How to water Succulents

The best way to water and care for succulents is to mimic the natural conditions. Most succulent plants experience long periods of drought in their natural habitat. This is what they prefer, and should be replicated at home for the best result. Always give succulents plenty of water, and let them dry out completely before next time. Never allow any succulents to sit in water since they are prone to rotting and diseases.

Watering schedule for most succulents

  • Water most succulents every 10th day during the growth season (depending on the succulent). Occasionally, give water every week during summer heatwaves, or if they show signs of thirst.
  • Start to slow down the watering frequency to twice a month as we enter the fall.
  • Allow the succulents to enter winter dormancy, or at least a winter rest during the coldest months. Consequently, water them roughly once a month, if at all. Most cacti are more than happy to go on a strict no-water diet during the winter months. (Winter growers are a different story, please see the appropriate article, since their world is a bit upside down. They work the winter shift).
  • As a succulent enters dormancy, it often shrinks a bit compared to its regular size during growth season.
watering

What pH is advisable when watering succulents?

The optimal pH range is between 5.0 – 7.5. Most succulents and cacti prefer slightly acidic soil. Most of us probably use the tap-water to feed our plants, which often is more alkaline than the above. However, it really depends on your local tap water (or source) since the Ph level varies based on location. In the wild, the rainwater is normally a bit more acid than most tap water. Therefore, it is common to add a splash of vinegar for a preferred balance.

Succulents are very forgiving plants. They like to be neglected, and will never be offended. In the wild, they often develop a more compact shape, mostly because of long periods without water. You may go on a holiday and forget to feed your succulents. Don’t worry, they´ll still love you when you return home.

Cholla flower

Best watering time – in the morning or in the evening?

The best time to water a succulent or a cactus is very early morning, just before they get energy from the sun and warm temperature. Or, in the evening once the sun has set. Avoid watering in the middle of the day, since the burning sun dries up a lot of the water before the plant absorbs it.

Is a succulent under- or overwatered?

If a succulent is given too much water it will often look sad in numerous ways. The leaves may change color, or appear weak with unhealthy leaves or branches, or become a bit translucent. On the contrary, if a succulent is not given enough water, it often has shriveled leaves and other signs of weakness. This is of course different from plant to plant. For example, a cactus is a lot less expressive and will give you fewer clues.

Always use pots with holes in the bottom that drains excess water. Succulents should never stand in water. Never use any type of container without holes, it may kill the plant unless you know the exact watering need.

Too little water or too much water?

It is better to give a succulent too little water rather than too much. Too much may kill it, but too little is most likely just fine. If you are attentive, you will get to know your plants intimately and develop a sense of their needs.

Indoor- vs outdoor watering

Most likely you need to reduce watering when you move a succulent plant indoors. Since the humidity and air circulation are very different inside, and typically require less water. Be careful with this, especially with lithops and cacti. Let them settle in the indoor environment for a week or two, before watering again.

How long can a succulent survive without water?

How long a succulent survives without water depends on the species. Some succulents require frequent watering. For example, a portulaca may require frequent watering all summer long. While others survive many consecutive months without water. Many plants might enter dormancy if kept dry for too long. I stopped watering a Pleiospilos for six months over the winter as a test. It didn’t even flinch. The two outer leaves were a little soft, but it was impossible to guess that the plant had not been fed for half a year.

Even if most succulents can survive without water for a very long time, doesn’t necessarily mean they enjoy it. Like all other plants, succulents need water and nutrition to grow and reproduce, to fulfill their evolutionary programming.  

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Watering Succulent Plants

  • Using a Sprayer or Atomizer: Many people water their succulents with a sprayer to use less water, but this method can actually harm the growth of the roots.

  • Using Inappropriate Soil: It’s crucial to plant succulents in dry soil; otherwise, they might die shortly after being planted. 

  • Excessive Fertilizer Use: After watering the plant, it’s important not to use large amounts of fertilizer, as this can hinder the growth of flowers and even some roots, especially in cacti.

  • Using Pots Without Drainage Holes: When closed pots are used, the soil doesn’t get properly oxygenated, leading to complications in watering succulents. For this reason, it’s recommended to use ceramic or clay pots, as they help retain nutrients.

Watering Indoor Succulent Plants

Succulents originate from dry, high-temperature climates and store liquid in their leaves, allowing them to grow without problems. Therefore, the best approach to watering is to thoroughly soak the soil and then wait until it’s completely dry before watering again. It’s perfectly fine if the soil remains dry for a few weeks, as the plants have stored enough water in their leaves. The best way to water indoor succulents is by using a watering can and thoroughly soaking the soil. Once the soil is completely dry, you can water your succulents again. It’s better to have dry soil than to keep it constantly moist.

Watering Outdoor Succulent Plants

For outdoor succulents, the same method applies to indoor plants. Soak the soil thoroughly and let it dry out completely before watering again. The frequency depends on climate factors such as heat and humidity. If it’s very hot, you’ll need to water more frequently, while in humid conditions, the plants will require less water. The key difference with outdoor succulents is that they are often planted in the ground, where the soil stays moist longer, requiring less frequent watering.

I hope you’ve taken note of these simple yet essential tips for watering your succulents, ensuring they grow as healthily as possible. Succulents depend heavily on proper watering, whether you’re growing them indoors or in your garden.

Saltine watering

Saltine watering is, generally speaking, never advised for any plants. Although, certain plants have developed a tolerance to salt. For example, the low-growing succulent Carpobrutus is often seen along the coastlines where salt water inevitably moists the soil during rough weather. However, the plant seems entirely unfazed by the saltine and grows as successfully as it does with regular rain- or tap water.

However, the best way to water succulent plants is rain water or slightly acid water.

Bottom- or top watering?

Bottom- or top watering, does it really matter? Well, it is not usually a big deal. After all, watering succulent plants from the top simply mimics a natural rainfall. In the wild, the soil will absorb the water very deeply, which will encourage a deep rooting system. Therefore, bottom watering a plant will encourage the plant’s roots to strive deeply in the pot, instead of remaining in the shallow parts of the pot. For example, after repotting a plant where the rooting system is rather shallow may benefit from bottom watering. However, in most cases, there are usually no problems with established plants having shallow root systems. But it is worth mentioning that plants like Crassula and Peace Lily prefer to be watered from the bottom.

Irrigation systems

Sometimes you may find the need to water your plants while travelling away on a holiday. An automatic irrigation system that slowly feeds the plants sufficient water over time is a great option. Although, most succulent plants rarely require frequent watering and a few weeks without water is usually a “walk in the park”, but is always a great option to have if needed.

There are a few different irrigation systems to water plants, such as:

  • Drip irrigation
  • Watering cones
  • Watering stakes
  • Hydration gel

Read more about how to make your own irrigation system for watering plants automatically when on vacation.

FAQ - Watering succulents

Most frequent questions and answers

Succulents don’t usually need special water. Rainwater is perfect since it is a bit acidic. Since tapwater is typically less acidic, you can add a splash of vinegar to make it a little more acid. But this is usually not a major issue.

Bottom watering the pot’s tray helps the roots reach deep down in the soil and improve their strength. It can prevent fungi and bacteria from reaching the leaves. But regular watering from the top is typically fine unless very special circumstances.

It can be several reasons: A common reason is overwatering, a disease, or being attacked by pests, or if the plant is stressed.

Wait roughly a week after repotting a succulent before you start watering. So the plant has some time to settle in its new environment.

Indoor succulents typically require a bit less water since there is less air circulation that dries the soil. It also depends on the season and life-cycle.