Knowledge of succulent plant cultivation concerning watering techniques
Main text introduction: Let's explore the content about succulent plant cultivation and the viewpoint on watering together.
Many plant enthusiasts always have doubts and concerns about watering. Experienced gardeners know that as long as succulents are in their growing period, they can water them boldly and without worry. Of course, for beginners, being cautious is safer. The principle of "better dry than wet" is understood by many, and succulents will not die from insufficient water, but may not be in good condition. However, excessive watering may cause them to drown. This concept has led many enthusiasts to believe that the nature of succulents is "drought-loving."
In fact, succulents are not "drought-loving," but "drought-tolerant," which is quite different in meaning. Everyone has heard about the native environment of succulents, which is mostly dry and rainless throughout the year. "Drought-tolerant" is actually a biological mechanism they have evolved out of necessity.
When it rains, they will drink to their heart's content and store the water in their bodies for future use, which is why they have a plump and juicy appearance. In times of drought, they rely on consuming the stored water to maintain normal physiological functions.
For example, it's like when you go on a wilderness adventure, and the water you bring is not enough for three days, so you save it to last three days. Your companions would never say you don't like to drink water. Of course, if you stay at home and can drink as much as you want, excessive drinking will only make you go to the bathroom more. You drink less water out of necessity, and no one will stop you from drinking more. Succulents are the same; they can endure when there's no water, and they drink freely when there is. They are just more tolerant of dry days than other plants, which would have died of thirst long ago. This is a simple principle that becomes clear once explained.
The metaphor of going to the bathroom I mentioned earlier applies to watering as well. Excessive water needs to be drained, which is similar to the permeability of flower pots—the bottom cannot have stagnant water and must have good drainage. Excess water cannot be absorbed by the roots, and since the water content in the plant has reached saturation, the excess water must flow out, otherwise, the roots will suffocate from lack of oxygen, and the bottom of the pot will become a breeding ground for bacteria.
"Don't water until it's dry, and when you water, water thoroughly." Why water thoroughly? Thorough watering will cause water to flow out of the bottom, which you can see directly. This ensures that the roots at the bottom also absorb water, and it also verifies the drainage speed of your planting material and the permeability of the pot, as well as whether the bottom holes are blocked or not. "Better dry than wet" is not wrong; it's a safe approach, and very safe. If you can't control the amount of water well, it's safer to water less, which is recommended for beginners.
The "bold watering theory" is an approach that can make succulents grow vigorously, quickly, and full, and is the easiest way to achieve the best condition. This is undoubtedly the most effective method for those who want their plants to "bloom in clusters" or have "many offspring." In fact, option A is a "starving won't die" approach, while option B is a "well-fed and strong" approach.
I do not recommend using containers without holes in the bottom because you don't know the critical point where the water can reach the bottom roots without causing waterlogging. This has the disadvantage of being unobservable and unpredictable. Brave people may cause root rot from积水, while cautious people may sprinkle a few drops that are not enough for the roots to drink. The most troublesome part is that excess water cannot be drained, which can lead to a bacterial outbreak in a closed and humid space.
Of course, the "bold watering theory" I mentioned above is applicable during the growing period. Controlling or stopping water during the dormant period is the safest, remember! Using the "safe approach" during the dormant period is definitely not wrong.
Watering amounts also need to be adjusted according to regional differences, weather conditions, temperature, and air humidity. In the north, the climate is dry with less rain, and water evaporates quickly, so the watering frequency can be higher. In the south, there are many cloudy days and high humidity, and water evaporates slowly, so the watering frequency should be lower.
For containers, plastic, resin, and ceramic vessels have relatively poor permeability, so the watering frequency should be greatly reduced. Terra cotta and clay pots can increase the number of waterings.
Now it's getting ready to summer, so the amount of watering should be gradually reduced, and strict water control is required after entering summer. Anyway, these experiences become clear through gradual practice and are not that complicated.
Finally, there is a misunderstanding that needs clarification. Many gardeners believe that excessive watering leads to leggy growth. Excessive watering is not the direct cause of leggy growth; it is the plant's lack of light, combined with excessive watering, that can exacerbate leggy growth. Lack of light is the direct factor causing leggy growth.
Think about it, if leggy growth is already occurring, and the water supply is still abundant, wouldn't it further speed up cell division? Therefore, as long as there is sufficient sunlight, watering will not cause leggy growth but will make the plant grow more plump and round.
The above is a comprehensive explanation of the knowledge about succulent plant cultivation concerning watering techniques, hoping it helps you.