Succulents are renowned for their fleshy leaves that store water, enabling them to thrive in arid desert conditions. However, one of the most common questions beginners have is how and when to water their succulents. Today, let's delve into the two most frequent watering issues: overwatering and underwatering succulents.

Succulents have gained immense popularity due to their vibrant colors and low-maintenance nature. However, this doesn't mean you can neglect them entirely. There are some fundamental yet crucial rules you need to follow to avoid underwatering or overwatering your succulents.

How do you know the right time to water or stop watering? What should you do if you unintentionally overwater or underwater your plants? This guide covers all the key indicators to help you determine if you are watering your succulents correctly.

How to Know If You Are Overwatering Succulents

Here are a few key signs that indicate your succulent does not need any more water:

1. Soft & Translucent Leaves

Soft leaves can appear in both underwatered and overwatered succulents. So, how do you differentiate? The most prominent difference is that underwatered plants have soft but firm leaves, while overwatered plants have soggy and translucent leaves.

2. Leaves Turning Black

This is a more advanced stage of overwatering, where many succulent varieties, such as echeverias, are prone to excessive watering. Black leaves are a sign of fungal infection or rot.

3. Dead & Dropping Leaves

Both underwatered and overwatered succulents drop their leaves, but there's a key difference. Overwatered succulents tend to drop almost all of their leaves, while underwatered succulents only drop the lower, dried-up leaves.

How to Know If You Are Underwatering Succulents

Here are three key signs that indicate your succulent is thirsty:

1. Shriveled & Dry Leaves

While some dry leaves are normal for all plants, increasing dryness and shriveling is a matter of concern. Don't panic if you see a few dry leaves; instead, observe them daily. If the dry, dead leaves persist, it might be time for deep watering.

2. Wrinkled & Droopy Ends

As water depletion increases, the succulent uses the last drops of water stored in its leaves, resulting in wrinkling and droopy ends. Another reason is the loss of moisture pressure inside the leaves, leading to dead ends. For example, the Ice Plant's leaves wrinkle when underwatered.

3. Leaves Turning Brown

Another fundamental indication of an underwatered succulent is brown leaves. Although soft, brown leaves appear at later stages, they are a crucial sign of a thirsty succulent.

4. Aerial Roots

When succulents lack water in the soil, they grow white aerial roots on the stems to absorb moisture from the air. If you spot aerial roots on your succulent, it's a sign it needs water. Gently remove these aerial roots with your fingers or tweezers, then give your succulent a good drink of water. Monitor it for a few days to see if it plumps up. If aerial roots persist, check the root health, trim any dead roots, and replant if necessary.

Tips for a Healthy Succulent

Succulents are extremely low-maintenance plants, and you can grow thriving, healthy plants easily by following a systematic care routine. Here are some crucial tips for maintaining healthy succulents:

Keep Track of Your Watering Dates: This makes all the difference between a long-living, healthy plant and a shriveled one.
Check Soil Moisture Before Watering: Use a moisture meter or a wooden stick to check if there is water in the pot.
Deep Watering: Treat your succulents to deep watering ("soak and dry method") once in a while instead of frequent sprays.
Water the Soil, Not the Leaves: Use a squeeze water bottle or a watering can with a long neck to water the topsoil instead of the leaves.
Use Fast-Draining Succulent Soil: Ensure your potting mix is a fast-draining cactus soil mix.

Conclusion

All should go well if you keep a proper check on your watering habits. Underwatering is generally less problematic than overwatering succulents. Therefore, avoid going overboard with watering. Additionally, observe your plants daily to ensure healthy growth and early diagnosis in case of any issues. Happy planting!

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to mastering succulent care and enjoying the beauty of these low-maintenance plants in your home or garden.

Are You Overwatering or Underwatering Your Succulents?