Watering is critical to the health and vitality of succulents. Poor watering habits can lead to a plethora of problems ranging from root rot to shriveled leaves and even death. However, determining when your succulents need water can be quite challenging, especially for beginner gardeners. Let’s delve into some key signs showing that your succulent needs a spritz.
1. Wrinkling and Shrinking
If the leaves of your succulent are wrinkling or shrinking, it’s a clear sign that the plant is thirsty. Succulents store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, and when they don’t get enough, they draw on these reserves, causing the leaves to appear deflated or shriveled.
2. Discoloration
A generally healthy succulent should have vibrant, richly colored leaves. However, when your succulent is battling dehydration, it often discolors. For instance, a common sign is the plant’s once-green leaves taking on a purple or brown hue.
3. Soft, Mushy Leaves
Typically, healthy succulents should have firm leaves. If your succulent leaves are becoming soft or mushy to the touch, it could indicate a need for water. Don’t confuse this sign with overwatering, which also results in mushy leaves. In the case of dehydration, the leaves will feel soft, flexible, and somewhat flat as water levels drop, whereas in overwatering, leaves feel overly swollen, heavy, and may burst upon touching.
4. Drooping or Bending Stems
Succulents are prideful plants, holding their heads high. But, if you notice their stems falling over and bending towards the ground, it could be a signal of under-watering. Lack of water weakens the stems, resulting in drooping, as the plant can no longer support its weight.
5. Leaf Drop
A few occasional leaves dropping off a mature succulent is normal. However, if your succulent is losing many leaves simultaneously or if younger plants are losing leaves, it might be a sign of water shortage. Dehydration makes the plant shed unnecessary weight to conserve energy and water.
6. Closed or Shriveled Blossoms
If your blooming succulents’ flowers close up or shrivel during the day, it’s likely they aren’t getting enough water. Healthy succulent blossoms should remain open during the day, closing up during the night.
7. Slow Growth or Dormancy
Each type of succulent has its dormancy period when growth slows down or completely stops. However, if your succulent stops growing outside its dormancy period or remains dormant for longer, it could be owing to under-watering.
8. Brown, Dry, or Crispy Leaves
When underwatered, succulents’ leaf edges and tips may turn brown, dry, or crispy. This condition, known as leaf scorch or tip burn, usually starts from the leaf’s bottom, progressing upward.
Having highlighted the signs, it’s important to understand that the watering needs of succulents can be influenced by various factors. These include the succulent species, the time of the year (season), the local climate, the potting medium, and the pot’s size and type.
In conclusion, understanding when your succulent is thirsty and fulfilling its water requirements in time can prevent several maladies. If the plant exhibits the above signs, it would be best to increase its watering frequency and quantity slightly. On the other hand, remember that overwatering can be just as harmful, leading to root rot among other issues. Hence, aim to strike a balance, providing just enough water needed for your succulents to thrive. As a general rule of thumb, always allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again, and when you do water, ensure it’s thorough, letting the excess drain out from the bottom.
Continuous leaning and attention to the subtle changes in your succulents will ensure you raise thriving, happy plants that brighten your space and soothe your spirits.
