Some succulents like to be watered more often than others, anywhere from a few times a week to once every two weeks. Generally, only water a succulent when the soil is dry all the way through, then give it a good soak (and drain). 3. Most succulents are dormant in the winter.
How often should you water a succulent? According to Retro Den, the rule of thumb for watering your succulent is every other week during non-winter months. During the winter months, when the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it is recommended to water your succulent only once a month.
The best way to determine if your succulent is dehydrated due to lack of water is through its leaves. If the leaf feels crispy and starting to have wrinkly and shriveled up leaves, then it's the best time to give your succulent a good soak of water, as these signs are indications of underwatering.
Young and Small vs Mature and Big Succulents
But they sure want to. :) Smaller succulents will need to be watered more often - every 1-3 weeks. While larger species can go 1-6 months between watering.
There's a common misconception that giving your succulent too much water at one time will kill it. In reality, succulents love a good soak every few weeks. The problem with overwatering is continuous soil moisture that sits against the sensitive roots and causes root rot.
Just because we said, Succulents are better dry than wet doesn't mean you're off the hook when it comes to watering. In fact, water is essential for the plant's health, and just like any other, it will show signs of dehydration. Wrinkled, shriveled leaves are a clear indication that your Succulent needs more water.
Don't water on the leaves or on top of the plant. Water that stays on the leaves for too long can cause the leaves to rot. Don't water when it's humid/raining or extremely hot.
Third, one of the most overlooked rules when it comes to watering succulents is the time of day. Succulents should never be watered past 2pm in the Summer or 11am the rest of the year. Don't ask us where this rule came from, but it really does seem to make a difference. Photo: Checking to make sure the soil is dry.
How Often to Water Succulents Indoors. Indoor succulent plants should likely be watered approximately once a week. They need enough time to store the water in their leaves and for the soil to dry out between waterings.
Succulents don't like to sit in waterlogged soil, so drainage is important to prevent rot. Your container should have a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape.
The best way to water succulents is with the “soak and dry” method. Soak the soil completely then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
Succulents do better with periodic long, deep drinks that soak its soil to the bottom of the pot than regular but timid waterings that wet the top inch or two of the soil in the container. So when your succulents' soil is bone dry, drench that baby. Let the soil dry out completely, then drench again.
When succulents are getting too much water, their leaves start to look like shriveled fingers that have been in the jacuzzi too long. If overwatering continues, leaves will often turn brown as they rot completely then begin to fall off.
Most succulents do best in bright direct light and need at least 6 hours of natural light per day. But if you only have a shady corner in your home, choose plants like mother-in-law tongue that do well in low light and place them near a south or east-facing window.
Water your new succulents by giving them a good soaking about once every two weeks. Again, don't overwater. Just remember that succulents hold water in their leaves and stem and too much water around their roots will cause death by root rot, so don't be heavy handed with your watering can.
Watering succulents with ice cubes is a great idea because it supplies the plants with water over short periods. In addition, it can prevent overwatering the flowers or stopping the newbie gardeners from leaving them with soil dry as a rock.
Timing. During the summer, the best time of day to water your succulents is in the early morning before temperatures rise. By avoiding watering in the afternoon when temperatures are at their peak, you avoid having hot water sit in the crown of your plant, potentially burning the plant.
2. Misting. This method of watering is not recommended for succulents at all. Instead, you should only mist your succulents when propagating cuttings, as mature succulents store water in their leaves.
Be aware that temperatures either too low or too high can do harm to your succulents. Temperatures lower than 40°F or higher than 90°F are never recommended.
Starting Off On The Right Foot
Whether our succulents are shipped or purchased in person, our succulents are treated with the utmost care and are sure to be in excellent condition when received. Signs of healthy succulents include vibrant colors, firm leaves, and slow growth. Succulents are not meant to grow quickly.
Always pour water onto the soil, not the leaves. This not only helps prevent water spots on the leaves but it also helps to prevent rotting leaves. If the water on the leaves doesn't evaporate quickly, the water will sit in the crevices and that could be bad for the health of the plant if being grown indoors.