You like succulents. They’re cute, look great on your desk, and are tolerant of minor mistakes. But when is the best time to water a succulent? Suddenly, you’ll be wondering this and more (maybe, such as: how do I take care of a succulent?). Some plants are more temperamental than others, making them tricky to maintain. But by asking the right questions before getting excited by a “cactus for sale” advert, you can avoid some of these pitfalls.
Do you worry about when to water a succulent plant? If so, read this article to find out the best time to water your succulents.
Tips To Water Succulent Plants
Below are the best times to water succulent plants like aloe, cacti, and agave.
Watering A Succulent Plant During The Early Morning (Before 10 am)
The best time to water a succulent is in the morning before the sun rises or in the early afternoon when the sun begins to set. This will prevent leaves from burning and help the soil settle around the root system. That way, the plants can take in more water throughout the day. It is best to plant succulents in a pot that drains well to avoid wasting extra water.
Mid-Day (Around Noon) & Late-Day (After 6 pm) Watering One Day In Two
If your schedule does not allow you to water a succulent in the morning or late afternoon, it is best to do so at least once a day for 15 minutes. This will enable the roots of the plant to be thoroughly soaked. When watering, the best schedule is to do so once mid-day and in the late evening. That way, the plant will not be too wet or dry, leading to root rot.
Watering A Succulent Plant Once Or Twice A Week
If your succulents are in the greenhouse, you can let them dry out between waterings. However, if they are outdoors, it is best to water them every other day or once a week for 15 minutes. This will soak the roots of the plant.
Watering A Succulent Plant Internally Using Fertilizer
It is best to use a half-strength balanced fertilizer once a month. You can do that when you water your succulent plants. However, it is best to use it in conjunction with less frequent watering or let the soil dry out before subsequent irrigation. Although some people recommend using RO (reverse osmosis) water for their succulents, using fertilizers is one way to water them.
Do Not Water Succulents During The Heat Of The Day (Between 9 am – 3 pm)
It is best not to water succulents between 9 am and 3 pm when it is hot. This may cause them to rot because of their high heat. When the sun is high in the sky, water succulents early in the morning or late at night.
Do Not Let Succulents Sit In Water
After watering a succulent, it is best to let the soil dry out before you water them again. This may not be possible if they are outdoors or in a greenhouse. However, even then, the plant’s roots shouldn’t sit in water for more than 10 minutes. It will be better if you let the plant drip dry.
Do Not Overwater Succulents!
Finally, it is essential to remember not to overwater your succulent plants otherwise they will rot and die. That said, if the soil is dry, it is best to give them some water immediately. If you grow succulents in pots or indoors, always check the soil before watering. Use a basic moisture meter for this, or simply stick your finger into the soil to ensure that it is moist down at least two inches. Ensure the soil is dry for outdoor plants by sticking your hand in there and assessing its moisture level. Once you have done this, give them some water if necessary!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Plants in smaller pots need more frequent watering than plants planted in larger ones. Also, one must consider the size of the pot filled with soil. If it is big, then it will require less water but if it is small, you should fill its base with water every day.
If you want to take care of your succulents, follow this simple guide to know the best time to water them. And don’t forget that watering too frequently or infrequently can do more harm than good. Just keep an eye out for those signs and symptoms and water accordingly.
