Succulents are a variety of plants that differ from the rest by absorbing large amounts of water and storing them in their roots, leaves or stem to stay hydrated during the dry season. For that reason, they are one of the easiest plants to maintain and a favorite in many types of climates.
The appearance of their leaves and stem is what will denote the amount of water they need. You should water them if you see that they are dry. Its watering is of the utmost importance, since if it is done in excess, it could kill the plant. In this opportunity, in oneHOWTO we will tell you how to water succulents to give them the best possible care.
When to water succulents
To know how often to water the succulents, it is important that you observe and pay attention to them every day. Succulents can reserve water inside, so it is not necessary to water them every day.
A general rule that you can follow to know when to water succulents is to see if they have dry soil. Drive in a wooden stick or stick your finger in the dirt to feel the moisture in the soil. If it’s completely dry, it’s time to water your succulents.
Succulents will need a greater or lesser amount of water depending on where they are. If they are in a place with high humidity, it will not be necessary to water them very often.
In any case, it is good water the succulents every 3 to 4 days. You should have them planted in pots with holes so that the water drains more easily. If you have indoor succulents, you may need to water them more often.
At oneHOWTO we have prepared a complete guide with everything you need to know to keep your succulents healthy and strong. Access it in our article How to care for succulents – care guide.
How to water succulents correctly
Although they can last a long time without watering them, succulents will grow with large and strong roots if we give them the right amount of water for their development. To water succulents properly, keep these tips in mind:
- Water the succulent until the soil is completely soaked.
- Wait for the soil to dry completely before watering again.
- Do not flood the soil, an excessive amount of water can cause lethal damage to the plant.
- During the dry season, succulents develop new roots. These will be healthy and thick enough to store water for longer.
How to water cacti
Cacti are watered in the same way as succulents. The best way to water them is with rainwater, although you can also do it with tap water. However, if the pH of the water is high, it is necessary to let the plant rest for a day, so that the metals are concentrated under the container.
These types of plants are found in extremely hot climates, which is why it is important to water them 1 or 2 times a week. If it is a small cactus that is in its plastic pot, you can put water on it daily, because this type of container does not concentrate moisture.
In case the plant is in the garden or in a terracotta pot, can be watered every 7 or 10 days during the summer.
Mistakes When Watering Succulents – Avoid Them!
Many times mistakes are made when watering succulents. Serious mistakes in watering these types of plants can cause illness or death. For this reason, it is important that you avoid the following mistakes:
- Using a sprayer or atomizer: Many people tend to water succulents with a sprayer to use less water, however this method will impair root growth.
- Use unsuitable flooring: It is important to plant the succulents in dry soils, otherwise they could die shortly after being sown. Find out how to plant succulents correctly by clicking on the link.
- Excessive use of fertilizer: After having watered the plant, it is important not to use large amounts of fertilizer, because they prevent the growth of the flowers, as well as some roots in the case of cacti.
- Using pots without a drainage hole: When closed pots are used, the soil is not oxygenated properly and this brings complications in watering the succulents. For this reason, the use of ceramic or clay pots is recommended, since they favor the concentration of nutrients.
Plants help us to beautify the house and the way in which you water them will be essential to extend their life. Succulents give a lot of life to the home and you can have more than one because they are very easy to care for. In oneHOWTO we explain how to reproduce succulents so that you can fill your garden or home with their shapes and colors.
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