Though supposedly easy to grow, succulents were the hardest one for me to nail. And I know that I’m not the only one. Just the other day I watched as a neighbor of mine walked their beloved succulent to the trash. Terrible!
Did you know that succulents are one of the varieties of plants that is most susceptible to root rot? It’s true. Because succulents store water in their leaves, they are really sensitive to overwatering. In fact, overwatering can turn a succulent from healthy into mush within just a few days! But don’t despair, there’s a way to save your beloved succulents. All that is required is to learn how to water succulents the right way. Keep reading to learn how below.
The Right Way To Water Succulents In Pots
First off, make sure that your succulent is planted in the right soil. This article of mine will detail what exactly that means. Psst…it involves sandy, well-draining potting mix! You’ll need a pot with a hole in the bottom of it too, as this allows for the extra water to drain out. Standing water in the bottom of pots is ALWAYS the number one cause of root rot.
After you have determined whether or not your plant is potted in the correct soil, it’s time to start watering! Rather than giving your succulents sips of water (I’ve even heard that some gardeners use ice cubes to water succulents..this is bad!) it’s better to give them deep drinks. Water when the soil at the bottom of the pot feels dry (stick your finger in to see or use a Moisture Meter). When watering, make sure that the water runs fully out of the bottom of the pot. This will give your succulents the kind of deep drink that they crave.
Watering Succulents In Ground
Though this is a blog about indoor plant care, I want to share with you the correct way to water succulents in the ground, as well. Succulents that are in-ground need to be watered on a weekly basis so long as they are in well-draining soil. Just as you would the succulents inside, give the succulents in your ground a good watering!
