How to water succulents
This article introduces the proper watering techniques for succulents and related green plant care. Let's take a look together.
Succulents are very easy to care for, requiring only a bit of sunlight and rain to survive. However, many people still manage to kill them, often because they are too diligent. New succulent enthusiasts tend to water their plants excessively, even when the topsoil is dry but the potting mix is still moist. Based on what others say, they water their succulents at regular intervals, which is incorrect. Usually, this is due to over-enthusiasm. If you master simple care methods, be a bit lazy, and avoid frequent watering and repotting, your succulents will thrive. Today, let's talk about how to water succulents.
Firstly, succulents do not like overly humid environments. Frequent watering can lead to root rot. Conditions vary in different regions, so you cannot follow a fixed schedule. You should learn to observe your succulents and understand their signals of water deficiency before watering them.
Firstly, you can determine the need for watering by checking the potting mix. Since succulents are usually planted in small pots with less soil, the pot becomes heavier after watering. When the soil is completely dry, the pot feels lighter when lifted. This indicates that the soil is thoroughly dry, and you can water it. Alternatively, if you really can't tell, you can use a toothpick or a slightly longer stick to insert into the potting mix near the bottom. If you're unsure when to water, simply pull out the toothpick or stick to check if there's moisture at the bottom. If there's no moisture or no soil sticks to the stick, it means the soil is completely dry, and you can water the plant.
The third, simplest method is to check if the succulent leaves are slightly soft and wrinkled, which indicates that the potting mix has been completely dry for several days, and the roots are lacking water. This is a signal that you should water the plant thoroughly. The leaves will gradually return to their fullness the next day, indicating that the succulent is severely lacking water. After watering, the roots will become more developed, showing that your succulent is very healthy.
How to water succulents
The principle of watering succulents is simple, known as the golden rule: water when dry and avoid overwatering. Water only when the soil is completely dry and do not water when there's still moisture. It's better to let the soil dry for an extra day than to water when it's still moist. The timing of watering is also important. For instance, in spring and autumn, avoid watering during the midday sun and instead water in the morning or evening to allow quick absorption and recovery. Watering during high temperatures can severely damage the roots due to the high soil temperature. In summer, when temperatures are high and plants are dormant, larger plants can survive without watering for an entire season. For smaller seedlings, it's best to water in the late afternoon when the ventilation is good and temperatures are relatively low, just enough to moisten the potting mix without causing root rot. In winter, even though indoor temperatures may be higher, it's best to water during warm midday or afternoon to avoid frost damage in the early morning or late evening.
Watering succulents or any other plants is a labor-intensive task that requires observation. The right timing and water temperature are crucial. Watering succulents is actually quite simple, and once you fully understand it, you can care for them well without causing root rot. In addition to the plant's growth state, temperature, and light, ventilation is also important. Good ventilation prevents water from accumulating in the soil and causing root rot, especially in the hot summer. After watering, it's best to use a fan for a couple of hours to help the surface soil dry faster, preventing waterlogging and ensuring your succulents don't die in summer.
Water your succulents in a well-ventilated area during the growing stage, ensuring they don't lack water, and in the dormant stage, try to reduce watering or avoid it altogether. This way, your succulents will have sufficient water, their roots won't be damaged, and with proper fertilizing and adequate sunlight, they will grow quickly and develop a healthy root system. A healthy root system will naturally result in a thriving plant.
The detailed explanation above on how to water succulents and the correct watering methods should help you with green plant management.