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The Art of Watering Indoor Succulents
Watering indoor succulents is a delicate balancing act that requires knowledge and expertise. Succulents are desert plants, so they have adapted to survive in environments with less water. That’s why appropriately watering these plants in an indoor setting is critical to their health and longevity.
The first step in watering succulents is understanding their fundamental needs. In the desert, the plants can survive long spells of arid conditions, followed by intense periods of rain where they absorb as much water as they can. Our job is to simulate this natural cycle indoors.
SETTING A WATERING SCHEDULE
Setting a watering schedule and consistently following it can help keep your succulents thriving. Most indoor succulents thrive with a thorough watering every two weeks. However, this can vary depending on the specific type of succulent and the current climatic condition of your location.
During the summer season, the warmer weather will dry out the soil faster, meaning you might have to water your plants more frequently. However, during winter, the need for water decreases due to decreased sunlight and lower temperatures, making the soil take longer to dry.
EVALUATING THE NEED FOR WATER
It is essential to assess whether your succulent needs watering. Overwatering is one of the most common reasons succulents die. To avoid this, wait until the soil is completely dry before watering. This dry period encourages the roots to grow, making the plant more stable and better at absorbing water.
You can check the dryness level by sticking your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
WATERING TECHNIQUES
There are various ways to water a succulent, but the best one is the “soak and dry” method. Soak the soil thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage hole, and then wait for the soil to dry out before watering again.
Avoid the common tendency to mist your succulents. Succulents need deep watering to encourage the roots to grow deep and strong, and misting can’t achieve this.
WATER QUALITY
The quality of the water you use can affect the health of your succulents. Rainwater is the best choice because it is naturally soft and free from chemicals and salts that can build up in the soil. However, if you don’t have access to rainwater, filtered or distilled water is the next best choice. Avoid using heavily chlorinated tap water as it can be harmful to your plants.
POT SELECTION AND DRAINAGE
The type of pot and its drainage is essential when watering your succulents. Pots with drainage holes are ideal as they prevent water from sitting at the bottom, which can cause root rot.
A popular choice is terra cotta pots as they absorb excess moisture, allowing the soil to dry out faster. Whatever pot you utilize, ensure it doesn’t keep water stagnant.
All these factors considered, the art of watering indoor succulents is not a definite science. It requires keen observation, understanding your plant’s specific needs, and adapting as necessary. Once you master this, you’ll have vibrant, long-lived succulents adding beauty to your indoor environment.
