How do succulents take in water in their natural habitat?
Succulents are a large array of plants that have successfully evolved so that they can survive and thrive in extremely dry conditions; hence why their natural habitats tend to be in arid, drought-prone locations, like desserts.
Whenever they are exposed to water (be it a sudden dessert monsoon or even mist from fog), succulents draw in water and collect in their roots, stems, and leaves via special cells.
When conditions are dry, these cells slowly release the stored water. Thus, the plant can stay properly hydrated even through highly intense periods of drought.
Succulent in natural habitat
How do i know my succulents need water?
Their leaves will start to shrivel or become wrinkled when the water that they’ve stored in those specialized cells starts to run out. The leaves will look limp and droopy, it is also soft and rubbery upon touch.
If the leaves appear to be nice and plump, they are not overwatered nor underwatered; avoid giving them anymore water, as doing so could kill the succulent.
Underwatered succulent with dried leaves and wrinkled bottom leaves
How do i water indoor succulents?
For succulents that are housed indoors, here are some tips on how to water your succulent:
· Use a watering can or squeeze bottle with a small nozzle.
Squeeze bottle with sharp nozzle to control watering
· Use the ‘soak and dry’ method. Place your pot on a dish of water to allow the soil to soak up the water. Remove after 10 minutes.
· Use the ‘top down’ method. Water directly into the soil using the watering can or squeeze bottle.
· Avoid getting the top of the leaves wet. If the top of the leaves get wet, they can start to rot, as there’s minimal ventilation and airflow indoors.
· Remove any decorative stones on the surface of the soil as it can inhibit evaporation of the soil moisture
· Place the pot in a well ventilated area with airflow after watering
· Avoid watering the soil again until it has completely dried out. If you water the plant again while the soil is still wet, there is a risk of rot due to overwatering. Check the moisture using a bamboo chopstick. If there is moisture, the chopstick will turn a darker colour. Alternatively, you can use a plant moisture meter.
Measuring the soil moisture using a meter
How do i water outdoor succulents?
If you have succulents in your outdoor garden, use the following tips to keep them healthy:
· Water the plant until the soil is thoroughly soaked.
· It is not necessary to avoid getting the leaves wet when they’re outdoors, as they’ll be exposed to more airflow and will be able to dry out; nevertheless, you should try to keep water from getting on top of the leaves as much as possible.
· Try to keep succulents out of prolonged rain as it will waterlog the soil leading to rot.
· Use a waterproof covering to keep rain out.
· Wait until the soil is dried out to water again.
When should i water my succulents?
A general rule of thumb would be to water once the soil dries out, but indoor succulents should be watered less often as there is less airflow and ventilation, preventing the soil moisture from evaporating hence causing rot.
If your area has a hot and humid climate, be wary about watering as moisture is hard to evaporate. Only water when the bottom leaves start to shrivel or when the soil is entirely dry.
Make sure the soil does not stay wet or damp for more than 2-3 days as it can suffocate the roots and causes root rot.
Outdoor succulents
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