How to water succulents correctly? What is the correct watering method for succulents?

How to Water Succulents Properly

Explaining to netizens how to water succulents correctly in terms of green plant knowledge, the editor of this site will introduce to everyone next.

How to Water Succulents Properly

The secret to watering succulents is to always remember: control your hands and water less. Most succulents die from overwatering, while large plants rarely die from drought. When sowing, it is recommended to use a seedling tray with holes at the bottom, placing it on a tray without holes to hold water. For newly planted succulents, water normally for the first two months. After dormancy, some varieties should not be watered, completely cutting off water, such as saffron.

Correct Method for Watering Succulents

Since I started growing succulents, I have summarized the secret to watering them as always remembering: control your hands and water less. Most succulents die from overwatering, while large plants rarely die from drought. Today, I have divided succulent watering into five situations and will explain the specific methods in detail:

① Sowing and watering young plants

When sowing, it is recommended to use a seedling tray with holes at the bottom, placing it on a tray without holes to hold water.

After filling the seedling tray with seedling soil, place it in the tray to absorb water, then dip a toothpick in water,沾 the seeds, and gently place them on the soil surface.

Keep the seedling soil moist, and cover the tray with a lid for the first few days to retain moisture. Once the seeds have germinated, remove the lid and ensure proper ventilation.

After germination, the watering method is the same: absorb water from the bottom of the pot, which does not easily shake the young plants and helps stabilize the root system. Sprinkling water with a watering can can easily wash away the young plants.

No matter whether the succulents are sown or leaf-cut young plants, when they reach three to five centimeters, their root systems are not particularly abundant, mainly located at the top of the potting soil. The purpose is to ensure the succulent roots are vigorous and strong, and bottom watering is best.

Do not soak the pot for too long; half of the soil should absorb water, and the water will gradually seep up, preventing excessive watering.新手 may not easily master this, but they can use a toothpick or stick to test the soil, and with experience, they can estimate the watering time.

It's fine if the soaking time is too long, especially for outdoor succulents with good ventilation and quick evaporation.

If it's an indoor balcony, open the window for ventilation. If ventilation is insufficient and it's summer with high temperatures, there's a risk of rot. A small fan can be used to blow air to solve this.

② Watering newly acquired succulents

Newly acquired succulents usually have healthy roots and are often feared to carry diseases or pests. After purchasing, trim the dried roots, let them dry for an hour or two, disinfect with potassium permanganate, let them dry for another hour or two, and then plant them.

This cannot be followed by watering, as higher temperatures can easily cause black rot or waterlogging. Use moist soil to plant the succulents and do not water them.

Wait until the soil is slightly dry, then soak the bottom of the pot for a short time. The soil at the bottom of the pot should be slightly moist, allowing the moisture to gradually spread to the surface. If it's too moist, provide more ventilation, and usually, roots will grow within one to two weeks.

Water newly planted succulents normally for the first two months. Usually, keeping the soil moist is sufficient. After the roots have grown well, follow the care instructions for 3-5.

③ Watering in spring and autumn, the growing season

Most places consider spring and autumn as the growing season. In regions with heating in the north and warm areas in the south, succulents can continue to grow even in winter, both of which are growing seasons.

In the growing season, healthy-rooted succulents that are not controlled for growth can be watered when the soil is mostly dry.

If watered too much, succulents will grow leggy. For controlled succulents, water when the outer two layers become wilted.

④ Watering in high summer temperatures

In most regions, when summer temperatures are high, most succulents will enter dormancy above 30°C. After dormancy, some varieties should not be watered at all, completely cutting off water, such as saffron.

For summer-type succulents like晚霞 (evening glow) and 广寒宫 (moon palace), if the temperature is below 35°C and ventilation is good, water normally.

For most succulents, it's best to water around the pot, just enough to keep the soil slightly moist. A small amount of water can maintain basic growth without causing excessive waterlogging.

Young plants should be watered a bit more, keeping the soil half-moist. Young plants have poor resistance and can easily die from prolonged drought.

⑤ Watering in winter

When the temperature drops below 7-8°C, many succulents enter dormancy. Apart from长生草 (eternal grass), other succulents should keep the soil slightly moist.

In winter, with low temperatures and less sunlight, succulents almost do not grow, and excessive water can cause leggy growth.

For example, eternal grass can be watered at zero degrees, and even at minus 20 degrees, it can survive outdoors without watering. In rooms with heating, water as you would in the growing season, but remember to ventilate during the day when temperatures are high.

The detailed introduction on how to water succulents correctly, have you understood it now?