Hey plant pals! I’m your succulent buddy, and today I’m going to reveal the most crucial subject in my five years of care experience – the ultimate guide to watering. Let’s dive in!
The Golden Rule of Watering in All Seasons
🌱 Spring: the season of growth!
When the temperature stabilizes at 15-25℃ (remember to use a thermometer to confirm), our baby succulents start to grow and party! This is the time to remember:
√ Use the “water through dry” method: insert a bamboo stick into the bottom of the pot and pull it out to dry before watering.
√ Prioritize the soaking method: place the pot in a basin of water up to 1/3 of the pot and soak for 10 minutes.
× Avoid watering on rainy days with humidity > 70% (monitor with a hygrometer)
☀️ Summer: dormant survival mode
When the temperature exceeds 30°C, most succulents go into “power saving mode”, when you have to:
√ Switch to the “edge-feeding method”: water 2 times along the edge of the pot (about 50ml of water in a 15cm diameter pot).
√ Choose to water 2 hours after sunset and use a fan to increase ventilation.
√ Never water in the middle of the day! It’s like giving your plants a sauna!
🍂 Autumn: hydration recovery period
When the temperature drops back to 18-28℃, the meat that survived the summer is in urgent need of rehydration, but in a gradual manner:
Week 1: 1 round of watering around the basin (about 30ml)
Week 2: water thoroughly once + replenish water around the edges once
Week 3: Normal watering (better with soaking)
❄️ Winter: Prioritize warmth
When the temperature is below 10°C, remember this formula:
Watering time = 3 hours after sunrise (let the potting soil warm up naturally)
Amount of water = 1/3 of the normal amount (e.g. reduce the usual 200ml to 70ml)
Recommended water temperature: 25-30°C (adjustable with a thermometer)
Watering tips for different stages
🌱 Seedling care (for leaf cuttings/seedlings)
- Spraying method: Spray once a day in the morning and once in the evening (at a distance of 20cm)
- Soil moisture: Keep it like a wrung-out sponge.
- Magic tool recommendation: medical dropper for precise hydration
🌿 Special care during potting (2-4 weeks after transplanting)
✔ Correct practice: Starting on the 3rd day after potting, put 10 drops of water along the edge of the pot every day.
✖ Fatal mistake: can’t resist pulling out to look at the roots! Use this method to check instead:
Gently lift the plant, a noticeable resistance indicates rooting
🌵 Care tips for mature plants
- Signs of watering: softening of the bottom two rows of leaves + 3 or more wrinkles.
- Watering criteria: until water comes out of the hole in the bottom of the pot (don’t pour the water out of the tray immediately, keep it there for 20 minutes)
- Advanced tip: Track each watering with a watering app (Planta is recommended).
⚠️ Special Note List
These “water fiend” varieties need special attention:
Bearberry – Mist at least once a week
Dharma Furna – hydrate immediately if the leaves wilt
Antler begonias – need to maintain 50% soil moisture.
Whatever the variety, remember:
Use a hairdryer (cold setting) to dry up water in the center of the leaves after watering.
Use a spiked watering can for precise control
Rainy season essentials: rain shelter + absorbent granules (terracotta recommended)
Pro Tip: Make a Personalized Watering Calendar
Preparation materials: thermometer, hygrometer, watering book
Record elements:
① Date and time of watering
① Date and time of watering ② Temperature and humidity at that time
① Date and time of watering ② Temperature and humidity ③ Amount of watering (ml)
④ Plant reaction (record the leaf status after 3 days).
Lastly, I would like to share a lesson I learned the hard way: I once watered a wrinkled Raul for three days in a row because I was so upset about it. Now there is an empty pot on the balcony to remind me of moderation. Remember, succulents would rather be thirsty than propped up!
Interactive time: what are your exclusive tips on watering? Or painful experiences? Comments section waiting for you to chatter!
