Provide the necessary water for irrigation of these plant species It is not an easy task. In fact, this action can determine the well-being of these plants. The fleshy appearance of these plants already shows us at first glance that there is something inside them. They are an integral water reserveThey are plants accustomed to climates where water scarcity usually predominates, which is why they developed a natural mechanism for those water supplies to survive.
Its very hardy plantsThey are well protected against pests and their cultivation does not require any major complications; the most important precaution is irrigation: the excess It is the main cause of death in succulents. When they are young, their shallow roots, upon contact with water, tend to absorb as much as possibleThis behavior, logical due to its origin in arid environments, is a double-edged sword: exposed to too much water, they store more and excess causes root rot.
The first thing to do when planting them is ensure excellent drainage to evacuate the excess. Use a specific substrate for cacti and succulents (very airy), so the well-being of the plant is better guaranteed. If you grow them in pots, it is preferable that are made of clay, since they transpire and allow excess water to evaporate through the pot without rotting the roots.
Do not water succulents with a spray bottle: It is not useful for leaves or stems, much less for soaking the substrate.. The ideal solution is a watering can or hose with a fine mist, something that simulates natural water. Soak the substrate well so that the roots hydrate and replenish their reserves. You can wet stems and leaves without any problem, making sure that no accumulated water remains in rosettes or axils.
After a good watering, the next one should be done when the substrate is completely dryThis controlled drought is beneficial: the plant emits new, more robust rootsAlternating cycles of drought and irrigation allows for root growth. There is no single guideline; as a guide, periods of maximum heat A weekly watering may be sufficient and in cold times one every three weeks, always adjusting to the conditions of your crop.
- When to water succulents
- How to water succulents correctly
- Mistakes when watering succulents – avoid them!
When to water succulents
Succulents alternate periods of activity (growth and flowering) and periods of latency. The key environmental factors are light, temperature y water availability. In activity, the stomata allow transpiration and the roots absorb water and nutrients. At rest, as perspiration is reduced, there is hardly any traffic internal; therefore, they require very little or no irrigation.
Beyond the calendar, learn to read your plant. Clear signs that a succulent needs water:
- Intensification of colorsMild thirst stress enhances pigments. It doesn't require immediate watering, but it indicates the plant is approaching its comfort limit.
- Soft leaves (taco test): The fleshy leaves should feel firm; if they yield when pressed, reserves are falling and it is advisable to water early.
- Wrinkled sheets or deflated: clear symptom of dehydration; water as soon as possible.
At the opposite end, if you notice leaves yellowish and translucent or a general softening, it may be excess irrigation. Let it dry completely and check the drainage.
Tips for making accurate decisions:
- Toothpick test: Insert a toothpick 5 cm. If it comes out clean and dry, it's time to waterIf it comes out wet, wait.
- Weight of the pot: With practice, weight indicates humidity. Light pot = dry substrate.
- Hygrometer substrate: useful in large collections or deep pots.
Indoors, with less ventilation and light, water less than outdoors. Outdoors, wind and sun dry faster: vigilance and fine-tune.
How to water succulents correctly
Objective: soak thoroughly the substrate and allow it to dry completely before the next watering.
- Prepare the conditions: pot with drainage holes and substrate for cacti/succulents (light and mineral). The pots of mud help to evaporate the excess.
- Top watering with a watering can: applies water as a fine rain until come out through the holesWait a few minutes and repeat if the substrate is too dry to rehydrate evenly.
- Immersion irrigation (occasional): Place the pot over a container of water without covering the neck. Remove when the surface of the substrate becomes moist. Drain well. Useful for very water-repellent substrates.
- Avoid spraying: does not hydrate the substrate, it favors fungi and does not replace a deep irrigation.
- Opening hours: improvement first hourAvoid direct midday sun on wet leaves.
Water quality: If yours is very hard, alternate with rain water or filtered to avoid salts. Temperate temperature, never frozen.
Indicative frequency, always subject to the actual drying of the substrate:
- Times of maximum heat: approx. 1 watering per week.
- Cold seasons: approx. 1 watering every three weeks.
Transplanted or newly planted: wait 3–5 days before first watering to allow the microcracks to heal roots and prevent rot.
Very important: remove the plate with water or empty it after 10–15 minutes. The roots should not remain waterlogged.
Mistakes when watering succulents – avoid them!
- Water little and often: generates shallow roots and weak plants. Better watering deep and spaced.
- Use sprayer as the main method: it does not hydrate the substrate and favors mushrooms.
- Pot without drainage or compact substrate: cause root asphyxiaYou need aerated mix and effective holes.
- Watering in dormancy as if active: minimizes at rest, monitors real signals.
- Puddles in rosettes: In Echeveria, Graptopetalum and similar, stagnant water causes neck rot. Shake or blow to remove it.
- Watering under intense sun Midday: Risk of staining and excessive evaporation. Prefer morning.
- Fertilize with dry substrate: always with the substrate slightly damp to avoid burns.
If you grow succulents with pruina (protective whitish layer), avoid wetting the leaves frequently to avoid mark the surface. The focus should always be on the substrate.
How do succulents absorb water and what do they do with it?
The roots of succulents are usually shallow and very efficient, quickly capture available water. Water is transported by stems to leaves, where it is stored in fleshy tissues. Transpiration through the stomata It moves the water-nutrient circuit. Many succulents have a metabolism CAM, which minimizes water loss in dry environments; therefore, they tolerate prolonged droughts, but still require irrigation. well executed to replenish reserves and maintain metabolic activity. To better understand how to optimize this care, you can consult how to water the plants correctly.
Understanding this cycle explains why alternating soaked and dried It works so well: it promotes efficient absorption and the development of a healthy, deep root system.
The excess by high frequency: If your mix drains well, simply let it dry completely. It will likely lose its intense color and look greener while highly hydrated, but will recover when you return to the correct cycle.
Excess by ponding (inadequate substrate or pot without drainage):
- Extract the plant from the pot carefully.
- Withdraw the wet substrate and check the roots: remove the parts with clean tools black or soft.
- Air dry 24–72 h in bright shade, with good ventilation.
- Replant in a suitable potting mix and a well-drained pot. Don't water immediately; wait 3–5 days.
- Consider applying a fungicide if there was severe rot.
If the rot has affected the stem, in rosette species a transplant can be attempted. beheaded (cut above the damaged tissue) and root the crown in dry substrate, resuming watering only after roots appear.
Caring for heritage sewer system, picking out clay pots whenever possible, avoiding the spray By watering only when the substrate is dry, watering succulents becomes simple and predictable. Observe your plants, use simple tests like the toothpick and pot weight, and adjust the frequency to your climate and location; this way, you'll enjoy their vigor, colors, and blooms for many years to come.
