Succulent Watering Tips
Owen Murphy
| 30-06-2025
· Lifestyle Team
We know the struggle. Many of us keep asking: “How often should we water our succulents?” But honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The perfect watering schedule depends on factors like the season, our climate, where we place our pots, and how quickly the soil dries.
Instead of counting the days, what really matters is how we water. So, let’s walk through 7 super practical tips to keep our little green friends happy and thriving!
1. Water when the soil is dry, and do it thoroughly
No matter what type of succulent we have, the golden rule is “water when dry, and soak completely.” During their active growth periods—mainly spring and fall—let’s wait until the soil is about 70–80% dry before watering. But here’s the catch: we should water deeply, not just moisten the top layer. A half-hearted splash leaves the roots thirsty. Faster dry-wet cycles encourage healthier growth.
In summer or winter, many succulents enter dormancy or slow down their growth. That means we should water less to avoid root rot. Dry soil is actually safer than soggy soil during these periods. For newly potted or freshly pruned plants, a light misting is enough—no need to drench.
One exception? Succulents in the Aizoaceae family, like lithops (living stones). During their shedding phase, even if the soil dries out, we must resist the urge to water.
2. Use the right size pot for each plant
Think of pots like shoes—fit is everything. A tiny plant in a large pot leads to soil staying damp for too long, which can rot the roots. A big plant in a tiny pot? The soil dries out too fast. Choosing a pot that matches our plant’s size helps keep the dry-wet rhythm balanced. It also promotes better airflow and root health.
3. Don’t water on rainy or cloudy days
During rainy or overcast weather, the air is already humid, and sunlight is limited. Succulents slow down photosynthesis, and soil takes longer to dry. Watering under these conditions can lead to prolonged moisture and rot. On such days, it’s best to skip the watering can.
4. Check your succulent’s “body language”
Succulents will often show us when they need water. If we see the leaves curling, wrinkling, or becoming soft and dull, it's a clear sign of dehydration. But be careful—some varieties, like Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) or Sedum adolphii, retain their glossiness even when water-deprived. So, it’s not always just about looks; we need to know our plants well.
5. Try the “chopstick test”
For new plant parents, judging dryness by sight might be tricky. That’s where the bamboo stick test comes in handy. Just insert a stick into the soil and pull it out—if moist soil clings halfway up the stick, it’s not time yet. We can also weigh the pot in our hands. A dry pot feels much lighter than a moist one.
6. Pick the right time of day for watering
Watering at the right time helps protect our succulents. In summer, early morning or late evening is best. Midday sun can quickly evaporate the water or even scorch wet leaves. In winter, we should water around noon when temperatures are milder, to prevent cold damage. Ideally, water used should be at room temperature—so if we use tap water, let it sit for a while before using it.
Also, succulents grow best between 59°F to 82°F (15–28°C). Below 59°F, growth slows. Below 41°F, dormancy begins. And under 32°F, many can’t survive. Timing and temperature matter more than we think!
7. Know what to do when your plant still looks sad
If we water our succulents but the leaves still look tired or mushy after a few days, something might be wrong underground. It’s time to gently unpot, check the roots, trim off any rot, and replace the soil. Catching this early can save our plant and give it a fresh start.
Let’s grow together!
We all want our succulents to thrive, and it’s easier than it seems once we stop obsessing over the calendar and start observing our plants. Let’s trust our instincts, feel the soil, and adjust based on the seasons. These little habits can make a big difference!
Lykkers, are you already using some of these tips? Or do you have your own favorite watering trick? Let’s share and grow together—leave us a comment and tell us how you care for your succulent family.
How and When to Water Succulents for Beginners | Succulent Tips for Beginners
Video by Succulents Box