When it comes to succulents, one of the primary building blocks of their care is a proper watering schedule. Beginners often feel overwhelmed thinking about this, but with comprehensive guidance, a succulent watering schedule can be easily understood and implemented.
## WATERING SUCCULENTS 101 – THE BASICS
Many professionals suggest the soak and dry watering method for succulents – it’s about thoroughly drenching the soil and then letting it dry out before the next watering. One of the main reasons this method works is that it simulates the natural environment of succulents, which usually experience heavy rain followed by a dry period.
Severe underwatering or overwatering can damage your plants significantly, causing them to become shriveled or over-saturated. It is essential to strike a good balance. The ‘soak and dry’ method, if properly carried out, can provide your succulents with the perfect blend of moisture and dryness.
## UNDERSTANDING YOUR SUCCULENT’S WATERING NEEDS
Succulents, like every other plant, have different watering needs depending on various factors, including the type of succulent, its size, type of pot and soil, location, temperature, and humidity. Usually, smaller pots or terracotta pots, which absorb water, dry out faster and need to be watered more frequently compared to larger or plastic pots.
Similarly, succulents living in a warmer environment or receiving direct sunlight for a significant portion of the day dry out quickly and need to be watered more frequently. In contrast, if your succulent is in a cooler environment or receives less light, you might need to water it less often. In terms of soil, a well-draining soil mix will dry faster than a dense, water-retaining soil.
## CRAFTING YOUR SUCCULENT WATERING SCHEDULE
There is no one-size-fits-all watering schedule for succulents due to the aforementioned variables. Instead, you will need to create a flexible watering plan that caters to your plants’ specific needs.
Here’s a simple guideline to create an initial watering schedule:
### In a High Light/High Heat Environment:
– For smaller succulents/pots: Water once every 5-7 days
– For bigger succulents/pots: Water once every 10-12 days
### In a Moderate Light/Moderate Heat Environment:
– For smaller succulents/pots: Water once every 10-12 days
– For bigger succulents/pots: Water once every 14-18 days
### In a Low Light/Low Heat Environment:
– For smaller succulents/pots: Water once every 14-18 days
– For bigger succulents/pots: Water once every 21-30 days
These guidelines are meant to serve as a starting point. You should check your succulents for signs of dehydration or overwatering and adjust your watering frequency accordingly.
## WATCHING AND LEARNING FROM YOUR SUCCULENTS
Nature usually has a way of communicating its needs, and your succulents won’t shy away either. Pay attention to their appearance and adjust watering routines as needed.
Dry, wrinkled, or shriveled leaves often signal that your succulent needs water. If the leaves are turning yellow or transparent or the plant seems overly soft, these might be signs of overwatering. Over time, you might notice some patterns – specific signs and signals your succulents showcase when they need more water, or when you’ve gone too far.
## SEASONAL SUCCULENT WATERING GUIDELINES
Your succulent’s watering needs will also change with the seasons. During their growing season (usually spring and summer), succulents need more water and nutrients to fuel their growth. In contrast, during their dormant period (generally fall and winter), their growth slows down, and they need less watering.
### Spring and Summer:
During these seasons, you may need to water your succulents more frequently, possibly as often as once a week. However, continue observing your plants for their specific watering cues.
### Autumn and Winter:
As the plant enters its dormancy period, reduce watering frequency to once a month or even less, depending on the plant’s needs.
## FINAL THOUGHTS
Creating a succulent watering schedule can be daunting, but remember that it is a flexible routine, and it requires you to be in tune with your plant’s needs. It takes some time and patience, and possibly some trial and error. But armed with the knowledge you now have at your disposal, you are well-equipped to manage the chore. Your succulent, with its fascinating resilience and spectral beauty, is well worth the effort. Keep experimenting, observing, and learning, and you’ll soon have a thumb as green as the loveliest patch of succulents!
