During the spring and summer, when succulents are actively growing, you’ll need to water them much more frequently. They rapidly extract water from the earth as they grow new stems, leaves, roots, and blossoms. Depending on the weather, such as the light and temperature, you might water them three times every week. Succulent plants go dormant in the winter. You won’t need to water them very much throughout the season because their growth has stopped. Giving a succulent too much water in the winter is one of the simplest ways to destroy it, so avoid using your watering can from November to March. Allow your succulent to rest peacefully in the desert.
Container Size
Because larger containers contain more soil, which retains moisture longer, they require less frequent watering. Small, shallow containers will require more regular watering because the soil dries out more quickly.
How should outdoor succulents be cared for?
Although succulent plants can endure dry spells, they need constant watering during the growing season. Water deeply once the soil has dried to about two inches (5 cm) below the surface, then wait a few days before watering again.
Rot is the most frequent issue with succulents. This can be avoided by keeping the stems out of the soil and allowing drying times in between irrigations. Additionally, irrigate the plant from the base to keep the leaves dry.
Keep an eye out for bug problems and use water and horticultural soap spray to eliminate them.
During the maintenance of succulent garden plants, cut off dead stems and offsets. It is simple to start an offset as a brand-new plant. Offsets should be planted in a fresh part of the garden after being cared for in a well-drained potting mix until the roots are substantial and strong.
How long can succulent plants be left outside without water?
In general, succulents that are grown indoors or outdoors during the cooler months will need less water. They can go without water for one to three months.
Indoor succulents will be less exposed to the weather outside because the soil dries out more quickly outside than it does indoors due to the wind and sunlight.
The soil remains moist for extended periods of time in milder climes, typically fall and winter.
To avoid overwatering indoor plants during the cooler months, read more about our toothpick test here.
To avoid root rot, it’s crucial to examine the soil before watering indoor succulent plants and to make sure it is completely dry between waterings.
How do you tell whether a succulent needs to be watered?
Succulents are better off dry than wet, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore the need to water them. In fact, the plant needs water to survive, and much like people, it will exhibit dehydration symptoms. Your succulent clearly needs extra water if its leaves are wrinkled and shriveled.
The cells attempt to bring in more water to make up for the water that has been lost as they release their stored moisture to the rest of the plant. The cells shrink as they run out of water and the plant is forced to rely on its limited reserves, which causes the once-firm and full leaves to collapse and shrivel.
How often should summertime watering be done for outdoor succulents?
Summer is coming up quickly! Additionally, proper watering is crucial for happy, healthy succulents as temps climb.
There is a widespread misperception that succulents require little or no water. Given that such fat leaves store a variety of reserves for the plants, there is some validity to the statement “require very little.” However, because of their reserves, they require less irrigation overall than other plants. The truth is that succulents like water, and they prefer to be deeply irrigated, once their reserves have been somewhat depleted.
Frequency
You should water your succulents roughly once a week if you are keeping them outside or in a greenhouse throughout the summer. The soil should be getting close to being completely dry, but not for too long.
Technique
Make sure to water established plants until their deepest roots are submerged in water. As a general rule, keep watering until water begins to emerge from the pot’s bottom. Deep watering will encourage strong root development, which will make the plants healthier. A less established plant and a shallow root system are the results of frequent, superficial watering.
But succulents don’t like to stay in moist environments for too long. Drainage is crucial, thus. In the ground, adding some pumice to your soil will improve drainage. A well-draining potting mix and a container with a drainage hole will work for your container garden.
Here is an illustration of two identical haworthias that were cultivated using various watering techniques. Lightly watered on the left, intensively watered on the right till the water flowed out of the bottom of the pot. The end result is that the haworthia on the left is smaller and its root system is less established. The haworthia to the right is full, has a solid root structure, and is beautifully colored green.
Timing
The optimum time of day to water succulent plants in the summer is in the early morning before temperatures rise. You may prevent hot water from sitting in the crown of your plant and perhaps scorching it by avoiding watering in the afternoon when temperatures are at their highest.
If watering in the morning is not possible, watering in the evening is an option. This is a bad idea to do in the cold, though. In the colder months, keeping the plants damp all night makes them more vulnerable to fungus. To be safe from such cultural concerns, we err on the side of keeping our plants a little dry over the winter.
Exposure
Remember that, like us, succulents require a little more sun protection during these hot summer months. If their leaves are left in the sun for an extended amount of time, they will burn. We advise keeping your succulents in a position with dappled shade from a tree or under an awning for partial shade.
The health of your succulent depends on water. A vigorous plant that is more resistant to pests and disease will result from good root health and good watering. Additionally, the other living organisms in your garden need on water. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are just a few of the pollinators that depend on the water we water our plants with.
Can I leave my succulents outside?
Succulents are drought-tolerant plants because they can retain water in their large, irregularly shaped leaves. Succulents have a broad variety of eye-catching shapes and textures, which provide any landscape aesthetic interest. Can succulents live outside? is an often asked question. The quick response is “yes”! Growing succulents outdoors is an excellent alternative because they do well there and can withstand some neglect. They also do well in sunny areas with warm, dry weather.
Succulents can be grown in the ground, in pots, or hidden in unexpected planting locations. Take the uncertainty out of caring for these wonderful conversation pieces with stunning foliage by reading our suggestions for growing succulents outside.
Do succulents need to be in the sun directly?
1. Ensure that your succulents receive adequate light. Depending on the type, succulents need six hours of sunlight each day because they are light-loving plants. You might need to gradually expose newly planted succulents to full sun exposure or give shade with a translucent screen because they can burn in direct sunshine.
Aloe vera should be hydrated either from the top or bottom.
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Aloe vera plant owners frequently hear that they are difficult to care for, but that isn’t actually the case.
The good thing is that an aloe vera requires very little watering, so you won’t have much to do when it comes to keeping it well maintained. Just like any other plant, you simply need to know what to do to keep it healthy.
Having said that, it’s crucial for you to discover how to water it, namely whether to water aloe vera plants from the top or bottom.
Aloe vera plants should constantly be watered from the bottom up. Aloe vera plants don’t require much watering, but when they do, it’s important to do it correctly. In order to achieve this, steadily pour water into the pot until drainage holes beneath the pot begin to fill with water.
You water aloe vera from the bottom because you want the roots to be nicely damp but not drenched when you’re done.
You will achieve your goal of finishing the roots first if you concentrate on directing the water close to the bottom of the pot.
Leaves falling off
Why are your succulents losing leaves? Issues with watering are the most frequent cause. If the leaves receive too much moisture, they may expand, turn mushy, and eventually fall off. Overwatering causes leaves to drop off, which are soggy and mushy, and the stem may look puffy.
Solution: Delay watering until the top inch of soil feels completely dry. Make sure the potting soil drains adequately and that the plant doesn’t sit in water for an excessive amount of time. Repot the plant and replace the soil with one that drains effectively if the wrong potting mix was used.
Before transplanting and providing fresh water after repotting, give the plant some time to recoup and mend. When watering, allow extra water to drip out of the pot’s openings. If the pot doesn’t already have drainage holes, think about drilling some or changing your watering methods to avoid overwatering.
Extreme heat can also cause leaves to fall off. Succulents adapt by shedding their leaves during periods of extreme heat or drought to help conserve energy and retain their water supply. Even though this is a typical natural reaction, there are things you can take to lessen stress in your plant.
In the event of a heatwave or drought, move the plant to a more shady position away from the direct, full sun. Additionally, the plant might require more frequent watering under these circumstances. When the top inch of the soil seems dry to the touch or as needed, increase irrigation.
Watering issues
Watering problems might cause the leaves to become yellow. Both overwatering and underwatering might result in yellowing of the leaves. Pay attention to additional developments involving your plant.
The plant is being overwatered if it receives plenty of water and its leaves are yellowing, mushy, and bloated. The likelihood of the plant being underwatered increases if the leaves are yellowing, shriveling, and wilting and you are aware that you have not watered the plant in a while.
Adjust watering methods as needed. Reduce your watering frequency and wait until the soil is completely dry between applications if you think the plant is being overwatered. Water the plant more thoroughly if it’s being neglected. The majority of succulents appreciate regular watering until extra liquid leaks from the pot’s perforations. Do not rewater until the earth has dried out.
Lack of nutrients
Insufficient nutrients can cause leaves to turn yellow. The majority of commercial succulent potting soil contains compost or fertilizer in addition to the soil. For a long time, the plants can survive on those nutrients.
These nutrients eventually need to be brought back in because of the frequent watering that flushes them out of the soil. Repotting the plant in new potting soil or feeding the plant are two ways to supply nutrients.
Solution: Fertilize the plant or repot it in a good, well-draining potting mix. Use a fertilizer combination made especially for cacti and succulents or a well-balanced fertilizer made for houseplants.
Because they are not heavy feeders, cacti and succulents don’t need a lot of fertilizer. Reduce the recommended fertilizer dosage to 50% from what is stated on the container. During the growing season, feeding once every two weeks should be plenty.
Watering Issues
Underwatering is the primary cause of withered leaves. The plant probably needs water if the leaves start to look withered and shriveled, which usually happens to the upper leaves of the plant first. If you have been lightly watering your plant and you see that the leaves are beginning to shrink, you likely have an underwatering issue that is readily fixed.
Solution: Give the plant more frequent and thorough waterings. Succulents require extra water during the growing season and during heat waves. When watering, allow water to drain from the holes and wait until the soil is dry before watering again.
The leaves may also shrink as a result of overwatering. However, excessive watering can cause leaves to seem limp, weak, and fall off rather than wilt and shrivel. The stem may also seem swollen.
These are images of plants that had been overwatered and had lost the majority or all of their leaves. The leaves had mold and were mushy and rotten. Also squishy are the stems.
Solution: Water less frequently and be sure to let the soil dry out between applications if you suspect overwatering. Before rewatering, the top inch of the soil must feel dry. Repot the plant in a well-draining potting soil if it is in the incorrect potting mix.
Before transplanting and watering the plant once again after repotting, let it dry out for a few days to give the plant time to recuperate and mend from overwatering. To check for moisture in the soil and the air, you can use tools like hygrometers and moisture meters. Please visit my resource page to see my suggested product list.
Brown Leaves or Dark Spots on Leaves
Sunburn or sun damage is the most frequent cause of brown or black blotches on the foliage of your succulents. The plant may experience this if it is exposed to unfiltered full sun or if it has just been transferred to a sunny site without having had time to acclimate. During extremely high heat waves or droughts, even plants accustomed to full sun may have brown leaves.
Solution: Move the plant to a more shaded area or offer more shade while it’s hot outside. To gradually acclimate a plant and prevent sun damage, gradually increase the amount and intensity of sunlight it receives over time before bringing it outside or to a sunnier place. To prevent burning, avoid placing young plants or plants that have recently been propagated in direct sunlight. Please visit my resource page if you would want product recommendations for shade cloths and outside sun protection for succulents.
Dead Lower Leaves
As the plant grows and develops new leaves from its core, the lower leaves inevitably wither and die. Dead leaves either fall off on their own or are readily plucked off.
To prevent insects and bugs from hiding in the soil, remove any dead leaves off the plant or pick up any dead leaves that have fallen into the ground.
Stems Stretching Out
If the plant doesn’t get enough light, the stems will sag or the entire plant will begin to etiolate. A plant’s natural response to darkness is called étiolation.
The plant’s stem and overall shape are extending towards the direction of the light source. The stem may appear to be extending, and the spacing between the leaves may appear to be widening. When in this condition, the plant’s growth is prone to being stunted.
Solution: Move your plant to a more sunny area. The greatest sunshine will enter a room through a south or east facing window. If you’re transferring your plant to an area with more sunlight, do so gradually to prevent sun damage.
Avoid any abrupt alterations that could startle your plant. For instance, avoid transferring the plant from a low-light environment indoors to direct sunlight outdoors right quickly. Increase the plant’s exposure to sunshine gradually in both quantity and quality.
A grow light is an excellent choice to provide more light for those inside regions that are difficult to access if you are unable to supply more sunlight for your indoor succulents. If you move your plant to a new area, use a grow light, or make any other changes, pay attention to how it responds. Adapt and modify as necessary.
The above-mentioned irrigation problems might cause leaves to grow malformed. Either too little or too much water is being given to the plant. If there is too little, the leaves begin to shrivel. If the leaves receive too much moisture, they become limp and droopy and may even wrinkle.
Lack of nutrients in your plants is another typical explanation. The potting mix your plant is in may no longer have enough nutrients for your plants if it has been in the same pot for more than two years or more. The leaves may start to seem deformed and occasionally turn yellow or discolored if this is the case.
The majority of commercial succulent potting soil contains compost or fertilizer in addition to the soil. For a long time, the plants can survive on those nutrients. These nutrients eventually need to be brought back in because of the frequent watering that flushes them out of the soil.
Lack of nutrients is causing these plants to struggle. Their leaves are wilting and changing color.
Solution: If you think your plant’s misshaped leaves may be the result of hydration problems, try adjusting your watering methods and monitoring how your plant reacts. A thorough watering will frequently resolve the issue without taking too long if the plant is drowning and its leaves are withered. The degree of the damage determines how your plant will respond when water is withheld if it has been overwatered. If not, you might need to replace the soil your plant is sitting in or there might already be root rot. The plant might recover rapidly.
If the plant needs more nutrients and has deformed leaves, either fertilize it or repot it in a suitable, well-draining potting mix. Repotting the plant in new potting soil or feeding the plant are two ways to supply nutrients. Use a fertilizer combination made especially for cacti and succulents or a well-balanced fertilizer made for houseplants.
Stunted Growth
Lack of light might result in stunted growth. Without enough sunlight, plants deteriorate and can’t develop properly. The stems begin to sag, and there won’t be much new growth.
Solution: Move your plant to a more sunny area. The greatest sunshine will enter a room through a south or east facing window. If you’re transferring your plant to an area with more sunlight, do so gradually to prevent sun damage. Avoid any abrupt alterations that could startle your plant.
For instance, avoid transferring the plant from a low-light environment indoors to direct sunlight outdoors right quickly. Increase the plant’s exposure to sunshine gradually in both quantity and quality. When moving your plant, observe how it responds and make any necessary adjustments.
Stunted growth can also result from nutrient deficiency. It could be time to re-pot or add fertilizers if your plant has been in the same pot for more than two years. The majority of commercial succulent potting soil contains compost or fertilizer in addition to the soil.
For a long time, the plants can survive on those nutrients. These nutrients eventually need to be brought back in because of the frequent watering that flushes them out of the soil.
Solution: Fertilize the plant or re-pot it in an appropriate, well-draining potting soil. Repotting the plant in new potting soil or feeding the plant are two ways to supply nutrients. Use a fertilizer combination made especially for cacti and succulents or a well-balanced fertilizer made for houseplants.