Succulents are a group of plants with water-storing characteristics that make them drought-resistant, allowing them to thrive even in the world’s most arid environments.
If you have succulents, you’ve probably observed that they don’t need frequent watering as other plants. So you came up with a question, how long, though, can succulents survive without water? And how can you determine if you’re giving your succulents enough water?
It isn’t easy to estimate how long succulents can survive without water. It depends on different factors such as kind of succulent, temperature, the season of the month, location, and age of the succulent.
How Long Succulents Live Without Water?
As previously stated, the amount of time succulents may live without water is determined by several factors. In truth, different kinds will have varying degrees of drought tolerance, and even the hardest succulents have limits.
To figure out how long your succulent species can survive without water, we’ll need to look at a few key aspects of our favorite fat plants. Because various species are adapted to different climates, they will have varying amounts of drought tolerance. (Read How To Propagate Moonstone Succulent)
The condition of the season and location of the plant will impact how long the succulent can survive without water, regardless of the species. But then the time long can succulents go without water for weeks up to months.
Watering Succulents Based on Climate
1. Hot Climates in the Outdoors
Succulents need to be watered every 1-3 weeks during summer and spring. When the soil dries out quickly, it’s because:
- They are in the open air
- Exposed to direct sunshine
- Exposed to artificial light and have a soil that drains quickly
- They’re in pots, so the soil can breathe and dry up more quickly
2. Cooler Climates in the Indoors
Succulents grown indoors or outside during the cooler months require less water. They can go for up to 1 to 3 months without being watered.
Indoor succulents will be less exposed to the elements outside because the soil mix dries out faster outdoors than indoors due to the wind and sunlight.
The soil remains moist for extended periods in milder climes, such as fall and winter. You really have to check fast draining soil in this climate.
Reading more about toothpick tests is an excellent strategy to avoid overwatering inside during the cooler months.
To avoid root rot, check first the soil before watering the succulents inside and make sure it’s scorched between watering.
3. Some Beach Cities on the Coast
Succulents planted along the shore, particularly in Southern California, may not need to be manually watered. The reason for this is that the morning air’s humidity may be sufficient to keep them alive all year especially the young plants.
Kinds of Succulents
There are several succulent genera and species, each with distinct appearance and requirements. Looking at the capacity of water a succulent can store is the quickest approach to figure out how long it can survive without water. (Read Are String Of Dolphins Toxic)
1. Kinds of Succulent That Can Survive the Longest (Up to Six Months)
- Senecio
- Echeveria
- Sedum rubrotinctum
- Graptopetalum Paraguayens
- Crassula Ovata
- Graptoveria
- Sedeveria
- Graptosedum
- Portulacaria Afra
2. Kinds of Succulents That Can Survive the Least (thin leaves
- Sedum
- Glauca
- Epiphyllum
- Rhipsalis
- Orostachys Iwarenge
Succulents That Are Young and Small vs. Succulents That Are Mature and Large
You’ll notice that more miniature succulents in a dark colored pots require more water than larger ones. The fundamental reason for this is that larger succulents have a greater capacity to hold water.
That benefit isn’t available to 2-inch succulents just yet. They do, however, want to. :)
Succulents that are smaller need to be watered frequently, every 1-3 weeks. On the other hand, larger species can go up to six months without being watered.
Dormant succulents vs. Those That Are Actively Growing
Dormant succulents don’t require much from you. Soft succulents will naturally go dormant as the temperature drops to roughly 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. They won’t need much water or attention at this period. They desire to be ignored.
They will adore water during the active growing phase, but only when the soil is dry.
Signs That It’s Time to Water Your Succulents
If your succulents need to be watered, they will give you some obvious indicators. They may not recover from overwatering, but they can indeed recover from submerged. Succulents will :
- dry up
- have a wrinkle in their leaves
- remove unneeded growth to avoid death from a lack of water
- The leaves will appear flat and unappealing
- It’s time to water when you see these indicators
Overwatering Succulents and Its Consequences
Root rot is one of the most serious consequences of overwatering your succulents. Overwatering is one of the most common causes of root rot, while various factors can cause it. If your succulent’s roots should not dry out between watering, they will deteriorate.
Unfortunately, root rot is incurable; unless you notice it early, your plant will most certainly perish. Extensive root systems are difficult to identify early since the first signs appear only in the roots. When symptoms occur on the stem and leaves of your plant, the rot becomes life-threatening to your succulents.
Remember that most succulents are adapted to living in desert environments. Therefore the environment with an overwatered pot will cause issues. Succulent roots require oxygen to survive, so they cannot still breathe even if they don’t decay.
Though root rot can be tricky to spot, your succulent will let you know if you’re overwatering it. The leaves in the lower part will usually start to turn yellow and eventually fall off. If you continue to overwater the leaves, they may get mushy.
It’s always best to make mistakes on the side of dryness rather than excess water on your plant. It’s better to wait a couple of days before watering your plant if you’re unsure if it’s ready for more. (Learn How To Propagate Cotyledon Pendens)
Because succulent plants can survive for an extended period without water, a few days won’t harm your plant’s health, but it may help minimize the damage caused by overwatering.
Whether you’re a succulent newbie gardener or a seasoned caretaker, you must thoroughly examine each plant you bring home to ensure that you’re providing it with the best possible care. You must also consider using organic and inorganic materials such as peat moss. Also in terms of pots, like plastic pots, small or shallow pots with drainage holes.
You’ll be able to better care for your succulents if you learn more about them. This involves knowing how much water, direct sunlight, and filtered light they prefer and whether they have any specific soil or nutrient requirements.
