Avoid 4 major mistakes when watering succulents so the plants can plump up smoothly

Watering succulents is inherently a difficult task. Different varieties and geographical environments bring different differences and changes, so when facing watering issues, we inevitably fall into the following 4 "mistakes." Today, Guliang will discuss this with everyone.

1. Succulents do not like water

Because of their place of origin, many flower enthusiasts think succulents do not like water. In fact, they just dislike waterlogged soil. Sometimes a bit more water is fine. All living things on Earth originally came from the underwater world, so succulents also need water, and cannot survive without it. They just do not like staying in moist soil all the time!

This is also due to the habit of surviving in deserts for so many years. Here we must mention a bit of professional knowledge: succulents have a waxy protective layer on the surface of their leaves, which prevents sunlight from evaporating the water inside them. So they themselves are quite rich in water content; they just need to be watered less often compared with other plants.

2. Improper judgment when watering

There is a lot to say about this. Either you water too much, or you do not water enough. Watering frequently will cause the gaps in the succulent plant's root system to be completely filled with water. When there is too much water, air naturally cannot get in. If air cannot get in, the oxygen content decreases, and root respiration becomes a problem.

Some people water as lightly as a dragonfly skimming the water's surface. When they see it is time to water, they give just a little and never water thoroughly. It looks like they water often, but the succulents just will not grow well. Is it not because they only water halfway, so the roots never see any trace of water? Sometimes seeing water coming out of the bottom of the pot does not mean it has been watered thoroughly either. You must observe carefully to avoid watering into a "hollow radish."

3. Strictly fixing a watering time

Many succulent enthusiasts always feel that watering in the evening or morning is best, and cannot help but restrict themselves to a certain time to water succulents. Guliang used to do this too, but knowledge is constantly updated. Watering succulents must be based on their actual situation. There is no strict time limit. Do not listen to others saying to water at what time in the morning or what time in the afternoon. What formula is there for this? You must analyze specific situations specifically.

Also, a good trick is to fertilize succulents right when watering, preferably with liquid fertilizer. After dilution, water the succulents with it. It can both replenish water and add nutrients, achieving two goals at once.

4. Watering too casually

Here we may have to mention office workers. After working hard all day and coming home from work, they may forget to water. Sometimes they even do it entirely based on personal whim, watering when they remember. In this way, the plants either dry out and deteriorate or develop root rot from being too wet. So care must be done attentively. Every day after work, make a round to inspect the domain you have built, see whether this one needs watering, and if it does, just water it thoroughly.

Here Guliang has a watering mnemonic to tell everyone, and that is "look, listen, ask, and feel." So traditional Chinese medicine is indeed profound. These four words are extremely useful here too. Look means observing the color of the soil; if the branches and leaves are light in color, listen means listening to whether the sound when tapping the pot is crisp; ask means mastering relevant knowledge, since theory is the foundation of practice; feel means touching the soil to check whether it is soft or hard, and how loose or tight it is.

Finally, here is a little secret. Those who use it all know that succulents should not be watered unless dry, but if the potting soil is confirmed to be completely dry, you can wait 3-5 days before giving water. After all, only after a long drought does sweet rain fall, which makes the succulents especially cherish water as soon as they touch it. In this way, the leaves will also become thick and plump.