How To Know When A Succulent Needs Water
Last Updated on July 8, 2023
If you have ever owned a succulent, you know that they are pretty easy to take care of. They don’t need a lot of water and can survive in just about any type of pot or container. However, even though they are low-maintenance plants, there are still times when they need a little bit of water.
Here are some tips on how to know when your succulent needs water:
The first thing you should do is check the soil. If the soil is dry, then it’s time to water your plant.
Another way to tell if your plant needs water is by looking at the leaves. If the leaves are starting to droop, that means the plant is thirsty. Another sign that your succulent needs water is if the leaves start to turn yellow or brown.
This usually means that the plant has been overwatered and is suffocating from too much moisture.
How and When to Water Succulents for Beginners | Succulent Tips for Beginners
- Check the soil: Before you water your succulent, stick your finger into the potting mix
- If the top 1-2 inches (2
- 5-5 cm) of soil is dry to the touch, it’s time to water
- Inspect the leaves: Take a close look at your plant’s leaves
- Healthy leaves are plump and firm, while stressed leaves are wrinkled and shrunken
- If more than half of your plant’s leaves look wilted, it needs a drink
- Consider the environment: Succulents come from hot, dry climates and prefer warm weather
- During winter months, many succulents go dormant and need very little water to survive
- Water deeply: When you do water your succulent, make sure to give it a good soaking until water runs out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot
- Then, empty any water that collects in the saucer below
How Much Water Do Succulents Need Per Week
Succulents are one of the most versatile and easy-to-care-for plants out there. They’re perfect for busy people or anyone who doesn’t have a lot of space, since they don’t need much water or attention to thrive. But how much water do succulents need, exactly?
The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of succulent, the climate you live in, and whether your plant is indoors or outdoors. In general, though, most succulents need only be watered once a week (or less). Here are a few tips to help you determine how much water your succulent needs:
-Check the soil before watering. The best way to know if your plant needs water is to check the soil before watering. If it’s dry several inches down, it’s time to give your plant a drink.
-Know your climate. Succulents originates from arid regions and thus don’t require as much water as other plants. If you live in a hot and dry climate, your plant will likely need even less water than usual.
On the other hand, if you live in a humid climate, your plant may need more water than average to prevent root rot.
-Consider pot size when watering. The larger the pot, the more moisture it will hold—so keep this in mind when watering your succulent.
If you have a small pot that drains quickly, you may need to water more often than someone with a large pot that retains moisture longer.
Overwatered Succulent Vs Underwatered
If you’re a succulent lover, then you know that one of the most common problems with these plants is overwatering. Overwatered succulents are often mushy, soft, and can even rot. On the other hand, underwatered succulents are dry, wrinkled, and may drop leaves.
So how can you tell if your plant is overwatered or underwatered?
One of the easiest ways to tell if your plant is overwatered is to check the soil. If it’s soggy or wet, then chances are your plant is getting too much water.
Another telltale sign of overwatering is yellow or brown leaves. This happens because the roots are unable to get enough oxygen when they’re constantly wet.
Underwatered plants will have dry, crispy leaves and stems.
The soil will also be dry and crumbly. If you think your plant might be underwatered, try giving it a good soak in some water. Be sure to let the excess water drain off so that the roots don’t become oversaturated.
It can be tricky to find the perfect balance when watering your succulents but hopefully this guide has helped!
Succulent Leaves Shriveling at Bottom
If your succulent’s leaves are shriveling at the bottom, it’s likely due to one of three things: too much sun, not enough water, or pests. Let’s take a closer look at each of these possibilities.
Too Much Sun
If your succulent is in direct sunlight for more than six hours per day, the leaves may start to shrivel. This is because the plant is losing water faster than it can replace it. If you think this might be the problem, try moving your plant to a spot that gets less sun.
Not Enough Water
Succulents need to be watered about once a week, depending on the climate and pot size. If you’re not watering often enough, the plant will start to dry out and the leaves will begin to shrivel.
Make sure you’re giving your succulent enough water and see if that solves the problem.
What Does an Underwatered Succulent Look Like
If you’re not sure whether or not your succulent is getting enough water, there are a few telltale signs to look for. An underwatered succulent will usually have wrinkled, papery leaves. The leaves may also be discolored or faded, and they may drop off the plant entirely.
The stem of the plant may be shriveled or shrunken, and the overall appearance of the plant will be wilted. If you think your succulent is underwatered, give it a good drink and then check back in a few days to see if there’s any improvement.
Succulents That Need More Water
Not all succulents are created equal when it comes to water needs. Some varieties of these drought-tolerant plants are more tolerant than others and can withstand longer periods of dryness. However, there are also types of succulents that need more water than the average plant in order to stay healthy and avoid dying.
If you’re thinking about adding a succulent to your collection, or if you already have one that isn’t doing so well, here is a list of some common varieties that require more water than most.
1. Crassula ovata (jade plant) – This popular houseplant is actually a type of succulent that originates from South Africa. It’s an easy plant to care for and is known for its ability to prosper even when neglected.
However, jade plants do require more water than other succulents; they should be watered every 1-2 weeks during the growing season and every 3-4 weeks during the winter months. Overwatering can lead to problems such as root rot, so make sure to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.
2. Sedum morganianum (burro’s tail) – Another drought-tolerant plant that hails from Mexico, burro’s tail gets its name from its long, cascading stems that resemble a donkey’s tail.
While this plant doesn’t need as much water as a jade plant, it still requires more moisture than most other succulents; aim for watering every 7-10 days during the growing season and every 2-3 weeks during the winter months. Keep an eye on the leaves – if they start to wrinkle or look dehydrated, it’s time to give your sedum a drink!
3. Aeonium arboreum (tree houseleek) – Native to the Canary Islands, tree houseleeks are unique succulents that can grow up to 6 feet tall!
They have distinctive rosette shaped leaves and come in a variety of colors including green, red, purple, and yellow. These striking plants need plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil; however, they also require more water than most other types of succulents.
Credit: thesucculenteclectic.com
How Often Should Succulents Be Watered?
Succulents are a type of plant that has thick, fleshy leaves or stems that store water. They are drought-tolerant plants that can survive for long periods without water. However, they still need to be watered occasionally to prevent them from drying out completely.
How often you need to water your succulents will depend on a few factors, such as the type of plant, the size of the pot, the temperature and humidity levels, and how much light it is getting. In general, most succulents need to be watered about once a week during the growing season (spring and summer), and every two to three weeks during the dormant season (winter). If you live in a hot, dry climate, you may need to water your succulents more frequently.
To check if your plant needs watering, stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil is dry at this level, then it’s time to water. Be careful not to over-water your succulents; too much moisture can cause them to rot.
When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.
What Does a Succulent Look Like With Not Enough Water?
When a succulent does not have enough water, the leaves will start to look wilted and droopy. The plant may also start to produce fewer flowers. The stem of the plant may become thinner and the roots may start to shrink.
If a succulent does not have enough water for an extended period of time, it will eventually die.
How Long Can a Succulent Go Without Water?
Most succulents can go without water for about 2-3 weeks. However, some succulents (like cacti) can go much longer without water and can survive for months or even years without being watered. If you are unsure how long your particular succulent can go without water, it is always best to err on the side of caution and not let your plant dry out completely.
Are Overwatered Succulents More Prone to Disease and Pests?
Overwatering succulents can make them more susceptible to disease and pests. 5 signs of overwatering your succulent are wilting, yellowing leaves, root rot, mold or fungus growth, and a pungent odor. It’s important to find the right balance in watering to keep your succulents healthy and thriving.
Conclusion
We all know that succulents are pretty easy to take care of, but sometimes it can be hard to tell when they need water. If your succulent is looking a little bit wilted, it might be time to give it a drink. Another good way to tell if your plant needs water is by checking the soil.
If it feels dry to the touch, then your succulent probably needs some more H2O.
