Analysis of watering for succulents
The editor answers questions for netizens about succulents, providing an analysis of watering succulents. Next, the editor will introduce the topic.
Many plant enthusiasts have many questions about watering succulents. Experienced gardeners know that as long as succulents are in their growing period, they can water them boldly. Of course, for beginners, it is safer to be cautious. The principle of "better dry than wet" is understood by many, and succulents will not die from less water, only their condition will be poor, but 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," and there is a big difference between these two meanings. Everyone has heard of the native environment of succulents, which is mostly arid with little rainfall throughout the year. "Drought-tolerant" is actually a biological mechanism they have evolved out of necessity.
When it rains, they immediately drink their fill and store it in their bodies for future use, which is why they have thick and juicy appearances. During dry periods, they rely on consuming the stored water in their bodies to maintain normal physiological functions.
For example, if you go on a wilderness adventure and the water you bring is not enough for three days, you will save it to last for three days. Your companions will not say you don't like to drink water. Of course, if you stay at home and want to drink as much as you like, you can, and if you drink too much, you will just go to the bathroom. You drink less water out of necessity, and no one will stop you from drinking as much as you want. Succulents are the same; they can endure when there's no water, and they drink as much as they can when there is water. 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 is easy to understand. The metaphor of going to the bathroom I mentioned earlier also applies to watering; too much water needs to be drained, which is like the drainage of a pot — the bottom must not have standing water and must drain smoothly. Excess water cannot be absorbed by the roots, and the plant's internal water is already saturated, so excess water must flow out, otherwise, it will cause the roots to suffocate due to lack of oxygen, and the bottom of the pot will become a breeding ground for bacteria.
"Don't water when dry, but when you do, water thoroughly" — why water thoroughly? Because when you do, water will flow out of the bottom, and you can see it directly. This ensures that the bottom-most roots also absorb water, and it also verifies the draining speed of your planting medium and the pot's drainage performance, whether the bottom hole is clogged, etc. "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 better to water less for safety, which is recommended for beginners.
The "bold watering theory" is a method that can make succulents grow vigorously, quickly, and full, and is the most effective way to achieve the best condition. In fact, approach A is a "starving to death" method, while approach B is a "full and healthy" method.
I do not recommend using containers without holes in the bottom because you won't know the critical point of how much water can reach the bottom roots without causing standing water at the bottom, which has the disadvantage of being unobservable and unpredictable. Bold people may overwater and cause root rot, while cautious people may sprinkle a few drops, which is not enough for the roots to drink. Moreover, the most troublesome thing is that excess water cannot be drained, which will cause a large number of bacteria to爆发 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 absolutely correct.
Watering amounts also need to be adjusted based on regional conditions, weather, temperature, and air humidity. In the north, the climate is dry, there is less rain, and water evaporates quickly, so the watering frequency can be higher. In the south, there are more cloudy days and rain, the air humidity is high, and water evaporates slowly, so the watering frequency should be lower.
For containers, plastic, resin, and porcelain vessels have relatively poor water and air permeability, so the watering frequency should be greatly reduced. Terra cotta and clay pots can increase the number of waterings.
Now it is about to enter summer, so the amount of watering should gradually be reduced, and strict water control is required after entering summer. In any case, these experiences will become clear through practice, and it is not that entangled or complex.
Finally, there is a misunderstanding that needs to be clarified. Many enthusiasts believe that excessive watering can lead to etiolation. Excessive watering is not the direct cause of etiolation; it is when plants lack light and still receive a lot of water that can exacerbate the formation of etiolation. Lack of light is the direct cause of etiolation.
Think about it, if etiolation is already occurring and there is still plenty of water supply, won't it further accelerate the rate of cell division? So, in fact, as long as there is sufficient sunlight, watering will not cause etiolation, but will make the plant grow more plump and round.
This article shares a specific introduction to the analysis of watering succulents (for plant enthusiasts), hoping everyone will like it!