There's a technique to watering crops - do you really know how to water?

Watering succulents seems to be an eternal topic. You may have asked many people - fellow succulent growers, Taobao sellers, even greenhouse owners - and gotten completely different answers! Some say once a week, some say once every two weeks, some say once a month - this probably has everyone confused. Who should you listen to? Actually, none of them are wrong - their advice just suits them! It doesn't necessarily suit you! Besides, the succulents they grow are in completely different conditions too!!! So when exactly is the best time to water???

Today this post has to be the ultimate guide to watering! And it's simple and easy to learn, applicable nationwide!

First, I want to say that judging watering by time is wrong!

Because of the differences between north and south, the differences in growing environments, the differences in pot sizes, and the differences in soil mixes - these differences determine how fast or slow the moisture dries out!

Even in the same environment, different pot sizes and materials will absolutely result in different drying speeds! Does everyone agree with this?

Based on different situations, it's divided into the following sections:

1. Mature plants and old specimens

2. Leaf cuttings and seedlings

3. Succulents before they're established (meaning newly acquired succulents whose root systems haven't grown well yet)

4. Getting through summer

Please find the category your succulents belong to!

1. Mature plants and old specimens

1. Super simple - check if the leaves are flat and wilted! (as shown below)

2. Squeeze the leaves to see if they're soft (as shown below)

Both of these situations prove the plant is lacking water, so you can water!

3. How to water

You can water thoroughly along the roots (if water seeps from the bottom of the pot, it's thorough, as shown below)

It's best to water in the evening or at night when there's good ventilation!

You can also spray to water, but remember - after watering, you must blow off the water droplets on the leaves!

2. Leaf cuttings and seedlings

Leaf cuttings and seedlings both prefer moisture, so try to keep them moist. Their watering method is very different from old specimens - you can judge by time, watering about once a week, and you can water thoroughly!

Seedlings and leaf cuttings should avoid direct sunlight - place them under shade netting or in a cooler spot on the balcony!

3. Succulents before they're established (meaning newly acquired succulents whose root systems haven't grown well yet)

Before new succulents are established, they need a moist environment to promote root growth, so you can also judge by time - watering about once a week!

Here, by the way, let me mention why you should let newly received succulents air dry for a day before planting, or water the afternoon of the second day after planting: because during shipping after being removed from soil, the roots may get damaged. If the wounds haven't dried and healed, contact with water can easily cause bacterial infection leading to rot!

4. Getting through summer

This is considered a season like the grim reaper! Actually, it's no big deal - besides doing a good job of pest prevention (I'll write another experience post about pest prevention later), the only secret to watering is to hold back, don't give in to temptation! Hahaha!

The expert's experience is:

1. Water once every month and a half, that is, about 45 days (even if the leaves get wrinkled, hold back);

2. Choose a windy evening or night to water;

3. After watering, blow off the water droplets on the leaves;

4. For the following three days, maintain ventilation and shade all day - if ventilation is insufficient, use an electric fan.

Remember these key points, and getting through summer will basically be no problem.

In summer, succulents will become severely dehydrated and shriveled! Don't feel sorry for them! Hold back!

Succulents are very tough - they won't die from drought, but they can easily be killed by your watering!

When autumn comes, after watering a few times they'll immediately revive, and become even more beautiful!

Alright, I hope the above watering methods can solve everyone's troubles - it's all experience talking! Believe in watering less and you'll have succulents to enjoy! Hahaha!