How to Water Your Succulents

Succulents usually have very low water needs. They have evolved to tolerate very low levels of moisture. Here are some tips to help you make sure your succulents get the correct amount of water.

The most important thing to remember when you are watering succulents is do not over water them. It is easy to understand the moisture needs of these plants once you understand their main characteristic. Succulents have unusual forms because they have adapted to environments with very little water.

It is not true that succulents do not need any water. All plants need water. There are just differences in the amount they need and how they absorb it.

If you are growing succulents in a container, they will need more frequent watering than those grown in the ground. How much you should water them depends on the type of container that you have them planted in. There are several characteristics that will impact the amount of water your succulent will need. The size, color, and material the pot is made of will influence moisture needs. Weather will also be highly influential. If the weather is cool and cloudy, your succulents will not get thirsty. You will need to experiment with your plant and pot to discover the correct balance of moisture for your succulent.

Many people have had succulents in their flower beds for many years. What is popularly known as "hens and chickens" are a type of succulent. A popular house plant known as a "jade plant" is also a type of succulent. So, you may already have experience with succulents and not even realize it. This experience has probably shown you that succulents have a dramatic structure, have interesting growth habits, require little care, and are virtually free of pests. It should also help you when you are trying to figure out how much moisture to give the new succulents in your care.

It can be difficult to figure out how much or how little to water your succulents. Just remember, unless you go for many months without water them, succulents will do well with a very small amount of water. One way you could figure out the specific needs is to water them after the soil has become completely dried out. Be sure that you do not give them too much at a time. Start with a small amount. Watch how the plant does and if it is growing and doing well, you have found the correct amount. If you have any doubt that you are watering it too much, it is probably that you are.

Succulents can make beautiful plantings in any garden. They do have some particular needs that should be considered when watering them. Hopefully, these tips will help you figure out how much water to give your succulents.

SOURCE

Editors of Ortho Books. "The World of Cactus & Succulents and other water-thrifty plants." 1977. Ortho Books. San Francisco, CA, USA.