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Understanding the watering needs of indoor succulents can be challenging for both beginners and seasoned succulent growers. These incredibly resilient plants have developed a myriad of adaptations to survive prolonged periods of drought in their native habitats. As such, traditionally protective behaviors can make them incredibly resistant to over-watering. However, providing the right water amount can optimize their growth and prevent potential disease.
Succulents, unlike most indoor plants, have an unusual watering schedule. In their native habitats, they have adapted to hostile desert climates by storing water in their thick, fleshy leaves, stems, or roots, allowing them to survive in dry conditions for prolonged periods. This water-storing ability means that over-watering can often be more detrimental than under-watering for these desert dwellers.
1. Essential Factors to Consider when Watering Indoor Succulents
Several factors determine how often indoor succulents should be watered, such as the type of succulent, its age, the current season, the ambient temperature, and humidity, the type of soil it grows in and the size of the pot. It’s essential to examine each aspect to understand your succulents’ watering requirements accurately.
– Succulent Types: While it’s true that succulents have the common feature of storing water, they don’t all require the same amount of water or watering frequency. Some succulent varieties, like Aloe and Echeveria, might prefer to dry out more between watering, while others, like the Schlumbergera (or Christmas Cactus), might prefer a bit more frequent watering.
– Succulent Age: Young, actively growing succulents require more frequent watering than mature, dormant ones since they need more nutrients to support their growth.
– Season: Succulents, like many other plants, have growing seasons. Most succulents enter a period of dormancy during the winter and the peak of summer. During these periods, they require less watering. However, during the growing seasons (generally Spring and Fall), they will need more frequent watering.
– Ambient temperature and humidity: High temperatures speed up evaporation, drying the soil at a faster rate, which may require more frequent watering. On the other hand, high humidity slows down evaporation, keeping the soil moist for a longer period.
– Soil type: Succulents thrive best in a well-draining, aerated soil, which dries out sooner than regular potting soil. A soil mixture high in inorganic material such as perlite, coarse sand, or pumice is ideal for succulents, as it enhances drainage and prevents water from staying in the soil for too long.
– Size and type of pot: A galvanized metal or plastic pot retains moisture longer than a terra cotta pot, which wicks moisture away from the soil. Larger pots also maintain moisture for a longer period compared to smaller pots.
2. Signposts for Watering Indoor Succulents
There are a few signs that you can look for that will let you know it is time to water your indoor succulents:
– Dry and light weight pot: If your pot feels much lighter than usual, it’s a sign that the soil is thoroughly dry and watering might be necessary.
– Shrunken or wrinkled leaves: Succulents will use the stored water in their leaves as soon as the soil dries out. If you notice the leaves shrinking or wrinkling, it’s an indication that the plant is dehydrated and needs watering.
– Coloration change: Some succulents, like Sedum and Sempervivum, change color or show a bit of pallor when they’re thirsty. If your succulent’s color is changing, consider this a sign of watering needs.
– Checking soil moisture: A simple method, yet efficient, includes sticking your finger into the soil. If it is totally dry at a finger’s depth, then your succulent is ready to be watered. Another method is to use a moisture meter, which can accurately measure the moisture level at the root area.
Remember that these are not definitive signs and can depend on your particular succulent species, so always research specific care instructions for your specific succulent type.
3. Best Practices for Watering Indoor Succulents
The most commonly recommended method for watering indoor succulents is called “Soak and Dry” watering. This method involves soaking the soil thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Then, allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This watering method is exemplary because it encourages the roots to grow strong and deep as they try to find more water in the soil, ultimately leading to a healthier plant.
Overwatering is a common problem when it comes to succulents care. This is because succulents’ root system is adapted to absorb water quickly and efficiently in the native habitat. But when they are left sitting in wet soil, they continue to absorb water leading to their cells bursting which results in root rot.
Finally, consider the water quality. Tap water often contains chlorine and other chemicals can harm your plants. It’s best to use distilled, rain, or filtered water if possible. Leaving tap water out in an open container overnight before using it can also allow some of the chemicals to evaporate.
In conclusion, determining how often to water indoor succulents can depend on a lot of factors and may require a bit of trial and error. But with a good understanding of your succulent’s needs and close observation, you can develop a watering schedule that works well for your indoor succulents. Remember, when in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of under-watering, as it’s a lot easier to revive a thirsty succulent than a water-logged one.
