How Often to Water Succulents: My Easy Tips for Thriving Plants

Several factors decide watering needs. Know them to care for your plants well.

First, the type of succulent matters. Some, like aloe, store lots of water. Others, like echeveria, dry out faster.

Light plays a role. Bright sun makes plants use water quicker. In shade, they need less.

Humidity counts too. Dry air means more water. Humid spots mean less.

Soil type is key. Use well-draining mix. It stops roots from rotting.

Pot size and material affect drying. Small pots dry fast. Terra cotta lets air in better than plastic.

From my experience, I test soil with my finger. If the top inch feels dry, I water. This simple check saves plants.

Indoor succulents grow in stable spots. But they still need right care.

How often to water succulents indoors? Every 10 to 14 days works for most. Let soil dry fully between waters.

In my living room, I have haworthia on a windowsill. I water it every two weeks. It stays green and happy.

Watch for low light. It slows drying. Check soil often.

In winter, cut back. How often to water succulents indoors in winter? Once a month or less. Cold air keeps soil wet longer.

Use room-temperature water. Cold shocks roots.

For indoor tips, see the University of Maryland Extension’s guide on houseplant watering.

Link to my indoor succulent care for setup ideas.

Outdoor succulents face weather changes. They need different care.

How often to water succulents outdoors? Every 5 to 7 days in hot spots. In cool areas, every 2 weeks.

My outdoor sedums get rain sometimes. I water only when dry. Rain helps, but too much harms.

How often to water succulents outside? Check weekly. Stick your finger in soil. Dry? Water deeply.

In pots outdoors, they dry faster from wind. Water more often.

For outdoor advice, read Missouri Botanical Garden’s info on succulent growing conditions.

See my article on outdoor garden planning for placement tips.

Seasons change watering needs. Adjust to keep plants strong.

In summer, plants grow fast. How often to water succulents in summer? Every 7 to 10 days. Heat evaporates water quick.

My echeverias bloom then. I water more, but not daily.

In winter, most succulents rest. How often to water succulents in winter? Every 3 to 4 weeks. Less growth means less water.

One winter, I forgot to reduce water. A plant rotted. Now, I mark my calendar.

For seasonal care, check The Spruce’s article on winter succulent care.

Explore my seasonal gardening tips for more.

Some spots need special rules.

In dry areas like Arizona, air is hot and dry. How often to water succulents in Arizona? Every 4 to 6 days in summer. Less in winter.

A friend in Arizona waters her agaves weekly. Shade cloth helps too.

In pots, soil dries fast. How often to water succulents in pots? Check every few days. Use pots with holes.

My potted jade sits on my porch. I water it every week in warm months.

For regional advice, see Gardening Know How’s guide on desert succulents.

Link to my potting succulents guide for choices.

Watch for clues to water right.

Underwatered plants wrinkle. Leaves shrivel. They look thirsty.

Overwatered ones get soft. Leaves turn yellow or black. Roots rot.

I once saw wrinkled leaves on my sempervivum. I watered it, and it perked up in days.

Smell soil for rot. Mushy stems mean too much water.

For signs, read Clemson Extension’s facts on succulent problems.

Use the soak and dry method. Water until it drains out bottom. Wait till dry to water again.

Avoid misting. It causes fungus.

Water in morning. Plants dry before night.

From Reddit, many say how often to water succulents reddit users check soil first. I agree.

In my 10 years, I’ve saved many plants this way. Start small. Pick one succulent. Watch it grow.

For propagation, see my succulent propagation methods.