A Comprehensive Guide to Watering and Caring for Succulents

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Succulents are adored for their unique beauty, but caring for them requires more than just admiration. Many enthusiasts struggle to keep their succulents healthy and long-lasting due to improper watering practices. In this article, we’ll explore the correct watering techniques for succulents, along with essential tips for sunlight exposure to help your plants thrive.

Do Succulents Need Water?

There is a common misconception that succulents, being drought-tolerant, don’t require much water. As a result, many people only water their succulents once a month, applying a minimal amount of water to the surface.

While it’s true that succulents are native to arid environments like deserts and can thrive in dry conditions, they still need regular monitoring and watering to remain healthy. Observing your plants and adjusting your watering schedule according to their specific needs is key to keeping them vibrant and resilient.

Watering Newly Purchased Succulents

When bringing home new, young succulents, it’s important to introduce water carefully. Ideally, water them every 2-4 days, depending on the climate and environment. The best method for watering young succulents is using a gentle mist to avoid oversaturating the soil. Misting should be light and infrequent enough to prevent root rot.

For succulents like Echeveria, misting every 3 days during the dry season may be sufficient. However, always check the soil’s dryness before the next misting session to ensure the roots don’t sit in moisture.

If you’re unsure of how often to water, a good rule of thumb is to only water when the soil has completely dried out.

Watering Mature Succulents

As succulents mature, their watering needs change. Instead of misting, you will need a larger watering can to provide enough water for the root system. The amount and frequency of watering depend on several factors such as the plant type, soil moisture, and environmental conditions.

During summer, when succulents like Sedum or Aloe are actively growing, you should water more frequently. In contrast, during the winter months, when the plants are dormant, they need significantly less water—perhaps only once every 3-4 weeks.

Water deeply during the summer but less frequently in winter. Avoid overwatering, especially for larger, fleshy succulents, as too much water can shorten their lifespan.

Proper Sunlight Exposure for Succulents

The Importance of Sunlight

Just like insufficient water, lack of sunlight can cause succulents to become weak. Without enough light, their leaves may become small, lose their vibrant color, or grow elongated and frail.

Guidelines for Sun Exposure:

• Full Sun for Sturdy Succulents: Early morning sunlight, especially before noon, is ideal for young succulents. Once mature, species like Brown Echeveria, Zebra Haworthia, or Cacti can tolerate full sunlight throughout the day.
• Partial Sunlight for Delicate Species: For types like Green Echeveria, Pink Graptopetalum, or White Rose Succulents, expose them to 3 hours of morning sun before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. These species thrive in softer light conditions.
• Short Exposure for Sensitive Varieties: More sensitive succulents like Dragon’s Blood, Jelly Bean, or Graptoveria only need about an hour of sunlight in the early morning, preferably before 8 a.m.

Airing Succulent Roots

One often overlooked care step when transitioning succulents from cooler climates to hotter ones is to air the roots. When moved to warmer environments, latent diseases can surface, leading to rot. To combat this, airing the roots is essential, particularly when repotting.

How to Air Succulent Roots:

After repotting, place the succulent in an empty pot, allowing the roots to breathe and any moisture to evaporate. The leaves should be placed in sunlight to aid in the healing of any potential root damage.

Timing Tip:

For best results, air the roots between 6-9 a.m. or 2-5 p.m. when sunlight is gentle but sufficient. The environment should be well-ventilated to prevent excessive heat buildup.

Conclusion

With the right watering and sunlight techniques, succulents can be easy to care for and rewarding to grow. Adjust your care routine based on the specific needs of your succulents, keeping in mind their growth stage, environmental conditions, and the species’ unique requirements. A consistent watering schedule, paired with appropriate sunlight exposure, will keep your succulents healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Best of luck with your succulent gardening journey