10 Watering Tips for Thriving Succulents

We all love succulents for their undeniable beauty and their low-maintenance, forgiving nature. But don’t be mistaken – succulents DO need to be cared for if you want them to thrive in your home and garden.

You can’t neglect them for months and expect them to look as vibrant as when you first purchased them; they’ll need a little help.

And you know what?

Watering is the most critical part of succulent care: get it right, and the rest is easy!

Understand your succulents’ watering needs and establish a regular watering schedule, and you’ll be on an excellent path to healthy plants.

Below, I’ll discuss the essential tips you’ll need to ensure your plants are grown in a good environment.

You’ll find that these tips cover both succulents grown indoors and outdoors.

We’ll talk soil, sunlight, and several watering hacks! Let’s go.

1) Use a pot with drainage holes

Proper drainage is crcital when it comes to drought-tolerant succulents. It’ll help you avoid any watering mishaps that might lead to overwatering consequences like root rot and mushy leaves.

Always aim to grow your succulents inside a pot with a drainage hole at the bottom. This will allow the soil to soak up the water it needs and then drain the water it doesn’t.

If you find a pot you love without drainage, don’t worry! You can create your own holes using a drill with a particular bit for ceramics or terracotta. Just be careful and wear protective gear.

Pair your drainage-friendly pot with a saucer to catch excess water for indoor plants. This protects your furniture while still allowing air to circulate around the roots.

Remember to empty the saucer after watering to prevent your succulents from sitting in standing water. This simple step helps maintain healthy, happy plants.

2) Use well-draining soil

Succulents thrive in soil that allows water to flow through easily. Regular potting soil often retains too much moisture, leading to root rot. Instead, opt for a specialized succulent or cactus mix.

You can also create your well-draining soil by combining regular potting soil with coarse sand and perlite. This mixture ensures proper drainage and prevents water from pooling around the roots.

When repotting your succulents, choose containers with drainage holes. This allows excess water to escape, further protecting your plants from overwatering.

If you’re using decorative pots without drainage, consider drilling holes in the bottom. Alternatively, use them as cachepots, placing your succulents in plastic pots with drainage holes inside the decorative containers.

Remember to add a layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom of your pots. This creates additional space for water to drain away from the roots, keeping your succulents happy and healthy.

3) Provide bright sunlight

Generally speaking, succulents thrive in bright, indirect sunlight during the summer and direct sunlight during the cooler seasons.

Place your plants near a window that provides plenty of natural light throughout the day. East—or west-facing windows are ideal, providing gentle morning or afternoon sun.

If you notice your succulent stretching or becoming leggy, it may need more light. Gradually move it to a brighter spot to prevent sunburn. South-facing windows can be too intense, especially during summer months.

You can also use sheer curtains or blinds to filter strong sunlight. This creates the perfect environment for your succulents to flourish. Remember, each species has slightly different light requirements.

Observe your plants closely and adjust their placement as needed. If you live in an area with limited natural light, consider using grow lights to supplement. These can help ensure your succulents receive the light they need to stay healthy and vibrant.

4) Water deeply but infrequently

Succulents thrive when you water them thoroughly but not too often. This mimics their natural desert habitat, where rain is scarce but heavy when it comes.

When watering your succulents, soak the soil completely. Then, allow water to flow through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. This prevents root rot and encourages strong root growth. Most succulents can go weeks or even months without water.

You’ll likely need to water more frequently during the growing season (spring and summer). In winter, when succulents are dormant, reduce watering even further.

To check if your succulent needs water, gently press the soil. If it feels dry and your finger doesn’t leave an indentation, it’s time to water.

Remember, it’s better to underwater than overwater succulents. They’re adapted to store water in their leaves and stems, so they can tolerate dry periods well.

5) Check soil moisture regularly

Monitoring the moisture level in your succulent’s soil is crucial for their health. You don’t want to water them too frequently or let them dry completely.

To check the soil moisture, gently press your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days before watering.

You can also use a moisture meter for a more precise reading. These inexpensive tools can be inserted into the soil to measure moisture levels accurately.

Pay attention to your succulent’s appearance too. If the leaves start to look wrinkled or feel soft, it might be a sign that the plant needs water.

Remember that succulents store water in their leaves and stems. They can tolerate periods of drought better than overwatering. When in doubt, it’s usually safer to wait an extra day or two before watering.

6) Outdoor succulents need more water than indoor succulents

Outdoor succulents face more environmental challenges than their indoor counterparts. They’re exposed to direct sunlight, wind, and varying temperatures, which can increase their water needs.

You’ll need to water your outdoor succulents more frequently, especially during hot summer months. Keep an eye on the soil moisture and weather conditions to determine the right watering schedule.

Outdoor succulents in containers may require even more water than those planted in the ground. Their roots have limited space to seek out moisture, so you’ll need to be more attentive to their needs.

Remember that rainfall can supplement your watering efforts. However, don’t rely solely on rain, as it may not be consistent or sufficient for your succulents’ needs.

In winter, you might need to adjust your watering routine. Some outdoor succulents go dormant and require less water during colder months. Be sure to research the specific needs of your succulent varieties.

7) Adapt to seasonal changes

As the seasons shift, your succulents’ watering needs change too. During spring and summer, when plants are actively growing, you’ll need to water more frequently.

These warmer months bring increased sunlight and higher temperatures, causing soil to dry out faster. Keep a close eye on your plants and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

In fall and winter, succulents often enter a dormant phase. They require less water during this time, so you can reduce watering frequency.

Be mindful of indoor heating during colder months, as it can dry out the air and soil. You may need to water a bit more often if your home is particularly warm and dry.

Pay attention to your plants’ appearance. If leaves start to wrinkle or feel soft, it’s time for a drink. Remember, it’s always better to underwater than overwater succulents.

8) Avoid misting leaves

Misting succulent leaves can do more harm than good. While it may seem like a quick way to water your plants, it can lead to various problems.

Succulents store water in their leaves and stems. When you mist them, water droplets can accumulate on the surface, creating an ideal environment for fungal growth.

This moisture can also cause the leaves to rot, especially if they don’t dry quickly. Rotting leaves can spread to other parts of the plant, potentially killing it.

Instead of misting, focus on watering the soil directly. This method ensures that water reaches the roots where it’s needed most.

If you want to clean your succulent’s leaves, use a soft, dry brush or cloth. This will remove dust without introducing excess moisture.

Remember, succulents are adapted to survive in arid conditions. They prefer dry air and don’t need the added humidity that misting provides.

By avoiding leaf misting, you’ll help your succulents stay healthy and thrive in their natural dry-loving state.

9) Group succulents by water needs

Grouping your succulents based on their water requirements can make watering easier and more efficient. Some succulents need more frequent watering, while others thrive with less.

Place succulents with similar water needs together in the same pot or area of your garden. This will help you avoid overwatering or underwatering certain plants.

When grouping your succulents, consider factors like sunlight exposure, pot size, and soil type. These elements can affect how quickly the soil dries out.

Research the specific water requirements for each of your succulent species. You can find this information online or by consulting gardening books.

Create separate watering schedules for different groups of succulents. This will ensure that each group receives the right amount of water at the appropriate intervals.

By grouping your succulents thoughtfully, you’ll save time and effort in your watering routine. You’ll also promote healthier growth and reduce the risk of water-related issues for your plants.

10) Rotate plants for even growth

Rotating your succulents regularly promotes balanced growth and prevents them from leaning toward light sources.

Give your plants a quarter turn every few weeks to ensure all sides receive equal sunlight exposure.

This practice helps maintain symmetrical shapes and prevents your succulents from becoming lopsided. It’s essential for plants placed near windows or under grow lights.

Remember to be gentle when handling your succulents during rotation. Avoid disturbing their roots or damaging delicate leaves.

A slow, careful turn is needed to keep your plants growing evenly.

Depending on the sun’s intensity and direction, outdoor succulents might need to be rotated more frequently. Pay attention to how your plants respond and adjust your rotation schedule accordingly.

Understanding Succulent Watering Needs

Succulents have unique water requirements that differ from typical houseplants. Their ability to store water and thrive in arid conditions affects how you should approach watering them.

Water Storage and Drought Tolerance

Succulents have specialized tissues in their leaves, stems, or roots that store water. This adaptation allows them to survive long periods without rainfall in their native habitats.

When properly hydrated, succulent leaves often feel firm and plump.

During dry spells, the plant draws on these reserves, causing leaves to become slightly soft or wrinkled.

Overwatering is a common mistake with succulents. Their drought tolerance means they prefer soil to dry out completely between waterings.

When you do water, thoroughly soak them until water runs out the drainage holes.

Seasonal Watering Variations

Your succulent’s watering needs change with the seasons. During their active growing period, usually spring and summer, they require more frequent watering.

Many succulents enter a dormant phase in fall and winter. Reduce watering significantly during these cooler months to prevent root rot. Some species may need no water at all in winter.

Pay attention to your plant’s appearance and the moisture level in its soil. Adjust your watering schedule based on these cues and the current season.

Remember that indoor succulents may have different seasonal patterns than those grown outdoors.

Factors like temperature, humidity, and light exposure in your home can affect their water needs.

Common Mistakes in Watering Succulents

Proper watering is crucial for succulent health, but it’s easy to make errors. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help your plants thrive.

Overwatering Risks

Overwatering is one of the biggest threats to succulents. These plants store water in their leaves and stems, making them susceptible to root rot when given too much moisture.

Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, soft and mushy stems, and a generally unhealthy appearance. To avoid this, always check the soil before watering. Only water when the soil is completely dry.

Use well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling. During winter, reduce watering frequency as succulents enter a dormant phase and require less moisture.

Here’s a photo of a succulent stem that has rotted away; the stem appears black and mushy.

Signs of Underwatering

While succulents are drought-tolerant, they still need water to survive. Underwatering can be just as harmful as overwatering.

Look for wrinkled, shriveled leaves as a key indicator of underwatering. The plant may also appear droopy or have dry, crispy leaf tips.

If you gently squeeze a succulent leaf, it should feel firm. Soft, pliable leaves often signal dehydration.

To correct underwatering, give your succulent a thorough soak. Allow water to run through the drainage holes, ensuring the entire root system gets hydrated. Then, adjust your watering schedule to prevent future drought stress.