Do Succulent Plants Need Water and What to Consider Before Watering

Succulent plants don't need much water, but they do need some to survive.

Most succulents can survive with minimal watering, but it's essential to water them correctly to prevent root rot.

A good rule of thumb is to water your succulents when the soil is dry to the touch, usually every 7-10 days in the summer and less often in the winter.

Succulents can store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, which helps them survive in dry conditions.

Explore further: Can Succulent Plants Survive Winter

So, how often should you water your succulent? The key is to wait until the soil has dried out completely. You can check this by sticking your finger into the soil, or using a tool like a moisture meter.

Succulents need to be watered more often when temperatures are high, and less often when temperatures are low. I've found that during hot summer days, my succulents need a good soaking every 3-4 days, while in the winter they can go weeks without water.

For more insights, see: How Often to Water Succulent Plants

Environments with high humidity will prevent the soil from drying out as quickly, so you'll need to water less. This is because the air is already full of moisture, so the soil doesn't need as much water.

Increased sunlight will encourage your succulent to grow, which means it'll need more water. The soil will dry out faster, requiring more frequent watering. I've noticed that my succulents in bright, sunny spots need to be watered more often than those in shadier areas.

Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

It's also worth noting that many succulent species go dormant over winter, during which time they barely grow and barely absorb any water from the soil. Limit watering during this time to avoid overwatering and root rot.

Let your succulents dry out before watering them again, as frequent watering can be detrimental to their health. This is especially true for succulents in small pots, which may need more frequent watering than those in larger pots.

Additional reading: How to Plant Succulent Plants in Pots

Water your succulents less often in winter months, as they require less water during the cooler, darker periods. I water mine about every 3-4 weeks in winter.

To determine if your succulents need water, look for signs such as wrinkled leaves, bendy leaves, crispy leaves, and shrinking. If the soil is already moist, do not water again.

The best way to water succulents is to check the soil regularly and water thoroughly until excess water pours out of the drainage hole. This process is referred to as the soak-and-dry method.

To avoid overwatering, water your succulents from the bottom, as many species are not adapted to conditions where their leaves get wet. This will allow them to absorb just the right amount of water.

Here's a summary of the ideal watering schedule for succulents:

Remember, it's better to err on the side of caution and underwater than to overwater your succulents.

Soil and pot considerations can make a big difference in how often your succulent needs water. Large pots need water less often than small pots because moisture is distributed over a larger area and will evaporate more slowly.

The type of pot material also affects moisture levels, with plastic and metal maintaining moisture levels longer than porous materials like clay. This means that if you have a succulent in a clay pot, it may need more frequent watering.

If your soil's drainage becomes less effective over time, consider repotting your succulent with fresh potting soil. This can help prevent water from building up in the pot and causing root rot.

You might like: Succulent Plants in Pots

When selecting pots for your succulents, it's essential to choose ones with drainage holes.

Having at least one drainage hole, preferably more, ensures water flows out and prevents excess water from building up in the bottom of the pot, which can lead to root rot.

If you find a special pot with no drain hole, don't worry, there are still ways to care for your succulents.

Broaden your view: Do Succulent Plants Need Drainage

Using a special soil mix is crucial for succulents, as it ensures good drainage and aeration that the roots need.

Proper soil helps to prevent the roots from staying too wet, which can lead to root rot and other problems.

You can make your own DIY succulent and cactus mix or buy a pre-made mix from a store.

Some pre-made mixes contain pumice, perlite, or coarse sand for added aeration.

A mix that's on the heavier side will require less frequent watering.

Looking for more information on succulent soil mix?

A fresh viewpoint: Succulent Plants Potting Soil

Dry soil is the first sign your succulent needs water. It may also need repotting and fresh soil added.

If the soil is very dry, dusty, crumbly, or powdery to the touch, it's time to water.

In dry environments like the Tucson desert, succulents need water less frequently. I water mine indoors every 2-3 weeks in the summer months.

Succulents in small pots get watered a bit more frequently than those in larger pots.

Environmental Factors can greatly affect how often succulent plants need water. High temperatures can cause succulents to dry out faster, making them more prone to overwatering.

Succulents grown in low-light conditions tend to need less water than those in bright light, as they photosynthesize less and require less moisture.

Humidity levels also play a role, as succulents prefer a relatively dry environment, typically between 40-60% relative humidity.

Discover more: Succulent Plants Light Requirements

Monitoring the temperature is key to keeping your plants happy. If you keep your plants in a cooler environment, you'll need to water them less often.

A warmer environment, on the other hand, means you'll have to water your plants more frequently.

The size of the pot is a crucial factor in determining how often you should water your succulents. The smaller the pot, the more often you'll need to water.

Humidity also plays a significant role in watering frequency. If you live in a dry climate like Tucson, where the humidity is often below 10%, you'll likely need to water your succulents more often than someone living in a humid climate like Hawaii or Florida.

The number of drainage holes in the pot affects how often you should water. Fewer drainage holes mean you'll need to water less often.

If your succulents are planted in porous containers like unglazed terra cotta or ceramic, you may need to water them a bit more often.

The temperature of the water is also important. Using room-temperature water is easier on the roots and helps prevent shocking them with hot or cold water.

Humidity plays a significant role in determining the watering needs of your succulents. Some succulents thrive in humid conditions, which means they require less water than those in drier locations.

If you keep your succulent plant in a humid location, such as a bathroom or outdoors in the summer, it may need less water. This is because the air is already filled with moisture, reducing the need for extra watering.

Be sure to locate your succulents away from drafty windows, heating units, humidifiers, or air conditioners, as these can dry out the air and increase watering needs.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Which Succulents Can Be Planted Together?

Succulents from arid climates may rot during rainy weather, causing stems or trunks to turn squishy and collapse.

It may be possible to take cuttings from healthy top growth and restart the plants, as the author did after a rainy winter with aeoniums.

Succulents store water in all parts of the plant, so frequent watering and too much moisture will do them in.

In the Tucson desert, the author waters their succulents indoors every 2-3 weeks in the summer months.

Watering frequency depends on factors such as pot size, with smaller pots requiring more frequent watering, like those growing in 2-3" pots.

Succulents in larger pots, like the author's Haworthias, Gasterias, and Lithops, can go longer without watering.

Rain is a game-changer for plants, especially succulents. It provides dissolved minerals that are essential for growth.

Rain helps to wash away dust that can inhibit photosynthesis, allowing plants to thrive. This is especially noticeable in areas with high levels of air pollution.

Rainwater dilutes and flushes out salts and harmful chemicals that can build up in the soil from tap water, making it a healthier option for plants. This is a big deal for succulents, which can be sensitive to these chemicals.

Rain brings nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth, which helps to promote healthy development.

To prevent problems with your succulent plants, it's essential to ensure they're planted in a pot with drainage holes. This allows excess water to escape the pot and prevents waterlogged soil.

Using a well-draining soil mix is also crucial. You can buy a mix specifically designed for succulents or cacti, or make your own by combining equal parts indoor potting soil, perlite, and sand.

It's much harder to underwater a succulent plant than it is to overwater it, so be diligent in allowing your succulent soil to dry out between waterings.

Intriguing read: Potting Mix for Succulent Plants

To prevent problems with your succulents, start by making sure they're planted in a pot with drainage holes. This allows excess water to escape the pot, which is crucial for preventing overwatering.

Using a well-draining, gritty soil mix specifically designed for succulents or cacti is also essential. You can even make your own mix at home by combining equal parts indoor potting soil, perlite, and sand.

Allowing your succulent soil to dry out between waterings is key. It's much harder to underwater a succulent plant than it is to overwater it, so avoid giving small amounts of water on a regular basis.

Succulents need a lot more water than just a spoonful or so at a time.

Proper watering involves pouring on water abundantly to soak the root ball, just like in nature where arid climates get a soaking every now and then.

You can even let the roots soak in water for 10 to 30 minutes, or even overnight, but then empty any excess water from the saucer underneath.

It's essential to wait until the soil is thoroughly dry before watering again, which can take anywhere from 10 to 14 days in the summer to 3 or 4 months in the winter.

Each succulent is different, and growing conditions vary widely, so it's hard to know exactly when to water.

Succulents are low-maintenance plants that can thrive indoors with proper care.

To choose the right succulents, consider their size and shape to fit your available space. Small pots are ideal for succulents, as they allow for good drainage and prevent waterlogged soil.

Succulents need good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, so choose a spot with plenty of space around each plant.

For indoor succulent care, having the right tools can make a big difference. I use a small watering can for most of my succulents, which are in small containers.

A larger can is better suited for larger succulents like Pencil Cactus and Euphorbia ingens.

Related reading: Succulent Plants That Stay Small

As you're reading about succulent care, you might have come across some comments that sparked your interest. Let's dive into what some gardeners have shared about their experiences.

Many succulent enthusiasts, like dianara96, love developing succulents and appreciate the helpful information shared about their care. In fact, dianara96 has left two comments, both expressing gratitude for the information.

On the other hand, some gardeners have a different opinion. Jardinier paresseux thinks humans can be "stupid" when it comes to succulent care, citing an example of succulents being planted in planter boxes with too much water.

Toby Leppicello has also shared a question about his succulents, wondering if growing aerial roots might be a sign of underwatering. This is actually a good opportunity to review the watering schedule, as succulents in small pots may need more frequent watering than those in larger pots.

Cathysrealcountrygardencom has shared a valuable tip about the importance of drainage in succulent care. If the pot can't drain, the succulent will likely die from excess water.

Here's a quick summary of the watering schedule for succulents:

Joe has also shared a concern about cacti being sold with painted bracts or tips. This is not directly related to succulent care, but it's good to know what to look out for when buying plants.

Succulents can be a bit finicky, but there are some clear signs that they need water. Look for wrinkled leaves, bendy leaves, or crispy leaves that may be browning around the edges.

Shrinking is another indication that your succulent needs more water. If the leaves are shrinking, it's likely that they need more moisture to maintain their size.

Wilted leaves can be a sign of underwatering or overwatering. Check the level of moisture in the soil to determine which issue is occurring.

Some succulents may naturally drop their leaves over time, but if you notice this happening, it's not necessarily a sign of underwatering.

Here are some visual signs to look out for:

Keep in mind that succulents can go for weeks without water, and some species can even survive for up to six weeks without watering during the dormant winter season.