How to water succulents
Succulents have become a new favorite in modern households due to their adorable appearance, but more than 60% of the maintenance failure cases are related to improper watering. This article will systematically analyze the golden rules of watering succulents, helping you avoid common issues like rotting roots and excessive growth.
Basic watering methodology
Difference in treatment between young seedlings and mature plants
Young succulent seedlings recently planted have roots that only cover 40% of the soil surface, at which time the immersion watering method should be used: slowly pour 20-30ml of clear water along the pot edge with a narrow-spouted pot, ensuring that only the top 3cm of soil is moist. Mature plants, on the other hand, require the immersion pot method, placing the pot in a tray with 2cm of water for 15 minutes and removing it immediately when water seeps from the bottom hole.
Environmental variable control strategy
When the air humidity is >70%, it is necessary to extend the watering interval, and it is recommended to use a humidity meter for monitoring. During the rainy season, the bamboo stake method can be used: insert a dry bamboo stake into the potting soil and water only if no particles are attached after pulling it out. In winter heating environments, turn on a humidifier after watering to maintain an environmental humidity of 40%-50%.
Seasonal watering guide
Spring and autumn growing season management
At the ideal temperature of 15-25°C, Sedum species should be watered thoroughly every 5 days, and the Echeveria genus should be watered every 7 days. It is recommended to use the "sandwich watering method": first moisten the surface layer → wait for 2 hours and then water for the second time → thirdly, water thoroughly to ensure a gradient distribution of moisture.
Summer and winter dormancy period care
During the high-temperature period of summer (>32°C), implement the "dusk微量 watering" method, 50ml each time and combined with a fan to accelerate evaporation. In the low-temperature period of winter, change to the "sunlight bathroom method": water with 25°C warm water along the pot wall at noon and transfer to a warm area within 2 hours.
Advanced maintenance skills
Soil and watering coordination
The proportion of granular soil determines the watering frequency: 70% granular medium should be watered thoroughly every 10 days, and 50% granular medium should be watered every 7 days. It is recommended to use the golden ratio of虹彩石+赤玉土+椰糠 (3:2:1), which balances water retention and breathability.
Understanding the essence of watering succulents is to understand their desert genes, by observing biological signals such as leaf shrinkage and changes in pot soil weight, combined with scientific testing tools, gradually establishing a personalized maintenance plan. It is recommended to keep a watering log every month and continuously optimize the operational process.