Watering Succulents
The most common way that people kill their succulents is by watering them too much. Succulents need for their soil to dry out completely before they are watered again, since they can easily develop root problems if they’re kept too wet.
Why is Good Drainage so Important for Keeping Succulents Healthy?
Drainage simply means the ability for water to drain out of the soil in a planter instead of being absorbed by the soil. Of course, some water needs to be absorbed into the soil so the roots can access the water over time. But succulent roots are adapted to dry conditions and can’t survive well in damp soil.
By having good drainage, you can be sure that there are pockets of air inside the soil that help keep the roots from staying too wet. Ensure adequate drainage by only using containers with drainage holes. The potting mix you use should also drain freely and not be too dense and absorbent.
How Can I Tell if My Succulent Needs Water?
There’s not a set schedule that works for every succulent, so it is important to check the soil each time you water. If it feels dry, your succulent should be watered. If the soil is even a little bit moist, wait a couple of days. It is always better to give a succulent too little water instead of too much. You can always add more water if needed, but it’s difficult to remove moisture if you’ve accidentally overwatered.
Symptoms of Underwatering
If your succulent is severely dried out, it will probably start to look shriveled and wrinkly. Some leaves may dry out and fall off. Some parts of the plant may start to turn brown and crispy. If you notice any of these symptoms, give your succulent water right away.
Symptoms of Overwatering
The first visible signs of overwatering show up in the leaves. They may turn yellow or translucent, and feel soft and mushy to the touch. Leaf drop is likely. A more severely overwatered succulent will develop a black, rotting stem and will eventually fall over as the softened stem is unable to support the weight of the plant.
