When is the right time to water succulents? Learn how to tell when to water

Succulent watering principles

Watering is the key to plumping up your succulents. As everyone knows, succulents are typical drought-tolerant plants, and many succulent growers either like to give them lots of water or simply don't water them at all, which is a typical case of raising them without understanding them. You must follow their growth habits and adhere to the principle of "don't water until dry, and water thoroughly when you do," stretching the intervals between waterings as long as possible.

How to tell if a succulent is short of water

1. Use a chopstick: Insert a disposable chopstick into the pot, reaching as close to the bottom of the container as possible, leave it for about a minute, then pull it out and check for moisture. Generally, if the soil is moist, some soil will cling to the chopstick, which means it doesn't need watering yet. If the chopstick comes out without any soil stuck to it, that's because the soil is dry, and it's a signal that your succulent needs watering. (When inserting the chopstick into the pot, be careful not to damage the succulent's roots.)

2. Count the interval: If you figure it's been about a week since you last watered, and the once-firm leaves have started to look a bit wilted, then it's time to replenish your succulent's water and let it drink its fill in one go. But be careful to keep the pot well-draining and airy to prevent water from pooling inside, otherwise the succulent can't breathe and root rot will result.

3. Observe: Under normal circumstances, plump and glossy leaves mean your succulent doesn't need water yet. But if the leaves and stems droop and feel limp, it means the succulent is very thirsty and needs watering right away.

4. Squeeze with your hand: If a succulent goes without water for a long time, the plant will noticeably soften and thin out. Sometimes this isn't easy to spot with the naked eye, but squeezing it with your hand will reveal an obvious difference.

How to water succulents

Sometimes you're too busy to water your succulents, so it's best to establish a fairly regular watering schedule, generally watering about once a week. In spring and autumn, when the weather isn't very hot, water 1-2 times a week; in summer, generally don't water too much, and never pour water directly onto the succulent's leaves. It's best to water a small amount along the edge of the pot, and don't water when the sun is shining directly on the plant.

(The above methods only apply to succulents that are in their growth period with healthy roots. During the acclimation period after repotting, it's best not to water.)

Tips: When watering succulents, it's better to keep them dry than wet; don't water until dry, and water thoroughly when you do, but prevent water from pooling in the pot. After watering, it's best to place them somewhere ventilated and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight.

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