Just like every other type of indoor plant or greenery, succulents are an essential part of interior designs because they add color and life to your living spaces. They are particularly cherished for their ease of maintenance and versatility. However, just because the succulents are low-maintenance does not mean one should assume they don’t require thoughtful treatment. And while the sunlight requirements of succulents are simpler, watering can be a little complicated as indoor succulents have different watering needs than outdoor ones, despite being the same type of plant. So, let’s dive right into the best practices to accelerate your indoor succulent’s growth through proper watering habits.
Perhaps the most effective way to water succulents is the “soak and dry” method. Indoor succulents don’t like to be watered little by little. Instead, they benefit from a good soak, just as they would in their native dry habitats where they experience heavy but infrequent rainfall. When watering, make sure the whole root ball is soaked. Once it has been thoroughly watered, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This drying process is essential because it guards against root rot, a common issue with over-watered succulents. Never water succulents if the soil is still damp.
Factors like the pot size, type of soil used, and the location of the succulents influence how often you’ll need to water them. Large containers or those made from materials such as ceramics or terracotta will hold more moisture and therefore, require less frequent watering. In contrast, smaller pots or those made from plastic may require more frequent watering. Similarly, a fast-draining succulent mix, which often contains a higher percentage of inorganic matter like perlite, pumice or sand, will dry out faster than general-purpose potting soil.
Indoor succulents placed in a north-facing window or where they get less light may require less frequent watering than those placed directly under a grow light or a south-facing window. During winter months, when there are fewer hours of daylight and temperatures are cooler, succulents will enter a dormant phase and water requirements will significantly decrease. Conversely, in the warmer, more light-abundant summer months, succulents will come out of dormancy and require more frequent watering.
The type of succulent you have also plays a crucial role in dictating the correct watering frequency. Some succulents, like aeoniums and echeverias, have thinner leaves, and therefore, may require more frequent waterings compared to succulents with thicker, more robust leaves, such as haworthias and gasterias.
Overwatering is the most common mistake people make when caring for succulents, mostly because they treat them like other houseplants. An important sign to watch for is the color and shape of the leaves. If the leaves are turning yellow or brown and feel mushy or swollen, these are indications of overwatering. On the other hand, under-watered succulents will have shriveled, wrinkled, and dry leaves.
Another crucial tip to be aware of is to never let your succulents sit in water. If there is water in the saucer, especially for an extended period, it can lead to root rot and ultimately, kill your succulent. Always pour out any excess water that has collected in the saucer.
Whether or not to water succulents from the top or bottom is a matter of much debate among gardening enthusiasts. For indoor succulents, the consensus leans towards watering from the top, ensuring all the roots get thoroughly soaked. However, bottom watering can be beneficial to ensure the roots are adequately saturated, particularly if your succulent mix is exceptionally well-draining or if water tends to run off without soaking in.
Consistent, deep watering encourages succulents to grow a robust root system that can support healthy top growth and better withstand periods of drought. However, it is essential to remember that each plant has individual needs. Always assess your succulent’s specific circumstances to determine the precise watering regime.
Maintaining the right watering balance for your indoor succulents may take a bit of trial and error, especially if you’re new to succulent care. A dedicated, observant, and thoughtful approach that balances various factors such as light exposure, season, pot size, soil type, and the specific succulent species is key to watering wisdom. Remember, succulents can survive without water much longer than they can survive with too much water. In succulent watering, less is often more.
