How to Water Your Succulents

 

Water and sunlight. Sunlight and water. From an early age, we are taught that these are the pillars of plant care. It sounds simple enough. Give your plant plenty of light and routine drinks. Then sit back and watch them grow.

But what if the soil is still damp from the last watering? What if the leaves are wilting? Or if the soil is molding? These are just a few signs that your succulent is getting too much to drink. And when it comes to cacti and succulents, overwatering is one of the most common killers. These plants are accustomed to a dry, desert climate, where rain showers are few and far between. Succulents counteract this by absorbing and storing water to be used over periods between rainfall.

While your living room may not resemble Joshua Tree National Forest, there are ways to mimic the desert conditions and give your succulents the best chance to not only survive, but thrive.

At Lazy Gardens, we stick to the golden rule of watering succulents: when in doubt, dry it out. This means that we allow the soil to dry completely in between thorough waterings, much like a California desert. Well-draining soil and a spacious pot with drainage are key to allowing your succulent to receive the complete, balanced drink that it craves. You’ll notice strong, colorful leaves stemming from your plant if it is receiving this proper dose of watering.

Is it possible to keep a watering schedule? Yes, but we don’t necessarily recommend it. Indoor plants are susceptible to a range of changing humidity and conditions, so while watering every 2-3 weeks may be a decent strategy, it is better to check the soil regularly and pay close attention to your succulents needs. Like all living things, a little attention and care goes a long way.