How to water your succulents correctly

Learn how to maintain your healthy succulents with this handy watering guide.

Watering succulents correctly is essential for their health and longevity. These drought-tolerant plants store water in their leaves, stems, and roots, meaning they require less frequent watering than other plants. However, understanding the right methods and conditions is key to avoiding root rot and promoting healthy growth.

In this guide, we cover all you need to know about watering succulents, including our own reliable method, called the 3 D's: Drench, Drain, Dry!

The 3 D's watering method

We thought it would be a good idea to make watering succulents more simple in the hopes of leading people into making less mistakes when watering their succulents. The 3 D's method sounded memorable so we use this.

First, Drench the soil by watering thoroughly until excess flows from the drainage holes. Second, Drain by allowing all excess water to exit the pot. Making sure you have free draining soil is crucial. Third, Dry by ensuring the soil fully dries out before watering again—“Drench, drain, dry, then it won’t die!”

Watering Indoors

For indoor succulents, use the ‘3'Ds’ method—fully drench the soil until water drains from the bottom, then let it dry out completely before the next watering. This is typically once per week. Monitor humidity levels, as high humidity slows soil drying, and adjust watering frequency accordingly. Use a watering can with a narrow spout or a small water bottle to prevent splashing water onto the leaves. Always choose pots with drainage holes or ensure excess water can be removed if using decorative pots.

Haworthia sub-attenuata

Bottom Watering Method

A great technique for small indoor pots is bottom watering. Place the pot in a tray of water and allow the soil to absorb moisture through the drainage holes for 10-15 minutes, then remove and let it drain completely. This method encourages deep root growth and prevents excess moisture on the soil surface, reducing the chance of rot.

Watering Outdoors

For outdoor succulents, typically Aeoniums, Sedums and Sempervivums, water early in the morning to reduce chance of sunburn and dark Aeonium humidity spotting. During the growing season, UK growers who have their succulents planted in the ground, you can leave the rain to water their succulents as long as the plant has free draining soil.

Plants in pots and planters will need more frequent watering as the soil dries out much faster in a pot than in the ground. You may need to water 3 times per week or more in the growing season. Yes, succulents can tolerate this level of watering when they are in their growing season (April-September), and when their soil is free draining.

Aeonium 'Floresens'

Ensuring Proper Drainage

Ensuring proper drainage is crucial. Use a gritty, well-draining mix (such as John Innes no2 with added perlite), and always choose pots with drainage holes. If using decorative pots without drainage, make sure to remove excess water after watering and limit watering by using a measuring jug. For outdoor beds, plant on mounds or raised areas to improve water flow.

Avoiding Water on Leaves

When watering, always avoid getting water on the leaves. Water directly at the base of the plant and avoid misting, as succulents absorb water through their roots, not leaves. If leaves accidentally get wet, gently shake off excess moisture or use a soft cloth to dry them.

x Semponium 'Destiny'

Best Type of Water for Succulents

The best type of water for succulents is rainwater or distilled water, as they lack harmful minerals and chemicals. Tap water can be used, but avoid hard water with high calcium and chlorine content. Filtered water is a good alternative if tap water is the only option.

When and How to Feed Succulents

Succulents should be fed during active growing seasons (spring and summer) every 2-4 weeks. Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser, such as any liquid seaweed feed, miracle grow or tomato feed. Succulents are not too fussy. Avoid fertilising in autumn and winter when growth slows, as over-fertilising can lead to weak, leggy growth. Feeding during the winter also further exposes the plant to frost.

x Semponium 'Vortex'

Seasonal Watering Adjustments

Adjust watering frequency based on seasons. In spring & summer, increase watering as plants are actively growing. In autumn, gradually reduce watering to prepare for dormancy. In winter, water sparingly, as many succulents enter dormancy and require little to no water.

Recognizing Overwatering & Underwatering

It’s important to recognize signs of overwatering and underwatering. Overwatering causes yellow, mushy, or translucent leaves, black spots, or soft stems, often leading to root rot. Underwatering results in wrinkled, shriveled, or dry leaves, slow growth, or roots pulling away from the soil.

Echeveria elegans

Final Tips for Watering Success

For successful succulent care, observe your plants regularly and adjust watering as needed. Always check soil moisture before watering by using your finger or a moisture meter. When in doubt, wait a few extra days before watering—succulents tolerate drought better than excess moisture. By following these expert guidelines, your succulents will thrive with vibrant, healthy growth. Happy growing!

If you have any other questions on care advice, please drop us an email (info@surrealsucculents.co.uk) and we will be happy to answer this for you.

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For alternate care advice, please find our other care guides in the Plant Care & Advice section.

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