How to Water Succulents to Keep Them Healthy in Every Season

Succulents store extra water in their leaves, stems, or roots, allowing them to survive a while between waterings (sometimes a month or more). Because they have a reputation for being drought-tolerant and growing in arid conditions, many people don't realize that when you bring them into your home or garden, they still need to be watered regularly.

To keep your succulents thriving, forcing them to go without water for weeks or months at a time is not a good idea. No matter where you plant them, learn how to water succulents to save them from drying out too much and prevent you from overwatering them.

How to Water Succulents Indoors

Sedums, Sempervivum (commonly called hens-and-chicks), jade plants, kalanchoe, aloe vera, and Sansevieria (also known as snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue) are popular choices for indoor plants. Succulents also include cacti, which generally need less water than other succulents.

Rather than giving these water-thrifty plants little splashes of water here and there, give them a good soaking until water runs out the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Be sure to empty the extra moisture from the saucer beneath the plant pot; too much wetness will rot the roots. Then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Check the soil a week after watering; if it still feels moist, wait another week.

Succulents need more water in the early spring when the plant starts actively growing. Water needs may lessen in the summer and even more so during the winter when the light decreases, and most succulents are dormant. During winter, water your succulents when the soil is dry. This could be as infrequently as once per month but will depend on your home's conditions. The frequency of watering will also depend on the size of the container. The larger the container, the more moisture it can hold. Small, shallow pots may need to be watered more frequently.

How to Water Succulents in Outdoor Containers

Summer is a good time to move potted succulents outdoors. Though they love the sun, give them a chance to acclimate to outdoor conditions by placing them in a partially shaded area before moving to a sunnier location. Keep them out of intense sunlight from late morning to midafternoon.

Outdoor plants generally need more water than indoor plants. But, again, your conditions will dictate how to water succulents and how often they need watering. Start by checking every week, paying attention to the condition of the potting soil and whether it's bone dry or still has some moisture.

How to Water Succulents in the Ground

Succulents, particularly sedums, can also thrive in the ground. Depending on your area's climate, they might need to be watered weekly. Established plants will have a more robust root system and tolerate dry conditions much better than new plants.

Whether you grow hardy or annual succulents, they must be in well-drained soil. If your soil stays too moist, use a raised bed or try mounding up the soil where you plant succulents. One- to 2-foot mounds of well-aged compost mixed with perlite will help plants thrive even in conditions different from their native areas. Good soil, good soaking, and good drainage equal happy succulents.