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Watering is critical to the health and survival of your indoor succulents. Too much or too little can lead to various issues, from rot to dehydration, affecting the plant’s longevity and beauty. Below are some watering mistakes you must avoid to keep your indoor succulents thriving.
1. Watering Too Frequently
One of the most common mistakes that succulent owners make is overwatering. While these plants require moisture for survival, they can’t tolerate waterlogged soil or standing water. Succulents are desert plants that are adapted to arid conditions and infrequent watering. During the growing season (spring and summer), a good rule of thumb is to water once every week or two. In the dormant season (fall and winter), reduce watering frequency to once every month or two.
2. Not Watering Deeply Enough
While succulents don’t require frequent watering, when you do water them, make sure the water reaches the roots. A shallow watering only moisturizes the top layer of soil and encourages the roots to grow upwards, leading to an unstable plant. On the other hand, deep watering encourages downward root growth, supporting plant stability and access to deeper soil nutrients. Water until you see water coming out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Then wait until the soil is dry before watering again.
3. Using a Spray Bottle
A common myth is that succulents can be watered using a spray bottle. While misting can increase humidity (which some succulents like), it often doesn’t provide enough water for the roots and merely moistens the plant’s surface. This can lead to weak root systems and susceptibility to disease.
4. Watering On a Strict Schedule
It’s incorrect to believe that all succulents require watering on the same schedule. Different succulents have varied watering needs based on their size, species, growth phase, location, and the season. For example, during summers, when temperatures rise, succulents may need more water compared to winter months. Instead of adhering strictly to a watering timeline, observe your plants and their needs—when the soil is dry several inches deep or the leaves seem wrinkled and dry, it may be time to water.
5. Ignoring the Type of Water Used
The type of water used to hydrate succulents can impact their health. Tap water often contains minerals and chemicals like chlorine that can build up in the plant’s soil, resulting in poor growth or even harm. Using distilled, rain, or filtered water can prevent this problem.
6. Failing to Adjust Watering for Container Type
The type of container your succulents are planted in can significantly affect their watering needs. Porous pots such as terra cotta dry out faster than plastic or glazed ceramics, so plants in these containers may need watering more often.
7. Overwatering During Dormancy
Succulents’ water needs change with the seasons. They generally enter a dormant state during cold seasons, requiring less water. Overwatering during this period can cause rot, as the plant isn’t actively growing and doesn’t use up the water as quickly.
8. Watering at Night
Watering at night can be detrimental to succulents, as cold temperatures combined with wet soil can enhance chances of rot. It’s better to water in the morning, allowing plants the whole day to absorb the moisture and for excess water to evaporate.
9. Equating Succulents with Cacti
While cacti are a category of succulents, not all succulents can be treated as cacti. Cacti generally need less water compared to other succulents, and overwatering can quickly kill them.
10. Watering Sick Plants
Overwatering can cause diseases such as root rot. In this case, watering the plant more in an attempt to help it recover is likely to exacerbate the problem. If you suspect your succulent is sick, review its care and adapt accordingly, pruning away any diseased parts, repotting if required, and watering cautiously.
11. Neglecting Humidity and Temperature Factors
Both temperature and humidity affect how quickly the soil dries out and should be considered when determining watering frequency. Succulents in a high humidity environment may require less frequent watering, whereas those in a hot, dry environment might require more.
12. Watering the Leaves, Not the Soil
Water succulents at the soil level, not by pouring water over the plant’s body. Watering the leaves can lead to decay, rot, and fungal diseases, especially if the water doesn’t evaporate quickly.
Understanding these common succulent watering mistakes can help you take better care of your indoor plants. Remember, when it comes to watering succulents – less is more. When you’re in doubt, it’s better to under-water than over-water. Observing your plants and adjusting your care routine to suit their needs will keep your indoor succulents thriving.
