How to Water Succulents: A Complete Guide

How to water

All of the soil should be dry before watering again. If the soil is still moist, you risk giving your succulent too much water which can make it start to rot. There are several ways to water your succulents - they aren’t very picky. Choose a way that suits you the best.

If the soil is moist - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

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Water over the soil

Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap
Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

When you water your succulents, water well and then allow the soil to dry out completely before you water it again.
— Planta tip

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Bottom watering

Fill the plant tray with water
Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
Wait for about 10 minutes
Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

Water bath

Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water
Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped
Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
Put your succulent back in the cachepot or on the tray
After 1 hour, check that your plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

For most succulents, it’s much easier to kill them with overwatering than with underwatering, and it’s definitely easier to save an underwatered succulent than the opposite.
— Planta tip

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When should I water my succulent?

You should water your succulent only when all of the soil is completely dry to prevent overwatering and rot.

How can I tell if I'm overwatering my succulent?

If the soil is still moist when you water, you risk overwatering. Overwatering can cause your succulent to rot, and it's generally easier to save an underwatered plant.

What is bottom watering for succulents?

Bottom watering involves filling a plant tray with water and allowing the soil to absorb it from below for 10 to 20 minutes. Remember to also water from the top occasionally to flush out minerals.

How do I perform a water bath for my succulent?

To perform a water bath, lower the pot into a vessel with lukewarm water until the stem. Wait for the bubbles to stop, then lift the pot to let excess water drain before returning it.

Can succulents sit in water after watering?

No, you should never let your succulent sit in collected water in its tray or cachepot, as this can lead to overwatering and root rot. Always remove any excess water after watering.

Is it better to underwater or overwater a succulent?

For most succulents, it is much easier to kill them with overwatering than with underwatering. It is also significantly easier to save an underwatered succulent than an overwatered one.

How to water succulents

Ensure all of the soil is dry before you start watering.

Pour water over the soil, using a watering can or by placing the plant directly under a tap.

Continue adding water until it begins to run out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

If you use a tray, remove all collected water immediately, never letting your plant sit in water.

If watering under a tap, wait for water to stop running out from the bottom before moving the plant.