When to Water Succulents
Become a popular ornamental plant, succulents have become the first choice for home greenery with their unique shapes. However, 70% of the maintenance failure cases are caused by improper watering. Mastering scientific watering methods can not only avoid root rot but also allow succulents to show their best condition. This article systematically analyzes the core points of watering succulents through three dimensions: seasonal watering strategies, observation and judgment techniques, and operational specifications.
Core Principle of Watering Succulents: Dry-Wet Cycle
Flexible补水 in Spring and Autumn
At the ideal growth temperature of 15-25℃, you can water succulents all day long in spring and autumn. It is recommended to follow the weather forecast, choose to implement the "dry through, water through" strategy after consecutive sunny days to ensure that the potting soil is completely moistened and then quickly drained.
Precise Water Control in Summer
When the temperature exceeds 30℃, watering should be done between 6-8 am or 5-7 pm. Watering during the high temperature at noon can cause steam burns to the roots. You can use shade nets to reduce evaporation.
Warm Water Irrigation at Noon in Winter
Watering in winter should be done at 10-15℃ sunny noon using warm water around 25℃ and slowly poured along the pot wall. Stop watering 3 days before the cold wave arrives to avoid frost damage.
Techniques for Diagnosing Water Deficiency in Succulents
Leaf Status Monitoring Method
When the bottom leaves appear wrinkled, the leaf tips dry out, and the overall color is dull, it indicates that it has been short of water for 3-5 days. If the middle leaves start to wilt, immediate补水 is needed.
Soil Moisture Detection Method
Insert a bamboo skewer into 2/3 of the potting soil and observe after 5 minutes: if only the tip is slightly damp, you can water; if it is completely dry and powdery, it means severe water deficiency; if it is overall moist, you need to delay watering.
Scientific Watering Operation Specifications
Precise Positioning Irrigation Method
Use a尖嘴壶 5cm away from the soil surface to slowly inject water, avoiding water droplets lingering in the leaf heart causing black rot. Stop watering when the bottom drainage hole of the ceramic pot leaks, and control the water injection amount to 80% for the porcelain pot.
Special Circumstances Handling Plan
Use the half-watering method along the pot edge during the settling period, and delay watering for 3 days after root pruning. During the plum rain season, you can use the immersion pot method, with the water level not exceeding 1/3 of the height of the flower pot, and soak for 10 seconds before taking out immediately.
By systematically managing through establishing a seasonal watering calendar, mastering the plant's water deficiency signals, and standardizing irrigation techniques, succulents can not only safely survive the summer and winter but also show a plump and translucent ultimate condition. It is recommended to clean the potting soil surface once every quarter and add a special slow-release fertilizer with watering for better results.