How to Water Succulents 'Care & Growing Guide'

Updated: August 27, 2024

How to Water Succulents - Everything You Need To Know!

Succulents are extremely drought-tolerant plants that can survive for long periods without water. In fact, succulents are designed to thrive in conditions with infrequent rainfall, making them perfect for forgetful gardeners or those who tend to underwater. Their ability to store water in their leaves and stems allows them to withstand neglect and survive with minimal moisture, making them incredibly resilient. However, this doesn't mean they don't need water at all!

In fact, proper watering is crucial for succulents to grow and flourish. But how do you know when to water, and how much is too much? With their delicate balance of water storage and drought tolerance, succulents require a thoughtful approach to watering.

In this article, we'll explore the tips and tricks of watering succulents, covering everything from spotting the signs of thirst to avoiding the pitfalls of overwatering.

The Importance of Proper Watering for Succulents

Prevents Overwatering: The adequate watering helps prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot, fungal infections, and even death. Outdoor plants generally require more water than indoor plants, and this is especially true for succulents.
Supports Physiological Processes: Watering succulent plants correctly allows them to absorb the right amount of moisture to carry out their physiological processes, such as photosynthesis, growth, and reproduction.
Maintains Structural Integrity: Proper watering helps maintain the structural integrity of succulents, keeping their leaves and stems firm and plump, and preventing them from becoming shriveled and weak.
Reduces Stress: The balanced watering reduces stress on succulents, making them less susceptible to pests and diseases. This also helps the plants thrive and maintain their vibrant colors.

Promotes Healthy Growth: Proper watering promotes healthy growth, ensuring succulents thrive and maintain their shape, color, and texture.

Essential for Survival: It is essential for the survival of succulents, and neglecting this aspect of care can lead to serious consequences.

Succulent Plant Watering Requirements

When it comes to watering your succulent plants, they need a balance of moisture and dryness, making watering a delicate task. With their unique ability to store water, succulents have distinct needs that set them apart from other plants. Understanding their watering requirements is crucial for their survival and success.

1. How Often to Water Succulents - Based on Location

The watering schedule for succulents depends largely on their location, as environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure play significant roles in determining their water needs. Whether succulents are grown indoors or outdoors, the goal is to replicate the natural conditions they are adapted to, which typically involve infrequent but deep watering followed by periods of dryness.

Indoor Growing Succulent Watering Needs

Watering Frequency: When growing succulents indoors, it is crucial to understand their specific watering needs. Indoor plants generally require less frequent watering than those grown outdoors due to the stable, controlled environment. Indoor spaces typically have lower light levels and less airflow, which means the soil takes longer to dry out.

A good rule of thumb is to water succulent plants every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the season. During winter, when indoor succulents may enter a dormant phase, reduce watering even further.
Consider the Environment: Factors like the type of pot, humidity levels, and indoor heating can affect how often your indoor succulents need water.

Pots without drainage holes or made from materials like plastic can retain moisture longer, so be mindful of overwatering.

Additionally, in drier indoor environments, such as those with central heating, succulents may need slightly more frequent watering.

Outdoor Growing Succulent Watering Needs

Watering Frequency: Outdoor succulents are exposed to varying light, temperature, and airflow conditions, which can cause the soil to dry out more quickly than indoor environments. Typically, outdoor succulents should be watered every 1 to 2 weeks during the growing season. However, this can vary based on the specific climate of your location. Outdoor plants generally require more frequent watering due to varying environmental conditions. During periods of intense heat, you may need to water more frequently, but always ensure the soil is dry before rewatering.

Consider the Weather: Weather plays a crucial role in succulent watering. In hot, dry climates, succulents may require more frequent watering, while in cooler or more humid regions, they may need less. Additionally, during rainy seasons, outdoor plants might not need any supplemental watering at all. Be cautious of overwatering if your area experiences heavy rainfall, as this can lead to waterlogged soil and root rot.

2. When to Water Succulents - Based on Seasons

Spring

As the weather warms up and days get longer, increase watering to promote new growth and development.

Water when the soil feels dry to the touch, usually every 7-10 days.

Summer

Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, usually every 7-10 days.

Adjust watering frequency based on temperature and humidity levels.

Fall

Gradually reduce watering as the weather cools down and days get shorter.

Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch, usually every 4-6 weeks.

Winter

Water sparingly, as succulents require less moisture during the dormant season.

Water only when the soil feels extremely dry, usually every 4-6 weeks or even less often.

How long can Succulents go without water?

Succulents can survive for varying lengths of time without water, depending on factors such as species, size, and environmental conditions. For example, the popular succulent species Echeveria and Crassula can survive for 1-2 months without water, while the String of Pearls can survive for 2-3 months without water.

The size of the succulent also plays a role in its ability to survive without water. Larger succulents like the Kalanchoe and Sedum tend to have more stored water and can survive longer without water than smaller ones like the tiny Sedum burrito. This means that bigger succulents can often go longer periods of time without needing to be watered.

In general, most succulents can survive for 1-2 months without water during the active growing season (spring and summer). For example, a small potted Peperomia may need to be watered every 2-3 weeks during the spring, while a large potted Aeonium may only need to be watered once a month. During the dormant season (fall and winter), succulents can often survive for 2-4 months without water. However, it's always best to water your succulents when the soil feels dry to the touch to ensure they receive the moisture they need to thrive.

How Much Water Do Succulent Needs?

Succulents hold water in their leaves, stems, and roots, so they require far less frequent watering than most other plants. However, watering succulents can be tricky because they’re adapted to survive in arid environments, making them susceptible to both underwatering and overwatering. Finding the right balance is crucial for their health. Many people mistakenly assume that succulents need almost no water or treat them like typical houseplants, leading to common issues. Understanding this balance and recognizing signs of distress will help you care for your succulents effectively.

The Art of Watering Succulents is Striking a Balance Between Underwatering and Overwatering

Succulents are unique in their ability to store water, but this characteristic can lead to confusion when it comes to finding the right watering balance.

Underwatering Succulent: Signs & Treatments

Underwatering occurs when your succulent plants do not receive enough water over an extended period. Because succulents store water in their leaves, stems, and roots, they can survive on limited moisture, but they still require regular watering to maintain their health. While succulents are drought-tolerant, consistent underwatering can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to damage or disease.

Wrinkled or shriveled leaves: These are a clear indication of underwatering. When succulents lack water, their leaves lose their plumpness and firm texture, becoming wrinkled and creased. Water your succulent thoroughly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Increase the frequency of watering, but ensure the soil has a chance to dry out slightly between waterings.

Limp or Squishy Leaves: These are a sign of severe underwatering. When leaves become soft and limp, they are prone to rot and damage. Water your succulent immediately, and consider repotting it in fresh, well-draining soil. Reduce the frequency of watering, but ensure the soil remains moist.

Slow Growth or No Growth: It is a sign that your succulent is not receiving enough water. Underwatered succulents conserve energy and resources, leading to stunted growth. Increase the frequency of watering, and ensure the soil is consistently moist. Provide your succulent with bright, indirect light and maintain optimal temperatures to promote healthy growth.

Leaves Develop Brown Tips or Edges: Brown tips or edges on leaves indicate dehydration and stress. When succulents lack water, their leaves develop brown, crispy edges. Trim off the brown tips or edges to prevent further damage. Water your succulent thoroughly, and adjust the frequency of watering to prevent future underwatering.

Soil Feels Extremely Dry: When the soil feels extremely dry, it's a clear sign that your succulent needs water. Water your succulent thoroughly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil regularly to ensure it doesn't become too dry or waterlogged.

Overwatering Succulent: Signs & Treatments

Overwatering occurs when these plants receive too much water, either from excessive watering frequency or inadequate drainage. Unlike typical houseplants, succulents are adapted to store water in their leaves, stems, and roots, which means they need less frequent watering. When overwatered, the soil remains consistently moist, preventing the roots from drying out properly.

Black or Brown Spots: These spots on leaves or stems indicate fungal diseases caused by overwatering. Remove affected leaves or stems, and treat the succulent with a fungicide. Adjust watering frequency, and ensure good air circulation to prevent further moisture buildup.

Waterlogged Soil: It is a clear indication of overwatering. When the soil is consistently waterlogged, roots rot, and succulents become susceptible to disease. Stop watering immediately, and repot the succulent in fresh, well-draining soil. Ensure good air circulation to prevent further moisture buildup.

Soft, Mushy Stems: These are signs of severe overwatering. When stems become soft and mushy, they are prone to rot and collapse. Cut off the affected stems, and repot the succulent in fresh, well-drained succulent soil. Reduce watering frequency, and ensure good air circulation.

Yellowing or Droopy Leaves: These leaves indicate too much water. When leaves turn yellow or droop, it's a sign that the roots are rotting. Remove yellow or droopy leaves, and adjust watering frequency. Ensure the soil has a chance to dry out slightly between waterings.

Root Rot: It is a common consequence of overwatering. When roots rot, succulents become susceptible to disease and pests. Repot the succulent in fresh, well-drained soil, and trim away affected roots. Reduce watering frequency, balance soil moisture, and ensure good air circulation.

By understanding this balance, you can ensure your succulents receive just the right amount of moisture.

The 3 Best Watering Practices for Thriving Succulent Plants

1. Soak and Dry Method: The "Soak and Dry" method is one of the most effective techniques for watering succulents. This method involves thoroughly soaking the soil until water drains out from the bottom of the pot, then allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. The key to this technique is to mimic the natural rainfall patterns in the succulent's native environment, where they experience periods of heavy rain followed by long dry spells. By letting the soil dry out between waterings, you encourage the plant’s roots to grow deeper, searching for moisture, which leads to a stronger and more resilient root system. This method also prevents the roots from sitting in water, reducing the risk of root rot.

2. Bottom Watering: Bottom watering involves placing the plant pot in a shallow tray of water and allowing the soil to absorb water through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot.

This method is particularly useful for succulents that are sensitive to wet leaves or stems, as it ensures the roots receive moisture without soaking the upper parts of the plant.

To use this method, fill a tray with water and place the pot in it for about 15-30 minutes or until the soil’s top layer feels moist. Bottom watering is ideal when the soil has become compacted or if you notice the water isn’t penetrating the soil evenly from the top. It also promotes deep root growth by encouraging the roots to reach downward for water.

3. Misting: Misting is often discouraged for most growing succulents because it doesn’t provide enough water to the roots, where it’s most needed. Or if you don't get the water deep enough when you spray with a spray bottle, the succulent plant will die. Succulents are designed to absorb moisture through their roots, so misting may not effectively hydrate them. It's best to water succulents at the base of the plant to ensure proper hydration and avoid potential issues like root rot.

How Soil Affects Succulent Watering Needs?

Soil plays a crucial role in succulent watering needs because it determines how much water is retained and how quickly it drains.

The soil's water-holding capacity also affects how frequently succulents need to be watered. Soils that retain more water may require less frequent watering, while well-drained succulent soil may need more frequent watering to prevent drying out. Additionally, soil pH and nutrient content can impact succulent watering needs. For example, soils with high pH levels may require more frequent watering to prevent nutrient deficiencies.

Soil structure and composition also impact succulent watering needs. For example, potting soil with high amounts of fine particles can become compacted, reducing drainage and increasing the risk of waterlogging. In contrast, soils with good structure and aeration allow for healthy root growth and efficient water uptake.

Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive.

Tap Water vs. Filtered Water: What's Safe for Succulents?

Water quality plays an essential role in the health of your succulents. While succulents can be relatively hardy, the type of water you use can impact their growth, appearance, and overall well-being. Understanding the differences between tap water and filtered water will help you make the best choice for your plants.

Tap Water: Pros & Cons

Pros: Tap water is convenient and readily available, making it the most commonly used water source for plants. In most regions, it is treated to be safe for consumption, which means it is generally safe for succulent watering as well.

Cons: However, tap water often contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, as well as chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, which can accumulate in the soil over time. These substances can leave white deposits on the soil surface or succulent leaves, affecting the plant's appearance. In some cases, they can also alter the pH of the soil, leading to nutrient imbalances and stunted growth.

Filtered Water: Pros & Cons

Pros: Filtered water removes many of the impurities and chemicals found in tap water, providing a purer water source for your succulents. By using filtered water, you can prevent the buildup of mineral deposits and reduce the risk of chemical damage to the roots. This can be especially beneficial for sensitive or rare succulent species that may be more affected by water quality.

Cons: The main downside of using filtered water is the added expense and effort required to maintain a filtration system or purchase bottled filtered water. However, for those who are serious about maintaining optimal conditions for their succulents, the benefits of using filtered water may outweigh the costs.

While tap water is generally safe for most succulents, filtered water offers a cleaner alternative that can help prevent potential issues caused by mineral buildup and chemicals. If you notice white spots or deposits on your succulents, or if you are growing particularly delicate varieties, switching to filtered water might be worth considering. Alternatively, you can also use rainwater to give your succulent plant the best care possible. Rainwater is ideal for plants because it contains healthy minerals and is safe to drink due to impurities being removed.

Final Thoughts

Overall, watering succulents is an art that requires patience, observation, and a gentle touch. You should be peculiar about your succulent's watering cycles so they can survive happily indoors and outdoors. When the soil becomes dry, it is the best to water your plants. By understanding the unique needs of these drought-tolerant plants, you can provide them with the perfect balance of moisture and dryness. Remember, it's not about frequent watering, but about thoughtful and intentional hydration. With the right approach, your succulents will thrive, and you'll be rewarded with their stunning shapes, vibrant colors, and low-maintenance charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do you water a succulent plant?

Watering succulents requires a delicate balance. Water your succulents when the soil is dry to the touch, usually every 7-10 days in the spring and summer months when they're actively growing. In the fall and winter months when they're dormant, you can reduce watering to every 4-6 weeks. The amount of water depends on the size of the pot, but a general rule of thumb is to water small pots (less than 4 inches) with 1-2 tablespoons, medium pots (4-8 inches) with 1/4 to 1/2 cup, and large pots (over 8 inches) with 1/2 to 1 cup. Remember to water at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves to prevent rot, and use room-temperature water to prevent shocking the roots.
How much water should I give my succulent indoors?

When watering your succulent indoors, provide just the right amount of water to thrive. Water small pots (less than 4 inches in diameter) with 1-2 ounces (30-60 ml) of water, medium pots (4-8 inches) with 2-4 ounces (60-120 ml), and large pots (over 8 inches) with 4-6 ounces (120-180 ml). Water only when the soil is dry to the touch, usually every 7-10 days in spring and summer, and reduce to every 4-6 weeks in fall and winter. Remember to water at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves to prevent rot, and adjust this guideline based on your environment and the specific needs of your succulent.
How much water do you give a succulent outdoors?

When watering your succulent outdoors, consider the increased sunlight and airflow, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Water small pots (less than 4 inches in diameter) with 2-4 ounces (60-120 ml) of water, medium pots (4-8 inches) with 4-6 ounces (120-180 ml), and large pots (over 8 inches) with 6-8 ounces (180-240 ml). Water every 5-7 days during hot summer months, and reduce to every 7-10 days during milder spring and fall months, taking into account any rainfall. Be mindful of the leaves and avoid getting water on them to prevent rot and fungal diseases, and adjust this guideline based on your specific climate and the needs of your succulent.
How much water do succulents need per week?

Succulents need a surprisingly small amount of water per week, especially considering their hardy and resilient nature. As a general rule, succulents require about 1-2 cups (250-500 ml) of water per week, depending on the size of the pot, climate, and time of year. For small pots (less than 4 inches), aim for 1/2 to 1 cup (125-250 ml) per week, while medium pots (4-8 inches) need about 1-1.5 cups (250-375 ml) per week, and large pots (over 8 inches) require 1.5-2 cups (375-500 ml) per week. Remember, it's better to err on the side of caution and underwater slightly, as succulents can always recover from a dry spell but may rot if waterlogged.
Should you water succulents from the top or bottom?

Watering succulents from top to bottom can be beneficial for flushing out salts and minerals, but it's not always the best approach. This method can cause water to collect in the leaves, leading to rot and fungal diseases, and can also wash away tiny roots and soil particles, potentially damaging the plant. Instead, consider watering from the bottom up by placing the pot in a saucer or tray filled with water, allowing the soil to absorb water through the drainage holes, and removing excess water after 10-15 minutes. This method reduces the risk of overwatering and helps prevent root rot. If you do water from the top, use a gentle stream of water, avoid getting water on the leaves or crown, and water sparingly, as succulents prefer dry soil between waterings.
What is the best way to water a succulent?

The best way to water a succulent is to "soak and dry", which means thoroughly watering the soil until it's fully saturated, then allowing it to dry out completely between waterings. This approach mimics natural rainfall patterns and helps prevent overwatering, the most common cause of death in succulents. Water in the morning, using room-temperature water, and avoid getting any on the leaves or crown to prevent rot. Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged soil. By soaking and drying your succulent, you'll be giving it the best chance to thrive, with watering frequencies ranging from 1-2 weeks in spring/summer to 4-6 weeks in fall/winter.