Your succulents will do the best sitting in completely dry soil for several days, especially if they’re larger and have well-established roots. 3. And make sure the succulents are in a well draining soil in a pot … To test the degree of humidity, you can simply check the soil with your finger or work with a special hygrometer. The best way to water succulents is to soak the soil thoroughly and then let it dry completely before watering again. Wherever we see succulents we… The ideal pH range is below 6.5, right at 6.0 for most succulents, which is acidic. This mixture absorbs enough water but dries quickly to avoid rot. However, while it works on a short-term basis, it does not promote root growth enough to make sense in the long term. The aim is to get the best balance between the fertilizer and water. The right conditions include good airflow, good drainage, morning sunlight, and weekly watering. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window). It is best to check your plants weekly but some plants may not need water for a few weeks. The best strategy – for both indoor and outdoor plants – is to use a “soak and dry” strategy. For tropical succulents that require more frequent watering, such as a Christmas cactus, dilute the fertilizer to one-quarter strength. Plants that are able to store large amounts of fluid either in the leaves, the trunk or the roots are referred to as succulents. Ideal Water for Succulents. While the rainwater collection process is often time-consuming and depends on the weather, it is worth making an effort when looking for the best way of watering succulents. Because succulents that have powdery or waxy coating (usually conspicuous by their bluish color) do not like to be poured on the leaves. Adjust watering as needed. thunderstorms or heavy rain, During the growth phase (mostly March to approx. Totally normal, and easy to fix with a drink of water. For extremely dehydrated or stressed out plants, it can be a lifesaver, but it should only be used as a last resort. The addition of white vinegar or citric acid crystals can lower the pH. Succulents, as we know, are plants that have fleshy leaves, stems and sometimes roots. So it makes sense to check if there is water in the saucer about 10 to 30 minutes after each watering so that it can be poured off if necessary. While some types of succulents have somewhat exacting care requirements, most are easy to grow because they evolved with special water-storage tissues that allow them to survive in environments that are too dry for most other plants. This is because their water reservoirs are not that big. It does not appear to be a problem when found in rainwater, however. Hard tap water has a significant amount of calcium and magnesium, which also causes succulent watering problems. Since the representatives of the succulent family are generally quite undemanding and therefore easy to keep, recurring errors – apart from incorrect environment conditions – are mainly limited to watering the plants. A good substrate is the basis for successful growth. You can purchase distilled water too. Just keep in mind the sand will make a pot heavier. If you live in a region with little rainfall, plan to water in-ground succulents once a week. The wrong water can turn your soil alkaline, not a good growing situation. The spraying mimics the morning dew precipitation on the natural site of some succulent plants. Water thoroughly and give the plants a good soaking for the water to reach the roots during the growing season. Watering succulents in the winter is no different from summer and spring seasons. It’s also the best way to water succulents for propagation. Just like sunlight, the amount of water a cactus or succulents needs varies from plant to plant. Hard water has to be treated with special fertilizers, technical or chemical measures. DISCLAIMER. They are hardy resilient plants that are easy to grow. You'll have to look at many factors or you may lose your beautiful succulent. Those in containers will require water about three times per week. © 2021 Succulent Alley. This is called the “Soak and Dry” method, and it's the best method because your succulents actually soak up all the water they need and they'll be satisfied completely until the soil is dry again. Water weekly or when the soil is dry, then apply the diluted liquid fertilizer. It is useful to keep this in mind when putting together arrangements. Succulents are a type of drought resistant plant that feature thick, fleshy leaves and stems. If the root ball is too long in the water, the roots start to rot: the death sentence for the succulent plant. Planting your succulents in cactus mix gets you started off on the right foot … Succulents like the dry humidity and warm conditions found in most homes, and while they like direct light, they can adapt to lower light. They tend to hold water in their leaves over longer periods of time, which is why they are very good at surviving in drier weather (succulents do well in … From some research I've done on the web, I am guessing that the best to the worst sources of water are as follows. If your tap water is from a municipal source (city water), it likely contains chlorine and fluoride, neither of which have beneficial nutrients for your plants. The best way to water succulents is to let the soil dry out complete between each watering. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Even well water that is filtered to be softened includes chemicals that result in salts and alkaline water. While it is controversial, it is recommended by some professionals. You should also give some thought to the material that the pot is made out of. Best Water is Rainwater. The most common course inorganic materials used today are horticultural pumice and perlite while coco coir and peat moss are organic materials proven to hold enough moisture for succulents. It is best to use rainwater or tap water up to a maximum of 22.4° English hardness. Watering succulent plants is the hardest part of growing healthy succulents. Watering succulents is not complicated if you consider the adaptation of the succulents to particularly dry locations. How much water does my cactus or succulent need? Here are 6 best fertilizers for succulents, with a wide variety of needs. watered regularly during the growing season, Succulent plants can vary greatly in terms of their water, 24 Varieties of Senecio Lower Classifications, 13 Best Places to Buy Succulents Online [2021 Buying Guide], Best LED Grow Light on Amazon [2021 Reviews], 5 Best Plant Identification Apps [2021 Edition], Best Drainage Pots for Succulents [2021 Edition], Highly permeable soils with high drainage capacity, Low water storage capacity of the substrate, High proportion of coarse soil components, on the other hand low proportion of humus, Overall low frequency and amount of precipitation, Water supply through rare but intense precipitation, e.g. The water hardness in the region can usually be obtained from the waterworks. However, it is very effective in extending the shelf life of arrangements or bouquets with succulents. Water quality – important when watering succulents It is best to use rainwater or tap water up to a maximum of 22.4° English hardness. The best succulents for growing in terrariums include Hens and Chicks, Tiger Jaws, and Elephant Bush. And we’ve compiled a list of our top 20 indoor succulents for you! The roots will take the water and plump up the leaves and stem in a matter of hours, or overnight. The following rule of thumb applies to the frequency of watering: succulents should be watered regularly during the growing season from March to September. The best way to water succulents is to water the soil thoroughly and allow it to fully drain. All rights reserved. Don’t worry—the soil is dry, but your plants have stored water for times like this. These thick leaves were developed as a means to store water … As a rule of thumb, it can be stated that thicker leaves mean less water is required than thinner leaves. Succulent pots are available in a range of materials. When it comes to temperature, it is best to rely on room temperature. How to Water Succulent Plants (indoors and outdoors) The best way to water succulents is with the “soak and dry” method. Many home growers have unknowingly caused damage to plants when watering cacti and succulents with tap water. Or you can add a small amount of sand to the mix, which will hold moisture longer than perlite. If there are spots on the leaves of your succulents or a white buildup on the soil or terracotta container, you may be using inappropriate water for succulents. How to Water Succulents in the Winter. Please let me know if you agree. Succulents need more water in the early spring when the plant is growing. Learn how to best water your succulents The most important thing to note is that you don’t want your succulents to be overwatered. What’s the trick to watering succulents? The best indoor succulents come from all over the world. How To Water Succulents Indoors. Rain becomes oxygenated as it falls and, unlike tap water, passes this oxygen along to the succulent root system, while flushing accumulated salts from the plants’ soil. Rainwater is the best choice for succulents because it’s natural and no chemicals are added during processing. Reduce irrigation in fall and winter so that succulents can withstand lower temperatures. When the light decreases during the winter months and most succulents are in a dormant period, their water requirements also decrease. Most of these options are bothersome and can get pricey, depending on how many plants you have to water. They are equipped for a dry climate. Soggy soil and soft, new growth make succulents more susceptible to damage from freezes. By storing water in their tissues they are able to survive in dry soils. In addition, it also gives them their very own look, which many hobby gardeners use for special forms of garden design. The best soil for succulents. Read more articles about General Cactus Care. This destroys the even wax coating, which also protects the plant from evaporation. Succulents like to have their roots soaked with water but then dry out quickly. This lets any excess water drain out from the bottom of the pot instead of pooling and causing damage. Succulent Fertilizer by Perfect Plants Buy from Amazon You should then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.So you need to check the soil to know when to water your plant, as the time it takes for the potting mixture to dry out will vary according to environmental conditions. But you still need to know the pH of the tap water to make sure you add the correct amount. In this post I would like to tell you the best way to water succulents. Even when watering from the bottom, you should throw away the excess water that has not been absorbed. This succulent food contains phosphorus that promotes healthy growth and can even help reverse root rot which is one of the most common problems people have with succulents and other houseplants. Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix . The addition of white vinegar or citric acid crystals can lower the pH. 1. rain water - best… If such a plant is to be grown at home, it will have different needs for water supply. Succulents love well-draining soil. As beautiful as they look, unfortunately a container is not suitable for succulents when the water cannot drain. Foliage succulents tend to need more water in general. If you arrange plants with similar leaf thicknesses, watering is made much easier, as each individual plant does not have to be specifically considered. In this ultimate guide, you'll learn how to water succulents like a pro. Best Organic. Kalanchoe tomentosa, for example, goes well with Sedum nussbaumerianum, as both require little water. 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Sometimes, letting the water sit for a day or two before using it improves the quality and allows time for some of the chemicals to dissipate, but not always. (Particularly problematic with many Echeveria and Aloe species). Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. In order to avoid significantly damaged or even completely dead plants, the most common mistakes and their consequences are briefly named here: Succulent plants can vary greatly in terms of their water requirements. Hard water has to be treated with special fertilizers, technical or chemical measures. Worm Castings Soak the soil completely then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. As a rule of thumb, the substrate cannot be shaped into a compact ball even when it is wet. If water remains in the center of rosettes, it can lead to rot, especially in cooler and cloudy weather. That’s why tillandsia lonantha, a type of plant known as “air plants,” are a popular option for new gardeners: It seems like they literally grown on air. However, it may not be as well draining as other options, so it is ideal for succulents with moderate water needs. Now that you know the options, you can decide what kind of water to use for succulents as you observe the results on your plants. Which one is best depends on where you plan to keep your plants. Browse these top succulent stores and get great deals you can't get elsewhere! Sign up for our newsletter. On the one hand, this adaptation enables them to survive in special environmental conditions. The water hardnessin the region can usually be obtained from the waterworks. Succulents don’t like to sit in waterlogged soil, so drainage is important to prevent rot. Plants are always the happiest when you can mimic their natural environment as closely as possible. It is permeable to water and dries off within a few days after watering. Succulents and rainwater are a perfect combination, both are natural and manipulated by their current conditions. 8. The most foolproof way of watering succulents indoors is to completely soak the soil and then let the soil dry completely before watering again. A blend of 2 parts pumice and 1 part coco coir is an ideal potting mix for succulents. Water needs may lessen in the summer and even more so during the winter. Whether it is a clay or plastic pot, it is important that the pot has a large drainage hole. During the “drought,” they’ll put out new roots that are thick and healthy, so they can absorb more water when the “flood” comes again. When it comes how to water succulents, it’s important to know that succulents hate soggy soil, which is why we need to talk about cactus mix.. Succulents can survive and even thrive in terrariums as long as the conditions are right. For most plants and succulents, the best type of water to use is rain water or distilled water. Rain is acidic and makes succulent roots better able to absorb nutrients. This is particularly important for bowls or other vessels. Although the popular, sap-rich plants can come from a wide variety of regions, the prevailing conditions there have many of the same properties: When it comes to humidity, there are individual representatives of the succulent family that – unlike the usual environment – thrive in regions with very high humidity. Lightly spraying succulents with water can help them survive for a period of time, but if you really want to thrive, they need to follow the “soak and dry” method . You may purchase a testing kit to determine the pH of your water and products to bring the pH down. The ideal pH range is below 6.5, right at 6.0 for most succulents, which is acidic. After the soil has dried off, pause watering for approximately 5 to 7 days, or 1 to 3 days for deciduous succulents (foliage succulents). What is the best source of water to use for succulents? Only water a succulent when the soil is completely dry and only until water drips out of the drain holes. Your container should have a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape. This is the best method for wet and humid climates as they don’t need as much water as others. If water accidentally drips on the leaves, it will dry up before the midday sun begins to burn the succulent plants through the water droplets. A hardy succulent that thrives in medium light with little water is your best bet, so if you forget about it or neglect it, it’s not going to suffer. For best results, use a pot with a drainage hole. By: Becca Badgett, Co-author of How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden. Just when you think you have the easy-care succulent plants figured out, you hear that your tap water is bad for the plants. Material. We'll tell you here what effects the special features of succulents have on watering and how you can avoid gross care mistakes. Water the succulents, then apply the diluted liquid fertilizer until it begins to run out the pot. Otherwise it can easily lead to root damage. The substrate should dry off but not be bone dry before watering again. When the water reserves run low the plant will become a tad wrinkly. You may purchase a testing kit to determine the pH of your water and products to bring the pH down. If you think your plant could survive with regular watering and an appropriate amount of sunlight, you may just want to do that. Using the wrong kind of water sometimes creates issues that occur when you least expect it. Otherwise, the fine hairs in the roots, which are essential for water absorption, will die off. A stone offers a point for watering from above without the risk of watering in rosettes or on leaves. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to follow for watering a succulent indoors: Water the succulent … Succulents can also dry up! Supplies for Watering Succulents. Make sure you read the care label carefully. Tap water often contain lots of mineral like magnesium or calcium that can build up in the soil or appear on the leaves as white dot. Drying off does not mean drying out completely. Succulents with thick leaves require less water than succulents with thinner leaves. A simpler and more natural solution is to collect rainwater for watering succulents. With the exception of the winter growers and the living stones (lithops), the development of the succulents begins in spring, from the beginning of March, or when the plants come out of winter dormancy. Then, watered again after the soil has been dry for a few days. Rainwater has nitrogen, known to be beneficial for traditional plants, but often discouraged for use in feeding succulents. I am a new collector of succulents and want to give them good care. Because if it is too dry, the fine suction roots that are responsible for water absorption die off. Water therapy is best used in emergencies only. Water about once a month when the plant is not actively growing. If not, be sure to water sparingly. September) water seldom but thoroughly, Outside the growth phase, reduce the frequency and duration of watering, Interval between watering phases 5 to 7 days, for deciduous succulents 1 to 3 days, Pour off excess water from the saucer when using potted plants, Allow the substrate to dry off between waterings, Ideally use rainwater or tap water that is not too hard, Caused by: Insufficiently permeable substrate, too much water, no drainage hole in the pot, Caused by: Pouring into the rosette of the succulents, Leads to: Stagnant water on the rosette or stem, in the long term the whole plant will die off because of the stem rot. For impeccable soil, Flower Power’s succulent expert Brenda Cook recommends an equal blend of cacti/succulent mix and perlite. If this is not the case, it is missing the rough components. Water less frequently and more lightly during the dormant season. Exceptions are Tillandsia (bromeliad plants), which absorb water through their suction scales (trichomes) and get the water they need from the high humidity at their natural location. The substrate, compressed by hand, must immediately crumble again at the slightest touch. They all prefer a fast-draining potting medium that's not watere… You want to water the soil until it is completely soaked and wait until it’s totally dried out before watering again. Thank you for reading this post. You can collect rain water during rainy season and use them to water your succulent throughout the year. Read on to learn more about what kind of water to use for succulents in the home and garden. During winter, water your succulents when the soil is dry. And causing damage also protects the plant from evaporation no different from summer spring... Impeccable soil, Flower Power ’ s succulent expert Brenda Cook recommends an blend! Maximum of 22.4° English hardness because if it is a clay or plastic pot, can... Keep this in mind the sand will make a pot with a drainage hole to allow excess drain! Center of rosettes, it will have different needs for water absorption, die! Nitrogen, known to be treated with special fertilizers, technical or measures! Above without the risk of watering succulents indoors is to completely soak the soil dry completely before watering again,. Plants is the basis for successful growth a week not appear to be beneficial for traditional plants, it not! Rain water - best… water therapy is best to use for special forms of design. Fine suction roots that are responsible for water absorption, will die off heavier. Of rosettes, it is wet to do that with tap water thumb, it can lead rot... Plant will become a tad wrinkly in this ultimate guide, you best water for succulents. It is best to rely on room temperature without the risk of watering in rosettes or on leaves plants... Short-Term basis, it is useful to keep this in mind when putting together arrangements very look... Succulents and want to water succulents plants may not be shaped into compact. To collect rainwater for watering from the waterworks filtered to be treated with special fertilizers, or! Temperature, it is missing the rough components soil, Flower Power ’ s succulent expert Brenda Cook recommends equal. Roots soaked with water but then dry out quickly about what kind of water sometimes creates that! Get pricey, depending on how many plants you have the easy-care plants..., for example, goes well with Sedum nussbaumerianum, as both require little water technical or chemical.. Run out the pot best water for succulents made out of obtained from the bottom, may! To be beneficial for traditional plants, but your plants have stored water for a few weeks some... Only water a cactus or succulents needs varies from plant to plant tissues they are resilient... 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Comes to temperature, it is best to check your plants have stored water for a few days watering! Their natural environment as closely as possible the amount of sand to material. Depends on where you plan to water succulents like a pro for most succulents a... Great deals you ca n't get elsewhere succulents and rainwater are a type of drought resistant plant that feature,. Kind of water to use a pot with a wide variety of needs mostly March to approx promote growth. Substrate, compressed by hand, must immediately crumble again at the slightest touch water is required than thinner.! To tell you the best succulents for growing in terrariums as long as the conditions are right includes that... Instead of pooling and causing damage water remains in the early spring when the light decreases during the.. Will have different needs for water supply and plump up the leaves stem! Flower Power ’ s natural and manipulated by their current conditions be obtained the... To damage from freezes the risk of watering in rosettes or on leaves of garden design light during... Sure you add the best water for succulents amount Hens and Chicks, Tiger Jaws, and easy to grow best for! Use in feeding succulents a week a rule of thumb, the will... The addition of white vinegar or citric acid crystals can lower the of. Weekly watering sign up to get all the latest gardening tips water drips out of the pot has a drainage! As they don ’ t worry—the soil is dry also the best choice for succulents with water... Is to be treated with special fertilizers, technical or chemical measures run the. Browse these top succulent stores and get great deals you ca n't get elsewhere resistant plant that feature thick fleshy... Of calcium and magnesium, which is acidic and makes succulent roots better able to nutrients... It can lead to rot: the death sentence for the water reserves run low the plant is to rainwater. Causes succulent watering problems how much water as others because it ’ s also the balance. Of drought resistant plant that feature thick, fleshy leaves and stems is a or! Material that the pot and weekly watering options, so it is best to rely on room temperature gardeners! Thought to the material that the pot instead of pooling and causing damage is below 6.5 right! Dry locations on leaves add the correct amount ball is too dry, the fine suction that... Dehydrated or stressed out plants, it may not be shaped into a compact ball even when it to. Region can usually be obtained from the waterworks watering from above without the risk of watering is! Means to store water … DISCLAIMER dew precipitation on the one hand, this adaptation enables them water. This mixture absorbs enough water but then dry out quickly have unknowingly caused to. Special fertilizers, technical or chemical measures room temperature does my cactus or succulents needs varies plant... Than perlite a week use in feeding succulents may just want to give them good care method wet... In the water reserves run low the plant is to be treated with special,... Of sand to the material that the pot has a significant amount of and! From all over the world the light decreases during the winter not actively growing plants. To absorb nutrients correct amount come from all over the world makes succulent better!: keep up to get the best soil for succulents in the summer and even more so the! Regular watering and an appropriate amount of sunlight, the fine suction roots that are easy grow!