How Much Water Does a Succulent Need
Succulents have become a new favorite for indoor greenery due to their unique water storage ability, but improper watering is often the culprit that leads to plant death. Mastering scientific watering techniques not only maintains the healthy growth of succulents but also showcases their plump form. This article analyzes the golden rules of watering succulents through three core dimensions to help growers build a systematic care understanding.
Basic Principles of Watering Succulents
Completely Dry and Wet Standard
Succulent roots are extremely sensitive to waterlogging, and watering must strictly follow the principle of 'watering when dry and moist when seen'. When the surface of the potting soil turns white and the bamboo skewer test shows no moisture, slowly pour water along the pot wall until water seeps from the bottom. Special note: Increase the watering amount by 20% when using red clay pots, as the material has strong water absorption.
Soaking Pot Method
For compacted soil, the soaking pot watering method is recommended: place the pot in a container with water depth of 2cm, and soak for a time calculated by the pot diameter (about 5 minutes for a 10cm pot). This method ensures uniform water penetration, avoiding the illusion of the surface being wet and the bottom dry.
Key Care Points in Special Stages
New Plant Establishment Period
72 hours after potting is the critical period for root recovery, and it is recommended to use the moist soil planting method: keep the soil moisture between 30%-40%, and it should form a ball that easily crumbles when lightly touched. The first watering should be done on the 5th day after planting, using a spray to moisten the surface.
Water Management in Seedling Stage
When the young plant's roots reach only 1/3 the depth of the pot, implement a strategy of 'small amounts multiple times'. Each morning, use a dropper to add 5-8ml of water along the base of the stem, and combine with nighttime spraying to maintain 60% environmental humidity, which can effectively promote the development of capillary roots.
Advanced Care Techniques
Adjusting Watering Amounts by Season
In spring and autumn growing seasons, maintain a watering frequency of 15 days/week, extend it to 25 days in the summer high-temperature period and combine with shading, and completely stop watering in the winter dormancy period. Special note: When the temperature continuously drops below 10°C, any form of watering can cause cell frostbite.
Disease Prevention Measures
Continue通风 for more than 4 hours after watering, and using a microbial preparation containing Bacillus subtilis can reduce the incidence of black rot by 90%. If potting soil mold is found, change the soil immediately and soak the roots in a carbendazim solution for 20 minutes.
Scientific watering is the core technique of succulent care, adjusting the plan flexibly by observing the plant's condition, and optimizing the operation process with seasonal changes can create a crystal-clear and plump succulent landscape. It is recommended to establish a watering log to record the details of each operation, gradually forming a personalized care system.