The Ultimate Guide to Watering Your Cacti and Succulents

If you go to Google and type "How do I water my cacti and succulents?" you may receive no fewer than fifty suggestions. Some may tell you to water when it rains in Arizona, others might say to add four tablespoons of water to each pot on the third full moon of the vernal equinox. The sheer volume of conflicting advice can be overwhelming. But watering cacti and succulents is actually quite simple, and once you understand the basics, you’ll be able to care for your plants with confidence. The key to mastering succulent watering lies in understanding their biology.

Understanding Succulent Biology

Succulents are a group of plants that have evolved to store water in their stems and modified leaves. Cacti are a type of succulent, meaning they share this unique adaptation. These water-storage capabilities allow succulents to survive in arid environments where water is scarce. However, just because they can store water does not mean they don’t need a regular drink. The trick to keeping them healthy is twofold: determining how much and how often to water.

How Much Water Do Cacti and Succulents Need?

The amount of water your succulents and cacti need depends on several factors, including the size of the pot, soil composition, and environmental conditions. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Potted Succulents: Water evenly around the soil until you see a bit of drainage coming out of the bottom of the pot. That’s it—no magic required! Larger pots will need more water, while smaller pots need less.

• Landscape Succulents: Watering in a landscape setting is a bit trickier due to varying soil types. Fast-draining soils may only require a five-second soak with a hose to saturate the root zone. In contrast, clay-heavy soils need a slow, steady drip to allow moisture to penetrate deeply without running off. Over time, as succulents establish themselves in a landscape setting, their water needs decrease. Their growing root systems help them access moisture more efficiently, reducing the need for supplemental watering.

How Often Should You Water Succulents?

Watering frequency is another common concern for succulent owners. The general rule of thumb is to water when the soil has completely dried out. This ensures that the roots do not sit in excess moisture, which can lead to rot. However, external factors such as climate, humidity, and the season will affect how often you need to water.

• Indoor Succulents: In a typical indoor environment, succulents usually need water every 2-6 weeks.  However, this can vary based on temperature and humidity levels. The best way to determine if it’s time to water is to use a moisture meter.  Plunge the meter down to the bottom of the pot-if it reads completely dry, it’s time to water.

• Outdoor Succulents: If you live in a dry, hot climate, you may need to water your outdoor succulents once every week or two during the summer. In cooler, wetter climates, watering once every few weeks may be sufficient.

• Seasonal Adjustments: Succulents experience periods of active growth and dormancy. During their active growing season (typically spring and summer), they require more frequent watering. In fall and winter, they enter dormancy and need far less water—sometimes as little as once a month.

Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering

Many succulent owners struggle to find the right balance between too much and too little water. Fortunately, your plants will give you clues to help you adjust their watering schedule.

Signs of Overwatering

• Leaves become mushy, translucent, or yellow

• Stems feel soft and start to collapse

• The plant develops black spots or mold

• Soil remains wet for prolonged periods

If you suspect overwatering, allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. In severe cases, you may need to remove the plant from its pot, trim off any rotting roots, and repot it in dry soil.

Signs of Underwatering

• Leaves appear wrinkled or shriveled

• Growth slows down significantly

• Leaves may turn brown or dry up at the tips

• Soil remains dry for too long, making it hard for the roots to absorb moisture

If your succulent is underwatered, increase your watering frequency slightly and ensure you’re providing a thorough soak when you do water.

Choosing the Right Soil for Succulents

The type of soil you use plays a crucial role in maintaining proper moisture levels for your succulents. Regular potting soil retains too much water and can lead to root rot. Instead, opt for a well-draining succulent mix that contains materials like fine coarse gravel, perlite, and pumice. These additives improve aeration and prevent excessive moisture retention.

If you're planting succulents outdoors, consider amending your garden soil with small 1/4" sized or smaller gravel to enhance drainage. Raised beds and mounded soil can also help prevent water from pooling around the roots.

The Role of Containers and Drainage

The container you choose for your succulent also affects its watering needs. Ideally, use pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Without proper drainage, water can accumulate at the bottom of the pot, leading to root rot.

If you prefer decorative pots without drainage holes, you can still use them—just be extra cautious with watering. One method is to plant your succulent in a smaller, well-draining pot and then place it inside the decorative container. This way, you can remove the inner pot for watering and allow it to drain completely before placing it back.

Watering Succulents in Different Climates

Your local climate will greatly influence how you should water your succulents. Here are some tips based on different environmental conditions:

• Hot and Dry Climates: Succulents dry out faster and may need water more frequently. A deep soak once every week or two during summer may be necessary.

• Humid Climates: High humidity slows down evaporation, so succulents need water less often. Ensure good air circulation to prevent excess moisture from causing rot.

• Cold Climates: During winter, succulents enter dormancy and require very little water. If temperatures drop below freezing, avoid watering altogether to prevent ice crystals from damaging the roots.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Succulents

Not all succulents have the same water needs. Here’s a quick guide to some common types:

• Cacti (e.g., Barrel Cactus, Prickly Pear): These need minimal water, especially in winter. Water deeply but infrequently.

• Aloe Vera: Prefers deep, occasional watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

• Echeveria: Requires more frequent watering than cacti but still follows the "soak and dry" method.

• Jade Plant (Crassula): Likes slightly more water than most succulents but should never sit in soggy soil.

Final Thoughts

Watering cacti and succulents may seem complex at first, but once you understand their natural adaptations and needs, it becomes second nature. The key takeaway is to water deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil dries out completely between waterings. By paying attention to your plant’s signals and adjusting based on climate and season, you’ll keep your succulents thriving for years to come.

So next time you’re tempted to consult Google for an overly complicated watering schedule, just remember: water when the soil is dry, ensure good drainage, and let your succulents do what they do best—store water and thrive in their unique way!