#10 WHEN TO WATER SUCCULENTS knowing when to water your succulents by looking at their leaves
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 2020
- In this video, I explain when to water succulents by learning how to observe their leaves, and the signs we need to look for. Over watering is a common problem for all of us succulent growers, especially for those who have just started the hobby. This video will help to further understand when our succulents are telling us whether they are ready to be watered, or if they have been getting too much.
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This channel is literally the most informative of if all! She actually explained everything well, even small deets. Slay!
Aww... thank you so much! It's a huge compliment and I really do appreciate it. I try my best to explain the way I would have liked things to be explained to me when I was a newbie, and maybe, I wouldn't have made as much mistakes as I did back then. The little details I feel really count. 😊
that's right. She explained every single detail. Proud of you☺️☺️😊😊😉😉🙂🙂
"It takes two days to a week to kill a succulent from overwatering. It takes MONTHS to kill a succulent from underwatering." This information is pure gold! I'm so glad I watched your video right as I'm starting this hobby! Thank you!
Best advice I ever got when I was a beginner! It's a very powerful message when it comes to succulent growing! Thanks for watching. 🤗
@@TheseSucculentBuddies I have a question for you---so I checked my plants when I got home from work today and watered the ones that "said" they wanted water, per your video. Some of them are in their own pots, but some of them are in planters with other similar types. Is it okay to selectively water a single plant in a planter until they all get established and on the same schedule? Also, how long does it take for the plant to take up the water into its leaves and say, "I'm not thirsty anymore"?
For arrangements or plants in 1 planter, I normally wait until at least almost all of them start to show signs of thirst. The how long do they take to not look thirsty anymore, depends on the condition of the plant. It usually takes 2-3 days for a plant to soak up water. This is for a well established succulent with a good root system. Newly rooted cuttings however, can take a few soak and dry methods of watering until they plump back up again.
Can I just mist them and not water ?
No, that will cause them to grow weak, and eventually die. Succulents don't like being misted. They like to get a full soak, then left to dry until they are thirsty again.
Very detailed and easy to understand advice. Keep up the great contents on succulents Christine. 👍
Your instructions about reading the leaves as well as feeling the soil is really helpful to a new succulent grower.
So far, I've avoided overwatering in my first 3 months. Your video close-ups of the plants and how you're touching the leaves is really excellent too. I'm looking forward to more good hints.
I actually have a new video I made about when to water succulents with more examples. Here's the link...
ua-cam.com/video/WP1kfNLfc9Y/v-deo.html
Thank you, thank you, this video has helped me soooo very much! I'm a fairly new succulent addict, and I am so very confused on when to water these amazing plants, but I think I learned what to look for now!
Most informative video I’ve seen. I loved that you brought different succulents to show that were over and under watered. I’m so desperately trying to keep mine from loosing leaves and looking ugly.
I hope the info helps. It takes some getting used to with succulents at 1st. But as you get used to reading the leaves, you'll learn to spot the slightest wrinkle and know when they need water. Then you wont lose so much leaves anymore. 😊
Great video THANKS!! Have killed many from overwatering - am going shopping!!
You're are always welcome! I've made a more updated video on when to water succulents with more succulent examples that you might want to watch as well. Here's the link... 😊 ua-cam.com/video/WP1kfNLfc9Y/v-deo.html
You are a watering genius! I have been watering my CnS every week. But with this video I have realized that every plant has a different watering need. So I'm going to change my watering schedule now and take extra notice of their leaves too. Thank you for this information. I really am learning a lot from you! 🤗
Always glad to help! 💚
This is video is so helpful. I been having trouble knowing what was wrong with my succulents, why it was so gummy and wrinkly. You explain it so well and easy to understand. Best video by far on how to know when to water. Thank you.
Aww... thank you so much for the kind words. I'm glad I'm able to help. 💚
I've been looking for a video about under watering and over watering, u have explained it very well and clear. I learned so much from ur video. Thank you so much!
Hello and thank you! Episodes #34 and #69 are also more updated videos about over and under watering and when to water succulents here on my channel with more succulent examples if you'd like to check them out. 💚
I’m so happy that I’ve found your channel 🥲🌱 I was lost and trying to figure out which plant apps to download, I’m feeling blessed 😇
Aww... that's so sweet. I hope you find a lot of the videos helpful. 😊
Thank you for the exhaustive explanation. Very useful!
Thanks for stopping by and watching! 😊
Like that you mentioned younger plants need to be watered more often then more matured plants... thanks
Thank you. Especially for beginners at growing succulents, I believe it's the little details that count. I try to mention what I remember as much as I can in these videos. 😊
This channel is becoming one of my favorite "tambayan". ☺️
Some of my succulents now are shrinking because they tend to dry faster than they used to. Hot summer days are waving. This video reassured me that it's ok for them to be underwatered for a while.
Aww... so sweet naman! Thank you! 🥰 and yes, come summer time, it's ok that they shrink a little. They will be ok as long as they dont get over watered. Only water at night and when they are really, really thirsty. Hight heat can cause rot fast if plants are kept in a moist environment.
@@TheseSucculentBuddies That's one of my main concerns during summer. One day they look healthy, the following day they rot. And eventhough i've been growing succulents for a couple of years already, i still make mistakes. That's why it's great to see videos from another succulent buddy.
Good luck with them this year. Its been getting really hot here too where I'm from. Of all the seasons, I dread summer the most. Just remember, it's better to give them shade than to give them water when it's way too hot.
Loved my first view! 👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you! I hope it helps and was easy to understand. 😊
Thank you, I learned something new today 🙏🏾
You're very welcome. 😊
This helped me so much! Thank you!
Always glad to help! 🤗
Really love this. I learned a lot.
Thank you! Glad to help 😊
Really helpful information, thank you!
I'm always glad to help! 😊
Excellent tutorial now I know what I’ve done wrong by only relying on dryness of soil. I’m a subscriber now and you are an excellent teacher.
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you found this helpful. 😊
Very informative. Thank you for sharing
Always glad to help! 😊
Very helpful and informative video, thank you!
Thank you. Always glad to help! 😊
Thanks for the tips! Really helpful for a newbie like me. ☺️
Aww... thank you for watching! I'm always glad to help! 💚
Great tips. Thanks!
You're very welcome. Thanks for watching! 🤗
Thank you! I learned a lot. 💚🌼🌵🏵️🌱
Always happy to help. 😊
Wow very detailed. Its such a relief for the beginners to watch this video.
Aww...thank you! I wanted to explain it as clear as I could, the way I would have wanted it to be explained when I was a beginner. Let's all learn together! 💚
@@TheseSucculentBuddies Im more of a visual learner thats why this vid is the best imo.
Thank you for the compliment! I'm always glad to help. 😊
I know im late but demn thank you for this one it really help us when and how to water opur babies. Thank you and God Bless.
Always glad to help. 💚
Thank you for this! I had just been watering via soil drying out.
Always glad to help! 🤗
Hello! I’m a new subscriber and I’m also a beginner! I think I’ve watched all your videos now that talk about how you can identify an overwatered versus an underwatered succulent and the repotting videos.
However, I still feel like I’m running into some questions as I navigate my new succulent trial and errors and I couldn’t quite find what I was searching for in all the videos. I loved the ones actually showing us examples of stem rot and root rot and how you cut back the stem. Literally screen shotted all of them and keep going back comparing what’s happening to mine, to how they look in your example in the videos.
But here’s some questions I still find myself asking: (NOTE: All of these examples are things I’ve run into directly related to transplant shock, right after I just get them! I can’t get any to recover from the shock! Maybe I panic and try to intervene too quickly, but I just keep hearing soggy stem and roots is not good)
• There are some instances when a leaf will have been removed or the plant obtained damage to the stem in some way, and it takes a top layer of stem “skin” with it (gotta learn proper terminology here). Depending on the size of the skin that was removed from the stem with the cut/tear, I have noticed with my trial and errors that when it calluses off it gets brown and hard, even if the rest of the stem remains green. Also important to note that this observation is usually on lower parts of the stem, maybe closer to where the stem would be submerged in soil at this point. (I have even gotten this on ones that were just purchased) Over time, this discolored drying closely resembles the example you showed in video #77, however it’s not as advanced and hasn’t eaten away at the entire stem core. But it resembles the outer dry, cracking look of the stem rot example you showed. How can I learn to decipher what is just healing wound damage versus an infected wound?
• I find myself constantly confused as how to tell the difference between a stem base that is stained from soil or if it’s peripheral rot. Stem will be spongy, so I’ll cut it, but the inside is not discolored. It smells fine, and the roots are white. How can I learn to tell the difference if I’m trying to catch rot early? I have had this happen on my trial and errors in both scenarios where leaves will appear puckered and dehydrated and then swollen, wet and overwatered.
• This leads to the next question, in both dehydrated and overwatered symptom leaves, when I inspect the roots, even after allowing to air dry (if needed), the roots are white but spongy, and easily pliable. I’ve learned that the roots that have died will be discolored and easy to gently pull off. But what about the other roots? I cut into them and they’re still white on the inside or slightly pink, no foul odor, but they’re spongy and flexible. I cut the stem and I kind of experience what I mentioned in the previous question. If they are just overwatered and I’m trying to revive, how do I even know when it’s not rot?
• What if the stem has a soggy middle after I cut into it, but it’s not necessarily discolored? Will this dry out and revive itself if it simply took in too much water at once?
• how can you determine what the stem color should look like for which type of succulent? Google images? Having a hard time determining whether a spongy overwatered older stem that is naturally dark, is actually what the stem is supposed to look like, or is it early rot? Others will be pink or brown naturally. Not all of them are green.
• And my last question is, with all of those observations listed above, how do you know when to intervene with an overwatered plant in transplant shock? Or is there any point at which you should intervene in transplant shock, in general, if it seems more severe than just losing a few leaves while reestablishing roots? I’ve watched all your videos but I’m still having a hard time observing what is normal and abnormal during succulent stress and when can I or do I attempt to do anything about it?
(Terracotta pots, all have proper drainage, all are raised up on pebbles in a tray for evaporation, I have a Spider Farmer SP3000 and I keep it on lower, dimmed setting after newly transplanted - it’s a very strong light, my soil is fast draining, there’s a small fan on the area for air circulation, I used a diluted seaweed solution to gently remove previous soil from roots before I repotted and rehydrate (although some probably didn't need rehydrating), and I also used a small pinch of Mycorrhizal Fungi Root Enhancer in the hole I placed them, to help promote new root growth, I placed top dressing under leaves to prevent from contact with soil. Literally thought I did everything right. The roots were probably a little too damp upon planting and it's been 48 hours with various symptoms progressing. After watching your videos, I panicked and beheaded them all, so now I have a bunch of cuttings. Did the same thing to my first round of trial and errors too...)
IM SO SORRY FOR THE NOVEL! Thank you so much for all your effort you put into these videos!
Advice #1
Don't over think the process. Don't do so much things to the plant when transplanting. Unless the succulents you are transplanting were infested with bugs, there is no need to get every bit of old soil off the roots. Simply getting the ball of soil off and loosening the roots is enough. As long as the roots are free and spread out, it's ok if there's old soil left when transferring to new soil medium. Completely stripping the roots of old soil is what really causes the plant to go in shock. The less you mess with roots, the faster the recovery process. Also, avoid adding any fertilizer or rooting hormones when transplanting. I find it really doesn't make much of a difference. Let them settle in the new soil 1st. Do all of that after about a month or 2.
Transplant shock, when to intervene...
You don't intervene. You leave it alone and keep it dry. Sometimes transplant shock can kill the plant. But most of the time, they bounce back when you start to water. I give them about 7-14 days before giving some water. The key is leave them alone and keep them cool with a lot of light. The SF3000 is strong. Keeping it at about 60 on the knob is good enough. It's also perfect for newly transplanted succulents. My absolute favorite brand of grow lights!
Regarding stem rot...
The stem could look fine, but if it's not firm, it could be rot. If it looks like it's getting wrinkly and spongy, it's rotting. As far as the stem color, this really depends on the plant. Some naturally have dark stems and some don't. When you cut, if the stem is firm, but there is even just a spot of darkness in the stem, and the rest is light green, rot has started. Cut off all dark parts till only the lighter parts are left. Basically, match the color of the rest of inner healthy stem. You will get the hang of it eventually I promise. Like I said, when in doubt, cut so they could re-root. It's easier to save them that way than to risk waiting it out.
Roots...
All roots are delicate and can be broken off easily. But dying roots almost always just break off easily without even trying to break them. Healthy roots on older succulents take a bit of an effort to break off. But younger more tender succulents all have soft roots. I rarely check root rot from the roots. I always check the stem. Because if the stem has started rooting, the roots are dead anyway, so better just to cut. Only time I actually check roots is to see if a cutting grew new ones yet.
Hope that all helps! Good luck with your succulent babies! 💚
@These Succulent Buddies You are an angel!!!!!!!! I’ve been having such a hard time with failures and finding applicable information that I’ve been getting discouraged and I’ve been contemplating giving up.
Sincerely, THANK YOU for dedicating the time to share with us the knowledge you’ve learned over the years!!! You’re spreading joy. Thank you 🙏🏼
Helpful 🥰
Thank you! 🤗
Also people make the mistake by overwatering the succulents because they water it in the leaves continue to look like that for another day sometimes it takes a few days for the leaves to pump back up. So when in question don’t water.
Absolutely agree!
Hi! I'm rewatching your video as it is very clear to let me know what the leaves should look like before i should water them! If I have juz repotted my store bought succulent, so new soil mostly, the lower leaves started to look wrinkly. As I've put top dressing stones above the soil, I cant really tell on the state of the soil. Should i at least water for another few days before watering? Repotted on Monday, today is thursday. :)
Maybe wait another 2 days just to be sure. Then water just enough to wet the roots and do not soak the whole pot. After that, do not water again until the soil is completely dry. It would also help if maybe you just take off the top dressing for the 1st month so you can monitor it a bit better. This way, you can an idea how long it takes for your soil mix to dry.
@@TheseSucculentBuddies Thanks for replying to my queries!
Such an awesome video. Very informative! Thank you 🙏
I have a question ???
I have some succulents that I think needs more water but I just watered it a week ago. The leaf still looks wrinkled and the bottom leaves are wilting. Should I water it again? She’s also making babies and I’m worried about root rot
If the soil is completely dry and you did the leaf test like in the video, and the bottom leaves are showing signs of thirst and there are no signs of rot, it's ok to water. It's also ok to wait a few more days to water when in doubt. Succulents can handle it. 😊
For dish gardens are all succulents compatible in regards to watering?
Depends on the succulents you have planted together. But it's the same concept to follow for watering them. Just make sure you plant succulents together that have about the same water and light needs to thrive as well as the same growing seasons. For example, most echeveria and sedums, as well as crassulas can be planted together, but you definitely wouldn't want to place a lithop with them in the same pot because of differences in water needs.
Amazing video 👏👏❤️❤️as I decided to learn to take care of succulents all your explanations helped me a lot ❤️now I check each one weekly the trunk and removing dead / dry leaves 🍁 love to clean them for new grow ❤️
Aww, thank you. 🤗 I'm glad my video was able to help. Learning to understand their leaves really takes the confusion out of watering doesnt it! I love taking off the dried leaves too. 💚
😍
thank you!
How about the golden glow sedum? They have a more solid leaf. Just curious if theirs an easy way to tell is she needs a drink? Ty
It's as simple as just giving the bottom leaves a squeeze. If the leaves are soft and wrinkly, they are ready for water. But when newly repotted, just give them a few days to settle in first. Here's a more updated video about when to water succulents by learning the conditions of their leaves with more succulent examples... 😊 ua-cam.com/video/WP1kfNLfc9Y/v-deo.html
I had trouble with this with succs I bought online that were bare rooted. They appeared like they needed more water, but low and behold, they started dropping very full leaves and the leaves were bulging at the stem 🙃
Yes, that usually happens when plants are shipped. I know they may look like they need water, but they just need to be planted and be left alone for a few days or so before watering. I think I'll be making a separate video on caretips for succulents that are shipped bare root. Actually, I may already have made one, but wasn't too specific. I hope your plant mail recovered well. 😊
@@TheseSucculentBuddies aw hunni, it’s been weeks upon weeks, which is why I thought I’d give those 2 a bit more....but think the lesson may be to accept they will look haggard for quite some time and not necessarily spring back into a good shape until new grown has come though. Thankyou so much for replying, I was getting a bit frustrated that I had no one to talk to about this 😆🙃😘
Oftentimes that is absolutely true. I've had some bad shipments in the past and the ones that survived were pretty ugly until all the old leaves were gone and only new growth was left. As I post new unboxings and updates in the future, you guys will see the difference. It takes months for them to look good again for some. I totally understand. 💚
Does the same apply for the soft leaf succulents such as bear paw
Yes, same thing for bear paws as well. 😊
So I’ve water my succulent 2 weeks ago. And I noticed that one leaf, got squishy and mushy. But all the other leaves are firm. Don’t even wrinkle at all because they’re firm. But when I plucked the mushy leaf off, another leaf began to go mushy. Is this the succulent accessing its water reserve from a leaf? I don’t want my succulent to die 😭😭
Yes its the succulent taking water from lower leaves one by one. When you see a leaf or 2 being absorbed and you haven't watered in a while and the soil is completely dry, it's safe to water. Try not to pull the leaf being absorbed and just let the plant use it up till it dries up completely. Also, if the plant is growing quickly, it is also completely normal to lose some lower leaves as it grows new ones in the center.
Hi mam can you explain about bergeranthus , crasulla ,jade , donkey tail also mam
I'll make a video soon about crassulas and caretips. I'll also post a new video about donkey's tail. But for now, I have an old video for donkey's tail and burro's tail and the difference between the two. Here's the link... 😊 ua-cam.com/video/NKWddGlk9vU/v-deo.html
how about po rose cabbage? parang ang hirap po malaman kasi manipis yung leaves nila di ko madistinguish kung naooverwater na or underwater ba siya
Pag matigas pa ang leaves, ok pa sya. Pag sa dulo sa wider part ng leaf natutuyo na konti konti at malambot, hindi nag tutubig and completely dry ang soil, uhaw na.
what about cactuses? as they have no leaves, how can we tell if they are under or overwatered?
thanks
For cacti, they actually shrink a little and get soft when they are thirsty. For those with no spines, you can actually give them a little squeeze and feel they get a bit soft and even wrinkle a bit. Although you need to be careful because if they are overwatered, the same thing happens when they are rotting from the inside. Just remember, cactus requires way less water than other succulents.
@@TheseSucculentBuddies thank you, it was very helpful
One of my graptoveria moonglow became a bit sensitive and the leaves just fall off in just a little shake. Is this a sign of over watering or starting to rot?
Probably overwatering...did the leaves get mushy?
@@TheseSucculentBuddiesvery few. But majority that fell are still hard like the other leaves that are still attached.
Just keep an eye on the stem for dark spots or softening up. Most of the time they recover if you just let them dry out for a while. If the stem has any signs of rot, behead right away to prevent the spread. Daily feel the stem for firmness. This way, if it does start rotting, you can catch it early and save it. 😊
I'm not sure what the name of this succulent is, but over the last 2 months the tip of some leaves have turned brown and scabby. Eventually, the leaves just fall off, starting from the bottom to the top. The remaining bunch of leaves at the top and the stem are all firm. I took the succulent out of the pot and the soil is completely dry. I'm afraid the leaves will slowly keep falling off until there's nothing left. Are the leaves falling off because of too much water, too little water, or something else?
Could you maybe post a pic of it on the group page on Facebook? These Succulent Buddies group. It would be easier for me to help if I see a pic of the plant. 😊
@@TheseSucculentBuddies, yes, will do! I didn't know you had a FB group! That's wonderful!
I was just checking on my succulent roots and some are brown from what im guessing is underwatering still trying to get the hang of it im new to this and im growing indoors under growlights what can i do to save my drying out roots? I see only one or two good roots and the rest are turning brown or a dark tan
Dry roots will be replaced by new white roots that will grow eventually. If the stem is firm and completely healthy, there shouldn't be a problem. Does you plant still plump up when watered?
@@TheseSucculentBuddies So no need to cut off brown or tanish roots that look like they are drying out? And in response to your question i just got this succulent so it should get plump when watered i dont think ive had it long enough to see i just see it losing leaves and one of your other video said that its from underwatering and repotting.
Oh ok, so it's new. Yes, it should be fine. And if you see white live roots, you can also water a little just enough to wet the roots about 4-5 days after repotting. Just make sure that when you water, there are live roots or wait until you see new ones. 😊
What if I have a mixture of dry and mushy leaves on a plant, I bough a graptosedum 'California Sunset' from a plant store and it has a little bit of both
If the plant is still doing ok, you can remove the watery mushy leaves and simply re-pot in dry soil. If you just let it be for a few days without water, about 4-7 days, it should be fine. It was probably overwatered at one point. Make sure there are no signs of rot.
@@TheseSucculentBuddies thank you for the advice!
Good luck with your new California sunset! They are easy to care for and I'm sure you will have many soon! 😊
how about for cuttings? they have no roots, so naturally they will drink from their bottom leaves, right? should i ignore its signs that they're thirsty until they develop roots? or should i give it water already since they are showing signs that they're thirsty?
Ignore! Only water when they have roots. Dont worry, they bounce back. Watch episode #12 for caretips on how to care for succulent cuttings. 😊
@@TheseSucculentBuddies alright! some of my cuttings have tiny .5 cm roots, are they ready to be watered or wait til they get a bit longer?
Oh, it's ok to water a little now. Just a little around the base if its has some small roots.
@@TheseSucculentBuddies okay i will water them, thank you!
I just bought one can they be under watered when you buy them
Yes, that's totally normal. It better underwatered than over watered. As long as there are no signs of rot, and it's completely healthy, it will just need a little water. 😊
Thank you
You are always welcome 😊
if I water succulent last 3 days and now the soil is dry. so you said " you don't need to water " so after how many days can I water
It's not about how many days. It's about the condition of the leaves. Water when the leaves look wrinkled and thirsty like I explained in the video and the examples I showed. 😊
@@TheseSucculentBuddies ok. I don't want to water very often so can I use bowl and put water in it and I put that succulent pot in it. is it ok to water like that
Yes it ok to bottom water. It's the best method when you know how much water your succulent can take. But I only do that if I know my succulent is fully rooted in the pot. Not for new purchases or re-pots.
@@TheseSucculentBuddies ohh ok. next time I will take care about how much water does my succulents can take?😉😉😉. Thank you for reply me. Next time also if I have a question can I ask you.🙂🙂🙂
You can always ask me my friend. I'm always happy to help. 😊