Let’s learn the right way to water succulents in spring from this guide, since most people have been doing it the wrong way!
Spring season is the most crucial time for succulents as they arise from the dormancy period and prepare for active growth. This is the phase where you need to know the right way to water, feed, and maintain them. So, here you’ll explore the correct way to water succulents in spring and avoid some pitfalls!
Does Watering Succulents in Spring Matter?
Spring marks the growing season for most succulents. During this time they need more water than in winter with careful management to prevent overwatering. Proper hydration ensures robust growth, bright colors, and healthy root development.
Watering in pots is achievable by soaking the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes and waiting for the soil to dry out completely before the next pour down. This helps to prevent overwatering issues that may lead to poor growth. For outdoor succulents, rainwater might be enough in spring, so always check the soil before adding extra water. Let’s understand everything about the proper watering techniques below.
Common Watering Mistakes People Make
1. Watering Too Frequently
Do you know why most succulents have plump and fleshy leaves? They have a mechanism of storing water or retaining a lot of moisture in their leaves and stems which allows them to survive in arid conditions. So, frequent watering for such plants isn’t necessary and rather can be harmful leading to unnecessary infections later.
Rather give them a dry-out period for a maximum of 6-7 days before the next watering session. You may also check the soil up to 2 inches deep and figure out if it is thirsty yet! If the soil is dry then you may water.
However, be cautious with newly potted succulents or cuttings, as they require slightly more frequent watering until they establish roots.
2. Using the Wrong Watering Technique
One of the most common mistakes that plant owners make is mist their succulents instead of giving them a deep soak! This can lead to a blunder because it encourages shallow root growth, making the plant weak and prone to drying out quickly.
Misting or using spray bottles doesn’t work best for succulents and that’s something that is never going to change! Please be mindful of this and refrain from using such methods on your succulents.
Instead, use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the base, avoiding the leaves to prevent fungal infections.
3. Ignoring Soil Drainage
Watering and soil drainage go hand in hand for all plants, especially for potted plants. All plants have their own preference medium, and succulents tend to flourish best in porous, sandy, or loamy mediums with less water retention.
Since they always like to be on the drier side, moisture is what they do not like at all. Excess water in the soil leads to fungal growth, root rot, and such issues. Perhaps, a fast-draining soil mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents seems best.
If you’re using regular potting soil, consider amending it with perlite or pumice to improve drainage.
4. Watering at the Wrong Hours of Day
Do you water your succulents when the sun is high up in the sky? Then you’re probably making the wrong efforts for your plants. Watering succulents during peak afternoon sun can lead to excessive evaporation, leaving the roots deprived of moisture.
The best time to water is in the early morning or late afternoon during their active growing season. This allows the roots to absorb moisture before the heat of the day kicks in, reducing water loss through evaporation.
Right Way to Water Succulents in Spring
1. Go With The ‘Soak and Dry’ Method
Whenever in doubt, the best approach is this method. As already mentioned above about this method, thoroughly drench the soil and wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. This technique mimics the natural rainfall pattern of arid climates.
If your succulent is in a non-draining pot, be extra cautious—use very little water and make sure there’s no standing water at the bottom.
2. Use a Well-Draining Potting Mix
Ensure your succulents are planted in a mix that allows excess water to escape quickly. A blend of cactus soil, sand, and perlite works best. For an extra boost, adding activated charcoal to the mix can help absorb excess moisture and prevent root rot.
3. Choose the Right Pot
Terracotta pots with drainage holes are ideal, as they wick away moisture and prevent waterlogging too. Besides you can also use ceramic or clay pots rather than those plastic alternatives. Avoid glass containers or pots without drainage holes unless you’re confident in your watering skills.
4. Adjust Watering Frequency Based on Climate
For dry and warm Climates water once every 7–10 days. Then for humid climates, you need to water less frequently, around every 2–3 weeks. Lastly, indoor succulents need water only when 2 inches deep of soil is dry. Keep in mind that smaller pots dry out faster, so they may need more frequent watering than large ones.
5. Observe Your Succulent’s Needs
Signs of underwatering include shriveled leaves, while mushy or discolored leaves indicate overwatering. These are the two signs you always need to look out for and adjust your watering routine accordingly. If your succulent leaves feel soft but aren’t discolored, it may be a sign that it’s dehydrated rather than overwatered.
Hopefully, by following these steps, you’ll avoid the common mistakes that many plant owners make and enjoy beautiful and healthy succulents all season long. Have any watering tips of your own? Share them with us in the comments!
