Succulents are the ultimate survivors of the plant world, thanks to their cool ability to store moisture right in their leaves and roots. But because they’re built differently, they need a specific watering routine that’s a far cry from your average leafy houseplant. If you want to keep your fleshy friends happy, here’s the lowdown on how to water them the right way.
The Golden Rule: Avoid Soggy Feet
When the summer heat kicks in, succulents need regular hydration to stay vibrant and healthy, just like any other garden plant. However, the trick with this family of plants is “less is more.” You want to give them a good soak, but don’t overdo the frequency.
Succulents are incredibly prone to root rot if they sit in standing water. If you get a little heavy-handed with the watering can and notice things getting mushy, you’ll need to act fast. Your best bet is to repot your succulent as soon as possible using fresh cactus or succulent mix to give those roots a dry start.
Pro Tip: Using a liquid cactus fertilizer during the summer months helps keep those leaves firm, plump, and vibrant green rather than soft and sickly.
Winter Care: Keep it Chill
During the colder months, succulents go into a bit of a resting phase. You should only reach for the watering can once the soil has completely dried out. For many varieties, this usually happens about once a month, but it depends on the specific plant. If your succulents are outdoors, make sure you only water on frost-free days to prevent the roots from freezing or suffering from frost damage.
But heads up: If you’re keeping your succulents as houseplants in a heated room, the soil is going to dry out much faster. In that case, your desert beauties will need a bit more frequent attention than their outdoor cousins.
Watering Succulents: The Do’s and Don’ts
To make things easy, here’s a quick cheat sheet to add to your gardening routine:
- During the growing season, only water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Use the “leaf test”: The thicker and fatter the leaves, the less water the plant actually needs.
- About 10 minutes after watering, empty any excess water from the saucer. Never let them sit in a puddle!
- Always water the soil, never the center of the rosette or the leaf clusters, as trapped water can cause rot.
- In winter, give them just enough water to keep the root ball from completely shriveling up.
One last thing to remember: If you have hardy succulents planted directly in your garden beds, you can usually skip watering entirely from October through February. For those in pots, always make sure your containers have drainage holes at the bottom—it’s a total lifesaver for these plants!
