Succulents are magical plants from nature, with the ability to survive in severe drought by storing extra water in their leaves, stems and roots. Because they have the reputation for growing in arid conditions, many people do not realize that when we bring them into our home and garden, they do need to be watered regularly.

Succulents are the perfect plants for low-maintenance gardening. The variety of color and texture you’ll see with succulents can brighten any indoor or outdoor arrangement.

Here are a few tips on how to water your succulents in containers, when planted in the ground and indoors:

• Succulents like well-drained soil. Succulent-specific potting mixes, such as Hoffman’s Cactus and Succulent Mix or Espoma Organic Cactus Mix, will provide optimum aeration and drainage. Other mixes, such as Miracle Gro Potting Mix or Espoma Potting Mix, are great too! If you’d like, adding a bit of sand or grit to these mixes will contribute to good drainage.
• Make sure your containers have drainage holes, because too much moisture can result in rotted roots.
• Succulents require more water in the early spring when the plant is growing. Water needs may lessen in the summer and even more so during the winter.
• When the light decreases during the winter months and most succulents are in a dormant period, their water requirements also decrease.
• During winter, water your succulents when the soil is dry.
• The frequency of watering will also depend on the light and growing conditions in your area, as well as the size of the container. The larger the container, the more moisture it can hold. Small and shallow pots may need to be watered more frequently.
• Feed succulents every two to three weeks from spring to early fall with a cactus/succulent fertilizer, such as Jack’s Classic Water Soluble Plant Food. Do not fertilize in the winter.

How to Water Succulents in Outdoor Containers

• Summer is a good time to move potted succulents outdoors.
• Though succulents love sun, give them a chance to acclimate to outdoor conditions by placing them in a partially shaded area before moving them to a sunnier location.
• Start by checking on a weekly basis, paying attention to the condition of the potting media and whether it’s bone dry or moist.
• Succulents grown in shallow containers may need water every few days.

How to water succulents in the Ground

• Succulents, particularly sedums, grow quite well in the ground. They, too, may need to be watered weekly, depending on how much sun they receive.
• Whether you grow hardy or annual succulents, they need to be in well-drained soil.
• Good soil, a good soaking, and good drainage will make for healthy plants!

How to Water Succulents Indoors

• Rather than giving your succulents sips of water here and there, give them a good soaking – to the point the water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
• Be sure to empty the water that runs into the saucer beneath the plant pot. Then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
• Check the soil a week after watering. If it’s still moist, wait another week.