On weekends, when watering the plants on the balcony, I hold the succulent pot and hesitate for a while: Will watering it more make it grow more vibrant? But a few days after watering, the leaves become transparent and mushy... Don't panic! Many succulent enthusiasts have been misled by the misconception that succulents “like moisture.” Today, we’ll help you understand succulents’ true “preferences” and grow these cute little plants plump and healthy! 

Understanding succulents’ “fear of moisture” through their desert origins 

Most succulents originate from arid regions like the deserts of South Africa and the southwestern United States, where they endure intense sunlight and scarce rainfall year-round. To survive, they evolved exceptional water-storage capabilities: their thick leaves and stems act like “mini reservoirs,” tightly locking in any moisture they manage to obtain. This has also given them a unique physiological trait—they are drought-tolerant but fear moisture. When the soil remains consistently damp, the succulent’s root system cannot breathe properly, much like a person with their mouth and nose covered, leading to issues like root rot and black rot. 
However, not all succulents are equally “water-sensitive”! Most species in the Crassulaceae family, such as Echeveria Pink Rubby and Echeveria Laui, have extremely strong drought tolerance, while species like Haworthia truncata, Haworthia heidelbergensis, and Lithops in the Aizoaceae family require slightly higher humidity during their growth period and prefer a slightly moist environment. Therefore, before caring for them, it's essential to determine which category your succulent belongs to so you can “water appropriately.” 

Humidity management tips for indoor and outdoor care

In American home gardening, indoor succulent cultivation is quite common. The dry environments of heated or air-conditioned rooms are actually advantageous for succulents. However, don't assume that dry conditions mean you can water carelessly! To determine whether watering is needed, use these two tips: first, observe the condition of the leaves; when the previously plump leaves begin to soften, it’s a sign of water deficiency. Second, insert a toothpick into the soil; if the bottom is moist when you pull it out, don’t rush to water. When watering, choose a sunny morning, slowly water along the edge of the pot until thoroughly saturated, allowing excess water to drain out through the drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. 
If you’re growing succulents outdoors in the yard, pay extra attention to weather changes. During prolonged rainy periods, tilt the pots or move them under an eave to avoid rain; after heavy rain, promptly remove water from the leaves to prevent rot. In humid southern regions, use a mix of granular soil (like volcanic rock or diatomite) and peat moss to improve soil aeration and help excess water drain quickly. 

Common misconceptions about humidity 

Misconception 1: Spraying water can maintain humidity. Frequent spraying of water droplets on the leaves, which linger on the leaf centers, can easily cause rot. Only in extremely dry conditions and during the succulent's growth period should occasional light misting be used to increase humidity. 
Misconception 2: Using a tray to retain water? Some plant enthusiasts, for convenience, leave water in the tray under the pot for extended periods, effectively submerging the succulent's roots in water! The correct approach is to pour out any remaining water in the tray 10 minutes after watering. 
Misconception 3: Moss mulch is more aesthetically pleasing? While moss can enhance aesthetics, it traps moisture and prevents soil from breathing. If you must use it, apply only a thin layer and choose a breathable clay pot for planting. 

With these humidity management techniques, you won’t have to worry about watering your succulents next time! Watching them grow plump leaves and sprout delicate new shoots in the right environment will give you a sense of accomplishment!