If there's one thing that causes more succulent deaths than anything else, it's improper watering. Many people assume succulents need almost no water, while others water them on a strict schedule. The truth is that healthy succulents need thorough watering, but only when they're ready.
Here are a few simple tips to help your plants thrive.
Water Deeply, Then Let the Soil Dry
Succulents, in their natural environment, experience periods of heavy rain followed by droughts. Try to mimic this by watering the soil thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Then, wait until the potting mix has dried out completely before watering again.
Avoid giving your plants small sips of water every few days. Frequent, shallow watering encourages weak roots and increases the risk of rot.
Top Watering vs. Bottom Watering
Both methods work well when used correctly.
Top watering is the most common approach. Slowly pour water onto the soil until it flows out of the drainage hole. This ensures the entire root system receives moisture and helps flush out excess mineral buildup.
Bottom watering involves placing the pot in a shallow container of water for about 15–30 minutes, allowing the soil to absorb moisture from below. This can be especially helpful for plants in very dry soil that has become water-repellent. Once the surface of the soil feels damp, remove the pot and let any excess water drain away.
No matter which method you choose, never let your succulent sit in standing water for extended periods.
Learn to Read (and Feel) Your Plant
Instead of watering on a schedule, pay attention to your succulent's leaves.
A well-hydrated succulent has firm, plump leaves.
When it's thirsty, the leaves may:
- Feel softer than usual.
- Look slightly wrinkled or deflated.
- Lose some of their fullness.
Checking the leaves is often a much more reliable indicator than counting the days since the last watering.
Some Succulents Are Trickier Than Others
Not all succulents behave the same way.
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is famous for being a little finicky. It dislikes constantly wet soil but also doesn't appreciate staying bone dry for too long. A good rule is to water once the "pearls" begin to lose some of their round shape or develop a slight softness.
Other succulents that often challenge beginners include:
- Lithops (Living Stones): These require extremely careful watering and should remain dry for long periods during parts of their growth cycle, like when splitting. Overwatering is the fastest way to lose them.
- String of Dolphins and String of Bananas: Similar to String of Pearls, these trailing plants prefer drying between waterings but can dehydrate more quickly than many rosette-forming succulents.
- Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum): Stores plenty of water in its leaves, so it's better to wait a little longer than to water too soon.
A Few Final Tips
- Always use a pot with a drainage hole whenever possible. Terracotta pots (unglazed clay) help regulate soil moisture and are great for succulents and cacti.
- Choose a fast-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. For example, one with a lot of grit (eg., perlite, sand, pumice, lava rocks)
- Water less often during winter, when most succulents grow more slowly.
- Bright light helps the soil dry appropriately and keeps plants healthy. If you think you may have overwatered, you can place your succulent outside (try to avoid direct sun) if it is warm and dry.
When it comes to succulents, patience is one of the best care tools you have. Water deeply, let the soil dry completely, and let the plant tell you when it's ready for its next drink. If you are unsure if your succulent needs water, it is better to wait a couple days to be sure than to water with uncertainty. With a little practice, you'll quickly learn to recognize the signs of a happy, healthy succulent.