succulent may thrive in arid , desert - like conditions , but that does n’t mean they can survive indefinitely without water . figure out how to keep these beautiful plants properly hydrated can be tricky , and you ’ll be hard - pressed to notice a home gardener who has n’t either drowned or sear a succulent at some power point in their life .

as luck would have it , this guide will teach you how all the peak and tricks to properly irrigate yoursucculentsto ensure they prosper !

What is a Succulent?

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A succulent is any works that put in water inside its thickset stem or leaf tissue . Some succulents , like agaves , hold water inside their fleshy leaves , whereas others , likecacti , may miss leaf systems altogether , instead retaining water in their stem .

Many pop cosmetic industrial plant specie devolve into the succulent category , includingsnake plants , aloes , trollop plant , zebra plant , and prickly pears . succulent do not contain a exclusive taxonomic chemical group but rather , succulent species live across at least 50 decided plant family .

Hosta edging along the garden border

This multifariousness means taking care of your succulent can be challenging ; there ’s no one - size - fits - all method acting for correct watering . So , learning to keep your succulent decent hydrate requires observe it closely and keeping its grow environment in thinker .

What You Will Need

Thoughnot every succulent needs the same fear , you ’ll generally require the same tool across the instrument panel .

Take Stock of Your plants

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To specify whether you need to change the way you ’ve been water your succulents , take a look at their leaves and stems .

Underwatered leafy succulents will seem crispy or brown . ( Dropped farewell are not necessarily a signboard of dehydration , as many species do this naturally as part of their growing cycle . ) On the other hand , if your leafy succulent look sentimental , colorless , yellow , or even black-market , you may be overwatering it .

A woman winces in pain

Leafless cacti have a unlike means of tell you they ’re receiving too much or too little water . Wilting and decay at the base of the stem , and ignominious spines call on to light brown indicate that the cactus is parch . A mushy grain , leak , and rot point to overwatering .

Water the Right Way

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succulent require precision watering . Make trusted to irrigate only at the base of the works , as any water settling on the leaves or bow may induce rot .

Rather than frequent , lite waterings , succulents prefer a ripe soak . irrigate them until the bottom of the pot begins to leak , making certain to empty any body of water that take in in the tray underneath the pot to quash radical rot . you’re able to also try bottom watering .

Potted pothos

If your succulent are dress in a confining grouping , you may demand to tally a water eye dropper or syringe in the narrow spread between flora to ensure each plant gets enough water .

Water With the Right Frequency

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The golden ruler when it comes to watering succulent is to give them a drink whenever their grease feel dry a few column inch mysterious from the top . How often this occurs will depend on several factor , one of which is the season .

succulent may be summer or winter dormant , reckon on the coinage . During its dormancy geological period , a succulent ’s increase will slow up down or stop all , mean it will take in less H2O . Be certain to wait up your coinage ' growth cycle so you experience what to expect .

assorted succulents on window sill

However , do n’t simply ignore your succulent while it ’s dormant . If your succulent is indoors and your home ’s seasonal temperature variation is not too utmost , you may even be able-bodied to stay on with something snug to your common watering routine .

Another means in which the seasons may influence your succulent ’s water uptake is by regard how long it take their soil to dry out . In the summer , soil may dry out faster than common , whereas , in the wintertime , filth may retain wet for a prospicient time .

Apart from seasonal changes , the sizing of your succulent ’ container will act upon how often you involve to water them . A small-scale container will drain more cursorily than a deep one .

Snake plant

at last , everyone has a different household environs . Factors such as humidness and airflow will strike your plant ’ wellness and water needs .

With so many factors at play , your best bet is to keep checking your plants ' soil . Your succulent may call for to be irrigate anywhere from once a week to once every few weeks .

Adjust Your Soil if Needed

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If your succulents are showing sign of overwatering , take a flavour at their soil . ensure you mature your succulents in afast - enfeeble grime mixture , rather than in even potting soil .

you’re able to discover cactus mix at many garden shops , or make it yourself by combining three parts pot grunge , three function bewilder or common sand , and one part perlite or pumice stone . Avoid using pot soil that contains fertilizer , as this may burn succulent .

Cacti on desk

Just Add Water!

Every succulent and growing environment is different , so the best mode to figure out the optimum watering regime for your plants is to monitor their leaves , stems , and dirt close , keeping in brain the wallop of change seasons .

Your succulents will give thanks you with vibrant hue , strong stems , and a endearing desert vibe !

Hanging watering cans

Assorted succulents

Potting soil and trowel