It seems like the most common question when it comes to succulent care is about watering. Most new succulent owners have heard that succulents don’t need a lot of water. This is true. However, many people interpret this wrong. They tend to think that this means that when they water, they should only pour on a little bit, giving their plants little sips of water here and there. In truth, this is the opposite of what is best for your plant. This method of watering will likely result in an unhealthy or dead plant. This can easily be avoided, however, if you know a few key pieces of information Succulents are native to a warm, dry climate, places like Mexico, Arizona, and California. In their native environment, they will go stretches of time without water. However, when they do get rain, they get a lot. This is why succulents have their characteristic plumb leaves. They use these leaves to store the water they get when it rains so that they will have it available for dry times. The truth is, succulents do need a lot of water. They just don’t need it very often. So what does this mean for my watering? This information plays a part in three areas of succulents watering: timing, technique, and soil. Soil We’re starting with soil because, in some ways, its the most important part of the trio. If you are watering correctly, but you don’t have the right soil, it won’t work. Your plants won’t thrive, and will likely die. Luckily for you, the succulents you buy from Thrive already come in a soil that keeps them healthy and happy, so you really don’t have to worry about this aspect of watering. However, the unfortunate truth is that most succulents don’t come in the right soil. Many commercial growers use a soil that is designed for exactly what they want it to do, keeping their plants alive in their greenhouse with minimal care. Many times, they will use the same soil they use for their other plants to simplify things. This method may work for them, but it's not the best for you. In this method, the plants are in an environment where they have the water they need to live, but not their ideal soaking-drought cycle. Because of this, they are not able to live up to their full potential. Good succulent soil can look like a lot of different things. The soil I use is a mixture of Cactus potting mix and Perlite. This combination creates a very well-draining soil. But this isn’t the only option. Any soil that dries out between waterings and lets roots of the plant breathe will work. Timing The reason why you need a well-draining soil comes into play when you look at the timing aspect of watering. Having well-draining soil lets your plant dry out in-between waterings, creating the soaking-drought cycle I mentioned earlier. During the soaking part of the cycle, the plant receives the water it needs. During the drought, it does most of its growing. This is why letting the soil dry out in-between waterings is so important. If you don’t give your plant this time, it won’t be able to Thrive. Because of this, the best time to water is a few days after you plant’s soil dries out. A rough estimation for this 1.5 weeks, but there are a lot of variables that can influence it, so it is best to pay attention to your plants to see when they are looking like they need a drink. Technique When you notice that your plant needs to be watered, completely saturate your it’s soil. If your pot has a drainage hole, this is pretty easy. All you have to do is continue to pour on water until the soil can’t hold anymore and it flows out the drainage hole. If your pot doesn’t have a drainage hole, this is a little harder. You have to use a little guesswork because if you give your plants too much water, it will sit at the bottom of your pot and possibly drown your plant. Guessing the right amount is pretty easy for a small pot, but the bigger you get, the harder it gets. Because of this, I always make sure that my larger arrangements are equipped with a drainage hole. Once your soil is completely soaked, let it dry out, and then repeat! Once you know the right way to water your plants, and figure out a routine, keeping them alive and happy is pretty easy. Another great thing about succulents is they are pretty forgiving, so if you forget them, it isn’t a big deal. Just get back on your watering schedule, and the should perk up again. If not, you can always get help on my Q&A page!
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Megan KamperHi! I am the creator of Thrive Living Art! I love to learn about how to help plants thrive, and then combine that knowledge with my creativity to make living art! On my blog, you'll learn more about taking care of succulents and other plants. You'll also find out what Thrive is up to, and where I'll be selling my art next! Buy your creation in person!Archives
December 2020
Are you struggling to keep your plants alive?Get some advice!
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