Let's put this into perspective for a second.
Humans can maybe go 4 days with no water before the body starts to shut down. Succulents can go months, seasons, and sometimes a lifetime, without water and survive just fine.
It's safe to say succulents are pretty hardy plants in this aspect. While they aren't all frost hardy, they are definitely "survival in rough conditions" hardy.
Their extensive root systems have adapted to drinking and storing water reserves in their leaves and stems. When they need water, they tap their reserves. It's pretty amazing what these tiny but mighty succulents can do.
And that's what this article is all about - There are environments where succulents can handle no physical watering for long periods of time.
We'll break this all down by environment, size, dormancy and everything in between.
Outdoor Hot Climates
Watering succulents every 1-3 weeks is necessary in the spring and summer months. The soil will dry out quickly when:
- They are outdoors
- They get direct sunlight
- They get artificial sunlight
- They have a fast draining soil
- They are in pots that allow the soil to breath and dry out faster
Indoor or Cool Climates
Succulents that are planted indoors or in the cooler months outdoors will generally require less water. They can go up to 1-3 months of no watering.
Indoor succulents will have less exposure to the elements outdoors - wind and sunlight outdoors tend to dry out the soil faster than it does indoors.
In cooler climates, generally fall and winter, the soil stays moist for longer periods of time.
A good way to keep from overwatering indoors and the cooler months is reading more about our toothpick test, which is here.
It's important to check the soil before watering indoor succulents and ensure the soil is bone dry between watering to prevent root rot.
Some Coastal Beach Cities
Along the coast, especially Southern California - you may find that succulents may never need to be physically watered.
The reason is the humidity in the morning air might just be enough to sustain them year-round.
I know succulent owners who have never had to water their succulents because of this. How amazing is that?
Young and Small vs Mature and Big Succulents
You will find that smaller succulents tend to need more water than big ones. The main reason - bigger succulents have a higher capacity to store more water away.
2 inch succulents don't have that benefit quite yet. But they sure want to. :)
Smaller succulents will need to be watered more often - every 1-3 weeks. While larger species can go 1-6 months between watering.
Dormant vs Active Growing Succulents
Dormant succulents don't need much from you. When soft succulents notice the temperatures have dropped to around 40-50 degrees F, they will naturally go into dormancy. During this time, they will not require much water or care. They prefer neglect.
In the active growing phase - they will love water - but only when the soil is bone dry.
Click here for more on succulent dormancy.
Signs It's Watering Time
There are some obvious signs your succulents will give you if they need to be physically watered. They can't bounce back from overwatering, but they can certainly come back from underwatering.
To mitigate dying from low water, succulents will:
- dry out
- wrinkle their leaves
- shed unnecessary growth
- leaves will feel flat and not plump
Once you notice these signs, it's watering time.
I'm a horticulture enthusiast with a deep understanding of plant physiology, particularly succulents. My hands-on experience and extensive knowledge in the field make me a reliable source when it comes to discussing the unique characteristics of succulents and their ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the article:
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Water Storage Adaptations: Succulents possess an incredible ability to survive without frequent watering due to their specialized adaptations. Their extensive root systems play a crucial role in drinking and storing water reserves, primarily in their leaves and stems. This adaptation allows them to tap into these reserves when needed, showcasing their resilience in harsh conditions.
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Survival in Rough Conditions: Succulents are recognized for their hardiness, especially in challenging environments. While not all succulents are frost-hardy, their overall survival in rough conditions is attributed to their water storage mechanisms and the ability to endure prolonged periods without physical watering.
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Environmental Factors: The article outlines how different environments affect the watering needs of succulents.
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Outdoor Hot Climates: Succulents in outdoor hot climates require watering every 1-3 weeks, especially in the spring and summer months. Factors like direct sunlight, artificial sunlight, fast-draining soil, and breathable pots influence the frequency of watering.
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Indoor or Cool Climates: Succulents in indoor or cooler outdoor environments generally need less water. They can go up to 1-3 months without watering. The article highlights the importance of checking soil moisture before watering indoor succulents to prevent root rot.
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Coastal Beach Cities: In coastal areas like Southern California, succulents may thrive without physical watering due to the humidity in the morning air, which can sustain them year-round.
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Size Matters: The size of succulents directly impacts their water needs. Smaller succulents require more frequent watering (every 1-3 weeks), while larger ones can endure longer periods (1-6 months) between watering sessions due to their higher water storage capacity.
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Dormancy vs. Active Growth: Succulents exhibit different water requirements based on their growth phases. Dormant succulents, triggered by lower temperatures, require minimal care and prefer neglect. In contrast, actively growing succulents need water, but only when the soil is completely dry.
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Signs It's Watering Time: The article emphasizes key signs that indicate succulents need watering. These signs include drying out, leaf wrinkling, shedding unnecessary growth, and leaves feeling flat instead of plump. Recognizing these indicators helps prevent both overwatering and underwatering, ensuring the well-being of the succulents.
In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of succulent care involves considering factors such as environmental conditions, size, dormancy, and the unique adaptations that make succulents resilient in various settings.
