Watering succulents in summer is very important; learn these tips for easy care

A gardening friend asked: how is it best to water succulents in summer? It depends on how much soil is in your succulent's pot. If you grow it in a very small pot, then water once every three days, because there is little soil and moisture is lost quickly. If you use a relatively large pot with more soil, then you can water about once a week, but remember to water thoroughly, and do not put it in strong direct sunlight. Summer temperatures are high and light intensity is strong, so pay attention to providing appropriate shade; misting water around it to increase humidity is good. When the soil is completely dry, give it a little water; they are extremely drought-tolerant, so overall, water less.

Newly planted succulents have weak water absorption capacity because of factors such as having few roots, adapting to a new environment, and recovering from damage, so they do not need much water. For this type of succulent, the better watering method is: small meals, more often. Succulents grow quite well in the most breathable ceramic pots, because there is no risk of drowning the plant; even if it gets a little dry, as long as the succulent does not die, its condition will still improve after watering, making them very suitable for beginners. But ceramic pots also have disadvantages: moisture evaporates too quickly, and the bottom of the pot does not retain water, which will slow down the growth rate of succulents.

In spring and autumn the weather is relatively cool, but when sunlight is abundant, the moisture in a ceramic pot is almost completely dried out in 1-2 days; at this time, watering once a day or once every two days is no problem. Ceramic, metal, plastic and other flower pots have relatively poor breathability, so the watering interval is generally 2-3 times that of ceramic pots. Succulents grown in these containers hardly need much management; after watering once, you can go out with peace of mind. The so-called "cutting off water" often mentioned in summer also refers to these containers with poor breathability, because after watering, a large amount of moisture will still be stored at the bottom of the pot.

Generally, you observe the potting soil and water once you find it has dried out completely. If the soil has relatively poor breathability, then the watering time should be extended a bit more, because although the surface of such soil may already be dry, in fact the bottom is still moist. If the succulent has entered dormancy, then watering should be reduced, and some even need their water cut off. When watering succulents in summer, generally water a small amount along the edge of the pot, do not water thoroughly directly; let the water seep in naturally. Next is to use the soaking method, which can ensure the succulent gets sufficient water. It just takes more time.

Generally speaking, most succulent roots are slender and fragile; in order to survive in harsh environments, they tend to have thicker leaves, so changing the soil once before summer arrives each year can help the plants grow better. After replacing the soil, you can appropriately add some vermiculite, peat, or coconut coir to retain water. Be careful not to put succulents in an air-conditioned room to cool down, because although an air-conditioned room is cool, it is a closed environment with no ventilation.

Some people, out of caution, choose the quick soaking method; this can ensure the succulent gets the necessary water without worrying about overwatering. The downside is that it takes too much time, and if any pot of succulents has root mealybugs, it is equivalent to manually helping the infestation spread. Occasionally, you can also mist the growing environment at night; there is no need to spray directly on the succulents. Spray above the pots where the succulents are, and let the mist fall on its own; the water droplets evaporate easily, which can help lower the temperature and also provide a little supplementary moisture for the succulents.

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