Do succulents need watering?
A comprehensive explanation of whether succulents need watering and the correct watering methods for succulent care, let's find out together.
Raising succulents indoors is not as easy as imagined, pay attention to a few points. Do not use a pot that is too large, use a smaller red clay pot for planting succulents, which is easy to control water and manage moisture, and less likely to rot roots. Do not plant many succulents together, especially if you do not understand their growth habits. The watering method varies in different environments, temperatures, lighting, and varieties.
If the soil is very moist, do not water the succulents, and do not let water remain on the leaves frequently.
1. Watering in the Growing Season
If succulents are in the growing season, such as in spring and autumn when the weather is cool and there is plenty of sunshine, with temperatures between 15 to 28 degrees Celsius, the succulents are in very good condition.
At this time, succulents require some water, and you can water thoroughly after the soil dries for one or two days, which is to ensure that the soil has a wet-dry cycle. When the soil is completely dry, the succulent roots will seek water and grow more fine roots, and at this time, do not let the soil dry out for too long.
2. Watering in Semi-Dormancy or Dormancy Period
In the summer when temperatures are too high, such as above 35 degrees Celsius, the condition of succulents deteriorates and they basically stop growing. You can choose to water a little in the evening on a sunny day, but do not water thoroughly. Just water a little on the surface of the pot to keep the succulents alive. It is best to wait for the soil to dry for one to two weeks before supplementing water.
If it is in the cold winter and the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, you also need to control the water, generally supplementing water every three to four weeks. In low temperatures, succulents are mostly in a dormant state and require very little water, so we only need to occasionally water them to keep them alive.
Of course, if there is heating indoors and the indoor temperature is normal, and the succulents are in a growing state, then water normally.
3. Choosing Varieties
Succulents are suitable for lazy beginners. It is recommended to raise some drought-resistant and easy-to-care-for varieties, as well as some affordable ones, such as common jade trees, longevity flowers, golden branch jade leaves, hazy moon, and money-absorbing trees.
Beginners can also try raising common succulents from the Crassula family. If even Crassula succulents cannot be raised well, it is recommended to raise cacti plants. Most succulents originally grow in arid environments and require very little water,不喜欢过度潮湿的环境.
In the summer, be sure to avoid excessive rain, and also pay attention to shading, increasing ventilation, and controlling water appropriately.
4. Lighting
Supplementing sunlight for succulents is the same as watering. In times of excessive heat, it is certainly necessary to shade, otherwise, the leaves can be sunburned due to strong sunlight and high temperatures. In cooler temperatures or when the weather is cool, try to get more sun.
5. Fertilizing
Caring for succulents does not require frequent fertilizing. Generally, sprinkling a little slow-release fertilizer on the surface of the potting soil every half a year is enough. Usually, a slow-release fertilizer with a high content of phosphorus and potassium elements is chosen to ensure better root growth.
6. Preventing Rot and Blackening (and Pests)
The most feared thing in caring for succulents is rot and blackening, which should be prevented in advance, not waiting until they are about to rot before trying to save them. As the high-temperature season or rainy season approaches, be sure to prepare for water control, shading, and pest prevention.
You can bury a little white medicine (dinotefuran) in the potting soil in advance to prevent the breeding of various pests, especially scale insects. Every time you buy a succulent, you can sprinkle a little on the surface of the potting soil.
You can sprinkle a little pink medicine (thifluralin) on the surface of the potting soil to prevent the breeding of various bacteria.
Before the rainy season or the high-temperature season arrives, you can spray a fungicide every one to two months, such as a common fungicide like carbendazim or methyl thiophanate.
The above is a detailed explanation of whether succulents need watering and the correct watering methods for succulents. I hope this article can bring you some help in green plant management!