Succulents should be watered when the soil is completely dry, from the top of the pot to the bottom. Allow the water to soak into the soil and then let it dry out before watering again.
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This is significant for two reasons.
In order for succulents to be strong and healthy, their roots should be allowed time to dry out between waterings. To gain a better understanding of how to water succulents correctly, check out our article on the topic.
To avoid gnats, make sure your soil is well-draining so that it doesn’t stay overly wet or moist. You should also check your succulents regularly for signs of waterlogging, as this can create a hospitable environment for gnats.
In the end, it’s not healthy for succulents to have wet soil all the time. How do you know when it’s totally dry?
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Feel the weight of the pot
After you water your planter, pick it up and feel the weight. After a few days, pick it up again and you’ll notice it’s much lighter.
Delay watering for one or two more days and then assess the soil again. If it still feels as heavy as before, then you can go ahead and water. The soil should be completely dry. If it feels lighter, wait a few more days and then recheck the weight.
This technique is highly effective for smaller containers, particularly for indoor gardening.
You can be extremely exact if you choose to weigh the pots and record the weight in the Succulent Tracker app (available on both Apple and Android).
Use a skewer or water meter
To determine if the soil in these pots is moist, use a wooden skewer. Insert it all the way into the soil and leave it for a few minutes. Afterwards, pull it out and feel the skewer – if it is cool to the touch or damp, then the soil is still wet.
You may try using a moisture meter, however I’ve found that it is not very dependable, especially if you’re using the Bonsai Jack gritty mix. The soil in the mix doesn’t have enough contact with the meter to get a precise reading.
Many of our subscribers who prefer an all natural soil blend are huge fans of the water meter and recommend it highly.
Pay attention to your succulents
You can also keep an eye on your succulents to detect when they need more water. It is best to err on the side of caution when it comes to watering, as succulents can usually go a good while without needing more.
I’ve created a helpful tutorial that will teach you how to recognize if your succulent needs more or less water. Click the link to get your copy and get started. It’s totally free and will be really useful.
FAQ
How can we check moisture in soil?
Tensiometers are tools used to determine the amount of moisture in the soil. They consist of a sealed, water-filled tube with a ceramic tip at the bottom and a vacuum gauge at the top. When placed at the root zone depth of a plant, they can accurately measure the tension in the soil to determine the moisture level.
How can you check moisture in soil?
Should soil be completely dry before watering?
Prior to giving your garden a drink, use your finger to gauge the soil moisture. Dig your finger into the dirt near the plants and feel for dryness in the top 2 or 3 inches. If it’s dry, then the soil below should be damp.
How do I know if my soil is dry enough to water?
How do you test soil for moisture?
To check the moistness of the soil, press your fingers together and gently compress it. If the soil sticks together and forms a clump, it is adequately moist. If, however, the soil remains in a loose pile as you press it or crumbles apart, it needs additional water.