---
title: "I have a lot of succulents but have trouble knowing when to water…"
description: "I have a lot of succulents but have trouble knowing when to water these two. One is a euphorbia cristata and the other is a fairy castle cactus. With most…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/jMPaPvI8FFr6ZWmssTD82r"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Phil"
published: "2025-04-30T20:48:18.932879Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/OWAkyZxcZtwxk-v_HG7sG7i-GaZeWOFpvbl_VkIbhkY/_l8TgYUrR9qJxGsyqRlhIw.webp?size=large"
---

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# I have a lot of succulents but have trouble knowing when to water…

_Posted by Phil on 2025-04-30_

I have a lot of succulents but have trouble knowing when to water these two. One is a euphorbia cristata and the other is a fairy castle cactus. With most succulents you can tell by touch or feel when to water but these I need to tell by looking. I try to be aware of how plump they are or not, but still not sure how far to let them go. Does anyone have some suggestions knowing when these guys need to be watered. I use Planta of course but use it as a guide only.

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/OWAkyZxcZtwxk-v_HG7sG7i-GaZeWOFpvbl_VkIbhkY/_l8TgYUrR9qJxGsyqRlhIw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/OWAkyZxcZtwxk-v_HG7sG7i-GaZeWOFpvbl_VkIbhkY/9nzk69E7TWuyRTJM7K2pRQ.webp?size=large)

## 9 comments

### Ms.Issy commented on 2025-04-30

With my cactus I’ve started putting a wooden skewer into the pot to the bottom. Let it sit for like 5 minutes, and if it’s wet when I take it out I don’t water.  
It’s not perfect but at least I know how dry/wet the medium is.

#### Phil replied on 2025-05-01

I never water either one till the soil is dry. But usually with the succulents I go beyond that point. I think I’m just going to eye ball it for a while and learn the difference. I’ve had the castle for a year and it is doing ok.

### Buffy commented on 2025-04-30

Phil.. I do not know. Question though: Planta shows this as a Mexican Snowball. What say you? It had no tag and I am a beginner w/succulents, inspired by your own postings!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/l3QRnB-9Vndz0yqb6GyEK_iHOzgk4fAdcG6NL_VnOPU/jv_fUoQhSumrEN2rAC4foQ.webp?size=large)

#### Abbeywabby🪴🎍 replied on 2025-04-30

looks like a pachyveria glauca

#### Buffy replied on 2025-04-30

Thank you, Abbeywabby. It does not look like a Mexican snowball as Planta said. I would like a Mexican Snowball.. lol

#### Phil replied on 2025-05-01

Definitely not a snowball. Look completely different. Go with Abbeywabby. It’s hard to tell difference between glauca and compactum. One is more of red looking tips and the other is towards purple or silver blue….I think that’s right. And I honestly think their looks change depending on dryness. They seem to be very susceptible to overwatering by getting a leaf that plumps up and then turning yellow, but only one leaf. Weird. In my pic, I’m pretty sure that’s a little jewel up front.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/OWAkyZxcZtwxk-v_HG7sG7i-GaZeWOFpvbl_VkIbhkY/ggdn5AZ4TGiar31YZbfHiQ.webp?size=large)

### Buffy commented on 2025-05-01

Thank you so much! Makes sense! So pretty.

### Wolfen 🐺 commented on 2025-05-01

Cactus are the worst. I generally just go off plumpness. Though I have actually broke out the larger tweezers to squeeze a few times 😆 🤣

### Southwest sister commented on 2025-05-01

I actually bought a water meter to put in to help me figure out if it’s dry. I like this stick idea as well but I read with euphorbias they like to be really soaked when you water them so with that in mind, I really try to pay attention to watering them basically once a month but sometimes if they’re outside, they need more than thatbut your euphoria looks great

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