until moisture begins to pool at the bottom of the container. The most important thing to pay attention to is the feel of the soil—it should be slightly damp or moist when touched.

Some succulent enthusiasts prefer to drench their plants lightly once or twice per week, while others suggest allowing the top layer of soil to completely dry out before giving your plants a deep drink. Depending on which school of thought you belong to—drenching vs. drying out—the frequency of watering will greatly vary.

It’s beneficial for both camps to strike a balance between these two schools of thought; some weekdays will require frequent shallow watering and other days a deeper more infrequent watering. Ultimately, when it comes to finding your perfect watering schedule for your particular succulent, regular monitoring and experimentation will be key.

Now that we’ve discussed how properly water succulents in soil, let’s explore how to determine the optimal frequency of watering for your plants.

Essential Summary Points

Watering succulents in soil requires a delicate balance of keeping the soil moist but not overly wet. The optimal frequency of watering can vary depending on which school of thought you follow and how frequent you monitor the plants. It is best to use just enough water to soak the potting mix to the point where moisture begins to pool at the bottom of the container, and to find your perfect watering schedule by experimenting with different frequencies.

Determine Frequency of Watering

When watering succulents in soil, determining the frequency of watering is a key component of successful succulent care. As with most plants, overwatering is often a greater issue than underwatering. Succulents should be watered when the soil is completely dry, as they are used to long periods without rain or water in their home deserts and coastal regions.

The frequency of watering ultimately depends on several environmental factors. The warmth, humidity, size of the container and the type of soil all play a role in how quickly it will dry out. Warmer temperatures and less humidity will cause the soil to dry out more quickly than cooler temperatures and higher humidity will. Larger containers require more water due to the larger amount of soil present and types of soil can also affect water absorption. Generally speaking, sandy soils dry out quicker than loam or clay soils of a comparable size container.

However, finding an exact schedule for watering is difficult because there is such variability between conditions for each succulent planted in different locations. It takes time for gardeners to get into a rhythm with their succulents, but being aware of any extreme changes in environment that could lead to over or underwatering can help prevent permanent damage or death to the plant.

To determine watering frequency, one should monitor water levels by checking the moisture level in soil with fingers inserted up to knuckle depth on a regular basis—ideally at least once per week in warmer climates or bi-weekly in cooler climates—to know exactly when to provide more water.

Given that overwatering is often far worse than underwatering, especially for smaller succulents, erring on the side of caution and under-watering is often helpful so one can begin by starting with weekly checks while allowing more time between watering cycles if needed. With this approach, one can then move onto determining appropriate amounts of water next—the subject of our upcoming section.

Amounts of Water to Provide

The amount of water needed for soil-grown succulents varies greatly and can depend on several factors, including the size and type of plant, the type of soil, the weather, and more. In general, succulents don’t need to be watered as frequently as other plants, but they do require regular hydration.

When it comes to how much water, it is important not to overwater your succulent. Depending on the specific care needs of your plant, an average soil-grown succulent needs water about once every two weeks. Plants in small pots may need to be watered up to once per week.

However, there is debate in the gardening community about watering frequency, with some experts recommending watering weekly or biweekly regardless of pot size. There are benefits to both sides; while overwatering is a common cause of succulent death, succulents with lower water requirements and adequate drainage may still thrive if watered more frequently. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual grower to observe their plants' needs and adjust their schedule accordingly.

It’s best to err on the side of caution when deciding how often and how much to water your soil-grown succulents. Monitor the moisture level before watering and never saturate the soil so that it remains soggy. If you’re unsure whether watering is necessary, wait a couple days before checking again; if you’re still uncertain and observe no signs of stress or wilting leaves, then it’s likely time for a drink.

Now that we have discussed amounts of water to provide for soil-grown succulents, let's move forward in this guide by exploring the many factors that affect succulent water requirements in the next section.

Factors Affecting Succulent Water Requirements

When it comes to watering succulents, it is important to keep in mind the factors that significantly affect their water requirements. These include weather conditions, local climates and the soil they are planted in. Of course, different types of succulents may have different water needs depending on where they originate from. For instance, plants native to desert regions will generally be more tolerant of dry conditions than those plants that primarily grow at higher elevations or near bodies of water.

Primarily, however, temperature is one of the environmental factors that determines when and how often succulents should be watered. During hot summer months, plants may require more frequent watering as the hotter air causes them to dry out faster. On the other hand, during colder temperatures, plants can go for longer periods without water since their growth is slowed and less moisture is lost through evaporation.

In addition to exterior conditions, soil type also has a major effect on how much and how often you need to water your succulents. Sandy soils tend to drain quickly because of their large grain size and provide great aeration for root systems; thus, these soils tend to require more frequent watering than those with a heavy clay consistency which retain more moisture for longer periods of time.

Finally, how much sunlight your plant receives also contributes to its water requirements. In direct sunlight, soils dry out quickly and need regular topping up; however if plants are grown in partial shade, they’ll require less irrigation as the sun’s rays won’t evaporate moisture so quickly. Keep in mind that succulents prefer sunny windowsills but still need ample access to shade and protection from direct afternoon sun when outdoors.

Understanding all these factors helps you better tailor your watering schedule to the specific needs of your succulent garden. Now that you have a better idea of what influences succulent water requirements, let’s look at various types of soils and their suitability for growing successful and healthy succulents in the next section.

Soil Types and Drainage

When it comes to choosing soil for your succulents, drainage is a key factor. Succulents require soil that will provide excellent drainage in order to avoid water-logging their roots. If the soil retains too much moisture, the roots of your succulent can rot, resulting in death. Therefore it is important to select a soil that is either well draining or has been amended to improve drainage.

Ideally you should look for potting mixes that are specially formulated for cacti and succulents as such mixtures usually contain properties that allow extra air into the soil as well as an appropriate amount of nutrient retention needed for plant health. If you’re unable to find this specific kind of potting mix, any perlite-based mixture should be suitable for growing succulents in since perlite helps aerate the soil and prevent compaction.

In addition, adding sand or horticultural grit will also help create a dryer environment for your plants, encouraging better drainage and preventing moisture from building up around the roots. There is some argument over whether or not sand should be included however if using regular potting compost rather than a specialist cacti and succulent mix then slight amendment with sand can be beneficial.

In conclusion, make sure to assess your soil prior to planting and add organic materials such as perlite to improve drainage capability. Once prepared correctly, your succulent will thrive in its new home! Now that we have discussed the importance of soil type and drainage let’s move on to understanding how best to monitor watering levels and adjust accordingly; our next section looks at watching out for over-watering or under-watering.

Watching for Over-watering or Under-watering

When it comes to succulent care, not enough water or too much water can both lead to unhappy plants. Over-watering or under-watering your succulents can cause wilting, yellowing of the leaves, and in extreme cases, death. To avoid any water-related disasters, you'll want to monitor your plant closely and make sure it has just the right amount of moisture.

Under-watering is a common issue when it comes to succulents. When this happens, the soil will appear dry and hard, while the leaves may look papery and shrunken. If you encounter this problem—and you should do so quickly—you should go ahead and give your plant some supplemental water. That may be enough to bring the plant back around.

Watering too much—also known as “over-watering”—can be just as problematic as not watering enough. In an over-watered succulent, the foliage looks soft, limp or brittle; moreover, there may also be signs of root rot developing in the mushy soil surrounding the base of the stem. If this occurs, take immediate action by allowing the potting mix to dry out completely before watering again. You'll also want to keep an eye out for any foul odors that might indicate that bacteria is present in the potting mix due to over-watering.

When in doubt about your succulent's ideal watering requirements, take cues from the soil: if it’s dry at least 2 inches below the surface level—and a humidity reader indicates low moisture content—go ahead and water your succulent's soil lightly until a few drops come out of its drainage hole on the bottom of your pot.

Now that you know how to watch for over-watering or under-watering problems when caring for succulents in soil, it’s important to understand how to improve their habitat conditions in order to ensure they thrive. Onwards with our guide: let’s talk about improving succulent soil conditions!

Improving Succulent Soil Conditions

For optimal succulent growth, the soil must be well-drained, nutrient-rich, and aerated. While there are soil mixes specifically designed for succulents, you can create your own potting soil mix. For a well-draining mix use a ratio of two parts soil to one part perlite or builder’s sand. Also consider adding organic material such as compost to enrich the soil with nutrients; however it is best to do so in moderation.

Too much organic matter can lead to soggy soil as it retains water, which can make succulents vulnerable to root rot. That said, experienced gardeners may still argue that some amount of organic matter is necessary for keeping the soil moist enough and rich in nutrients while still allowing better drainage. But others insist that no organic material should be used in order to ensure the perfect balance of air and water. In the end, it is up to you and your plant's particular needs to decide what works best for your succulents.

Finally, aeration can also be improved by poking holes into the bottom of pots or using light-weight materials such as coffee cans. This will help oxygen circulate through the soil and allow excess water to drain more easily out of planters.

Now that we have addressed how to improve succulent soil conditions, let's explore further how these steps work together to help avoid root rot in the next section.

Avoiding Root Rot

When watering succulents, one of the most important things to avoid is root rot. Root rot is caused by too much exposure of the roots to water and is a common issue for succulents potted in soil. Typically, it happens when the soil doesn't drain adequately and remains wet for too long after watering.

Often times, root rot results in necrosis-part or all of the plant turns mushy or discolored and large chunks may break off. Ultimately, this could lead to death of the entire plant if not taken care of. Fortunately, root rot can be prevented with proper watering.

To prevent this from happening, make sure you're not overwatering your plants. If you are in doubt, avoid overwatering and only do so lightly when absolutely necessary. It's also very important to use good quality soil that has plenty of drainage capabilities. Coarse soils like gritty mixes or potting soils high in perlite work best because they usually allow more water to escape more quickly than denser soils like garden soil. Make sure your containers are well-draining too—terracotta pots are particularly popular for their breathability.

By taking these steps and being mindful about your watering habits, you can prevent root rot from happening and ensure your succulent stays healthy and vibrant.

Now that we've discussed how to avoid root rot, let's move on to the conclusion section where we can sum up our findings and provide some final thoughts.

• Research has found that succulents grown in soil generally require watering every 5-7 days.
• Succulents prefer that their soil is allowed to dry out between waterings, and should never be left in standing water.
• In general, succulents should be watered until the excess water begins running out of the drainage holes of the pot and all of the soil has been saturated.

Conclusion

Watering succulents in soil can be an enjoyable and rewarding activity, not only for the plant itself but also for the appreciation of its beauty. However, it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to caring for succulents in soil. Different plants may require different amounts of water and some may even require different types of soil.

It is essential to ensure that the soil you are using is well-draining, as this will help prevent root rot and other issues that can arise from overwatering. Additionally, water any succulents in soil only when the top layer has completely dried out; always allow enough time between each watering session to ensure that the plants have a chance to absorb all the water they need without getting too wet.

Finally, experimenting with different methods is key to finding the right balance of moisture and nutrients for your unique succulents - as long as you're keeping an eye on their health, feel free to experiment until you find a regime that works best for both you and your succulent.

FAQ

What are the signs of overwatering succulents in soil?

The signs of overwatering succulents in soil are quite easy to spot. Succulents should have firm, healthy green leaves and stems when given the proper amount of water. However, with too much water, the leaves and stems of the succulent will become soggy, limp or even yellow. Additionally, you may notice small brown spots or discoloration on the leaves, large areas of yellowing, or brown or rotting roots. In extreme cases, you may see fungal growth on the soil surface. If any of these symptoms arise, it’s best to reduce the amount of water and allow time for the plant to recover.

How often should succulents be watered in soil?

When watering succulents in soil, it is important to ensure that they are watered just enough to keep the soil moist, but not completely soaked. This will vary depending on your soil, the environment in which your succulents grow, and other factors like temperature and humidity. Generally, succulents should be watered when the top inch or so of the soil around them feels dry. As a rule of thumb, aim to water succulents every seven to ten days when they are planted in soil—overwatering can be more detrimental than underwatering in this type of container.

What type of soil is best for succulents?

The best soil for succulents is a light and well-draining soil mix. It should be composed of about 50 percent traditional potting soil and 40 percent course sand or perlite, along with 10 percent pumice or sphagnum peat moss. The combination helps to ensure that the soil can hold enough moisture for the succulent’s needs but ensures that any excess water can drain through easily. This helps to prevent your succulent from becoming over-watered, which can lead to root rot.