How Often Should You Water Your Succulents? (And How Much!)

Succulents are beloved for their stunning variety and ease of care. However, the most common mistake new owners make is overwatering. Understanding the right watering frequency is the key to keeping your plants happy and thriving.

The Golden Rule: Wait Until the Soil is Completely Dry

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many times a week you should water your succulents. Instead of sticking to a rigid schedule, you should focus on the condition of the soil and the growing season.

Watering Frequency Breakdown

• During the Growing Season (Spring and Summer):

  • This is when your succulent is actively growing.

  • Frequency: You will likely need to water them every 1-3 weeks.

  • Test: Before watering, stick your finger (or a moisture meter) 1-2 inches deep into the soil. If you feel any dampness, do not water yet. Wait until the soil is bone dry.

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• During the Dormant Season (Autumn and Winter):

  • Most succulents slow or halt their growth during cooler, darker months.

  • Frequency: Significantly reduce watering. You may only need to water once every 3-6 weeks, or even less.

  • Test: Again, wait for the soil to be completely dry. Some experts recommend watering only when the plant starts to show slight signs of thirst (like wrinkled leaves).

The "Soak and Dry" Method

When you do water your succulent, make sure you do it thoroughly using the "Soak and Dry" method:

1. Soak: Pour water directly onto the soil until it runs out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root system gets hydrated.

2. Dry: Immediately empty the saucer or cachepot so the plant is never left sitting in standing water. Allowing the roots to sit in moisture is what causes root rot, the number one succulent killer.

3. Wait: Do not water again until the soil is 100% dry, as described above.

Environmental Factors to Consider

Your environment plays a huge role in how quickly the soil dries out:

Factor	Effect on Watering
Heat & Sun	Requires more frequent watering.
Humidity	Requires less frequent watering (soil dries slower).
Pot Material (Terracotta vs. Ceramic)	Terracotta pots breathe and dry out faster than glazed ceramic.

Key Takeaway

Instead of asking "How many times a week?", ask yourself: "Is the soil completely dry?" If the answer is yes, then it's time to water! When in doubt, it is always safer to underwater a succulent than to overwater it.