Late at night, working overtime, I glimpsed the windowsill with a pot of succulent leaves, leaves wrinkled like rubbed paper -- most likely watering problems. Raise succulent people understand, watering is a “mystery”: someone three days to water once, meat watering; someone a week to water once, but rotten roots and leaves. The secret of watering succulents is not in the “frequency”, but in the “tricks”. Mastering these few tips hidden in the details, even a novice, can make the succulent fat and bright, so they no longer need to worry about the dried leaves! 

When to water succulents?

The timing of watering succulents depends on the dry and wet state of the soil, the season, the climate, and the growth stage of the plant. Here are some practical ways to determine the timing of watering:

• Observe the state of the soil: Succulents prefer the principle of “water well when dry”. Check the moisture level 1-2 centimeters below the soil surface. If it is completely dry, you can water it. You can judge this by inserting a chopstick or finger into the soil.
• Observe the appearance of the plant: If the succulent leaves begin to crumple slightly or lose their luster, it may be a sign of water shortage. However, do not wait until the leaves are severely shriveled before watering to avoid harming the plant.
  
• Consider environmental factors: succulents maintained indoors evaporate more slowly than outdoor succulents and should be watered less frequently accordingly. A well-ventilated environment can speed up soil drying.

Suggestion: Avoid watering at fixed times, such as “once a week”. Adjust flexibly according to the specific environment and plant needs.

How much watering do I give my succulent?

The amount of watering needed is determined by the size of the pot, the type of soil, and the environment. The following are specific recommendations:

• The principle of “water well when dry”: When watering, make sure that the water flows out of the bottom of the pot, indicating that the soil is completely moist. However, do not allow water to accumulate at the bottom of the pot for a long period of time to avoid root rot.
  
• Small pots vs. large pots: Small pots (less than 10 cm in diameter) usually require small amounts of watering, while large pots can be watered all at once.
  
•  Soil ratios: Succulent soil is usually a mixture of granular soil (e.g., perlite, volcanic rock) and peat soil. Soil with a high proportion of granules drains quickly and requires slightly more water; soil with a high proportion of peat retains water well and requires less water.

Suggestion: Use pots with drainage holes to ensure excess water can drain away. Pour off any standing water in the tray after watering.

How can I tell if I am overwatering?

Overwatering is a common problem in succulent care and can lead to root rot or plant growth. Here are signs of overwatering and how to deal with it:

• Signs: Leaves become soft, transparent, or yellowish, and fall off easily when touched. Stems turn black or rot, and the soil is wet for a long time. Growth of the plant as a whole (elongated stems and widely spaced leaves).
  

• Countermeasures: Stop watering immediately and move to a well-ventilated place to dry the soil. Check the root system. If there is any rotted part, prune and replant. Adjust the watering frequency and make sure the soil is completely dry before watering.

Suggestions for prevention: Use a well-aerated soil (e.g., 50%-70% granular soil) and make sure the pot has good drainage.

Frequency of Watering Succulents 

The frequency of watering varies depending on the environment and season. Here are some general recommendations:

• Spring (March-May): Succulents are entering the growing season, check the soil every 7-10 days and water well when dry.
  
• Summer (June-August): High temperatures may cause dormancy. Reduce the frequency of watering to every 10-15 days, or only water sparingly when the soil is completely dry. Avoid watering during midday heat.
  
• Fall (September-November): Similar to spring, this is the prime growth period for succulents; water every 7-10 days.
  
• Winter (December-February): Cold temperatures may cause dormancy; water less frequently than every 15-30 days, or only sparingly when leaves are slightly crinkled.

Environmental effects:

• Southern humid areas: extend watering intervals and pay attention to ventilation.
  
• Northern dry areas: Watering frequency can be increased, but the principle of “water well when dry” should still be followed.

How to water in different seasons?

Succulents are sensitive to seasonal changes, and watering strategies need to be adjusted accordingly:

• Spring: Increase watering moderately to promote growth. Water in the morning or evening, and avoid direct sunlight.
  
• Summer: Reduce watering and avoid watering when it is hot and humid. Choose early morning or evening watering and keep the soil slightly dry.
  
• Fall: Return to normal watering frequency and watch the soil for dryness.
  
• Winter: Keep the soil dry and water sparingly to prevent the roots from drying out. Avoid watering when the temperature is below 10°C to avoid frostbite.

Tip: Use a hygrometer or check soil moisture regularly to avoid blind watering.

Other useful watering tips

• Choose the right watering tool: use a fine spout watering can or dropper to precisely control the amount of water and avoid overwatering.
  
• Water quality: Prefer using rainwater or filtered water to avoid chlorides in tap water that can harm succulents.
  
• Misting vs. watering: Misting is suitable for seedlings or when the air is dry to increase humidity, but it should not replace watering. Over-misting may lead to waterlogged leaves and cause mold.
  
• Observe the weather: Reduce watering on cloudy and rainy days, and water moderately on sunny days according to soil conditions.

The best succulent varieties for “lazy watering”

If you're always worried about forgetting to water, choose one of these “shape-resistant” succulents:

• Jade Tree: leaves as thick as coins, a month without watering is fine; on the contrary, watering too much can cause easy to drop leaves. 
• Haworthia:  leaves are crystal clear, drought-resistant, and shade-tolerant, suitable for the desk, occasional watering on the line. 

• Lithops： grows like a stone, the rainy season will be “peeling”, this time to completely cut off water, but it can grow more circumscribed.

 The One Bloom includes all of these, and with a free granular soil, you can't go wrong with a newbie's eyes closed.

First Aid Guide for Improper Watering

• Watered and softened leaves: Stop watering immediately, remove the watered leaves, and place them in a ventilated area for 3 days, then water sparingly when the soil dries out. 
• Waterlogged and smelly potting soil: Take off the pot immediately, cut off the rotted root system, soak it in carbendazim for 10 minutes, replant it with new dry soil, and do not water it for a week. 
• Wrinkled and dull leaves: Rehydrate the plant by soaking it in a pot, then put it in a diffused light for 2 days, and the leaves will slowly regain their fullness. 

Start your “Precision Watering” journey now

Watering succulents is not a “task” but a process of observation and interaction. The One Bloom not only has succulents, but also watering pots, granular soil, and care manuals. Starting today, throw away the rigid watering calendar and follow these tips, and your succulents will surely tell you with their chubby leaves, “This is the way to water, just right!”