To maintain a healthy collection of homegrown succulents, it’s essential to understand the importance of a proper watering routine. The moisture levels, method of watering, and the amount of water all play crucial roles in the well-being of these resilient plants. This article delves into advanced watering techniques that can have your succulents looking their very best.
1. Understanding the Succulent’s Water Needs
Succulents, known for their ability to thrive in arid conditions, retain a lot of water in their leaves, roots, or stem. Hence, these plants require less frequent watering compared to other houseplants. However, when you do water them, they prefer a good soak. An effective formula to adhere to is the “soak and dry” method. Water your succulent thoroughly and then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. Over-watering can lead to root rot, the most common cause of death for succulents, while under-watering can hinder their growth and vibrance.
2. Consider the Type of Succulent
Different types of succulents have different watering needs. For instance, desert succulents, such as the cactus and aloe, need less frequent watering than forest succulents, like the Christmas cactus and Orchid cactus. Adjust your watering routine accordingly to the type of succulent you have.
3. Top-Down Watering vs. Bottom-Up Watering
The two primary methods of watering succulents are top-down and bottom-up. Top-down watering involves gently pouring water over the soil until it starts to drain from the bottom of the pot. This watering technique ensures all the roots receive moisture.
On the other hand, bottom-up watering involves placing the succulent pot in a pan full of water. The water gets absorbed from the holes at the bottom of the pot, ensuring the soil is evenly moistened. This method is particularly useful if you’ve been having trouble with top watering such as water pooling on top of the soil or displacing soil.
4. Alter Watering Routine as per Season
Succulents generally have a growing season and a dormant one. Most succulents grow in spring and fall, whereas they are dormant in summer and winter. During the growing season, succulents require more water as compared to the dormant season. Hence, adjust your watering schedule according to the season and the specific growth patterns of your succulents.
5. The Role of Humidity
The humidity in your home can impact how often succulents need water. The higher the humidity, the slower the water evaporates, meaning you need to water less often. Conversely, in low humidity, succulents will need more frequent watering. Remember to adjust your watering routine with changes in season and humidity levels.
6. Light and Watering
The amount of light your succulent receives is directly related to how much water it needs. The succulents kept in bright light lose water more rapidly than those in low-light settings. Succulents kept in low light will need less water, as their evaporation rates will be slower. Remember to adjust the watering amounts based upon the light conditions your plant receives.
7. Choose the Correct Soil
Watering is closely related to the type of soil you use for your succulents. Fast-draining soil is a succulent’s best friend. A well-draining cactus or succulent mix allows the water to run out quickly, keeping the roots from sitting in wet soil. If you are struggling to find a specific succulent soil, you can amend regular potting soil with coarse sand or pumice to improve drainage.
8. Never Leave Succulents Sitting in Water
Succulents should never be left in standing water, as it can lead to disastrous outcomes such as root rot. If you use saucers under your pots, make sure to remove any remaining water.
9. Pay Attention to Signs of Over-watering and Under-watering
Lastly, always keep an eye on your succulents for signs of under or over-watering. Under-watered succulents may seem flat or deflated, and the leaves may have wrinkles or seem dry and crispy. Over-watered succulents, on the other hand, have soft, mushy, and translucent leaves. The stems too might seem soft and yellow or brown.
10. Use Quality Water
In the end, the quality of water also affects the health of your succulent. Avoid waters that have high mineral contents like softened water or saltwater, as it can lead to mineral build-up harming the plant. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater for best results.
By adhering to the aforementioned watering guidelines, you can ensure healthier homegrown succulents. Every plant is unique and requires attention to their specific needs. With time, you’ll get to understand your succulent’s requirements and will be better equipped to take care of them. In the meantime, these advanced watering techniques can serve as a helpful guide new succulent care. Remember, when in doubt, err on the side of under watering your succulents to preserve these hardy and beautiful plants.
