Code JOLLY24 for 17% off all orders

When Should I Water My Succulents?

4 lectura mínima

When Should I Water My Succulents?

0 Comments

We all know that plants need water to grow, and while succulents may need less water than other plants, they are no exception! While watering is important, knowing when and how to water your succulents is just as important. Follow this quick guide to learn when and how to water your succulents well to keep them happy and healthy!

Watering During the Day

Typically, it’s best to water succulents (and most other plants) during the daytime, specifically in the early morning. Plants use water to assist with photosynthesis– a process that requires sunlight– so watering in the morning when the sun rises will guarantee your plants get what they need to photosynthesize for the day. Additionally, watering in the morning before the sun is too bright can also ensure your plants don’t get burned by harsh rays, especially if you have to move them when you water.

AEONIUM BLACK ROSE ZWARTKOP, how much water does succulent need, how much water does succulent need, when to water succulent. how often water succulent indoor
It’s best to water succulents during the daytime

 

Watering at Night

You can also water your succulents at night. Unlike during the daytime, your succulents may not drink all of the water, and the excess may pool and cause problems associated with overwatering. Excess water in your soil is also a breeding ground for pests like fungal gnats, mold and mildew growth, and root rot. Since you’ll need to prioritize drainage with succulents, it’s also a good idea to avoid watering right before bed. That way, you can make sure the soil drains completely without concern.

The Growing Season vs. The Dormant Season

1. Watering During Growing Season

Watering varies based on which season your succulent is in. For example, during the growing season, you’ll need to water your succulent more often since it will constantly need the nutrients for photosynthesizing and growing. A general rule of thumb when watering your succulents during their growing season is to do so every ten to fourteen days or when the soil becomes dry to the touch. When you water your succulents during their growing season, make sure to let any excess water drain from the pot before putting your succulents back in their spot.

ECHEVERIA CRINOLINE RUFFLES, how much water does succulent need, how much water does succulent need, when to water succulent. how often water succulent indoor
Water your succulents more often during the growing season

2. Watering During Dormancy

During dormancy, your succulent may appear dead, but like trees in the winter, it’s resting in preparation for warmer months. Because they aren’t actively growing, your succulent will typically need less attention than it usually would, especially with watering. When you water it during dormancy, always do so when the soil feels dry to the touch. Your watering schedule should change, and so should the amount of water you use. 

Your succulent won’t need much water while it’s dormant, so cutting the amount of water it receives by half is a good place to start, especially if you’re concerned about root rot developing during the dormant months.

Watering Indoors vs. Outdoors

Where you water your succulents plays a major role in how much water they need and how easily water will drain from the pot. Indoor plants, for example, may need a bit less water than outdoor ones– especially succulents. Without access to rainwater and dew, your indoor succulents will require a more regular watering schedule. Outdoor succulents, on the other hand, may experience dormancy, especially if it gets too cold outside. In this case, you’ll have to provide them with less water or bring them indoors if it gets too cold.

The open air can also provide outdoor succulents with better ventilation, which improves drainage and your succulent’s ability to take in water and light. For indoor succulents, be sure to keep your home as well-ventilated as possible, or water your succulents near an open window when you can. 

Outdoor succulents, how much water does succulent need, how much water does succulent need, when to water succulent. how often water succulent indoor
The open air provides outdoor succulents with better ventilation, which improves drainage and your succulent’s ability to take in water and light.

 

Watering Techniques

Time of day doesn’t matter much in regards to watering technique, but there are still some important life factors to keep in mind when you choose to water your succulents. When it’s time to water your succulent, there are a few ways to go about doing so:

1. Water Bottles

watering bottle is the most recommended method for watering succulents, especially ones with wide rosettes like hens and chicks or echeveria. Watering bottles are small, reusable squeeze bottles with an angled nozzle, allowing them to get directly to a succulent’s roots without wetting or damaging the leaves. 

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. Misting can cause water to pool on your succulents’ leaves and cause mold or fungal infection– save it for the babies instead.

Misting is, however, a decent technique for watering air plants or other exotic plants that need a humid environment to thrive.

3. Bottom-Watering

Recently made popular via TikTok, bottom-watering is a technique that waters your succulents’ directly through the soil and allows them to drink as much water as they need. While this method takes longer than traditional watering methods, it’s great for particularly sensitive plants. To bottom water your succulents, fill a tub or basin with fresh water, then stick your succulent’s pot into the water for soil to soak it up. When you’re done, make sure any excess water drains completely and dry off your pot before putting your succulent back. This technique is best done in the mornings since you’ll have plenty of time to monitor your soil’s drainage between waterings, as it may take hours for soil to completely drain.


Happy gardening!

See more about The Best Water for Succulents

The best water for succulents
If you found this article interesting, share it with your succulent loving friends!

And get a free plant when your friends make an order. Sign up here!
Learn more about how to nurture and enjoy many gorgeous succulents and clever decoration tips with our newsletter. Let's sign up!

Recommended Items

 




Ver artículo completo

How to Care for Pachira Stump Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
How to Care for Pachira Stump Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

6 lectura mínima

December 2024 Succulent Subscription Box, Succulent Gift Ideas
December 2024 SUCCULENT SUBSCRIPTION BOX CARE GUIDE

4 lectura mínima

Our December 2024 Succulent Subscription Box featuring Sempervivum Red LionEcheveria Blue Rose, Echeveria Cris, Adromischus Filicaulis ssp. Marlothii, and Tillandsia Caput Medusae.
How to care for Rubber Plant
How to care for Rubber Plant

5 lectura mínima

Learn how to grow and care for Rubber Plant. This guide covers essential care tips, including light requirements, watering techniques, and ideal growing conditions. Discover how to propagate your plant and troubleshoot common problems to ensure a thriving indoor companion.
Our care guides and planting tips are crafted by seasoned gardeners and plant enthusiasts who bring a wealth of hands-on experience to every piece of content. We take pride in offering meticulously researched and human-written advice to ensure the highest quality information for our fellow plant lovers. Each article is written with care and expertise, not auto-generated by AI, to help you keep your plants healthy and happy.
Back to Top