Have you ever wondered how succulents get their water? It may be a bit more complicated than the average plant.
Succulents absorb water, carbon dioxide, and essential nutrients through tiny pores known as stomata while using the sun’s energy to perform photosynthesis.
Interestingly enough, they also use this evaporation process to protect them from drought or heat. Lets to know deeper knowledge via this article on these unique plants that could lead you one step closer to providing ideal care for your own cacti garden.
Do Succulents Get Water From The Air?
Yes, the leaves of succulents absorb water from the air. Succulents are naturally equipped with a special ability to absorb moisture out of the air, making them great plants for outdoor use.
But most of the succulents don’t get water from the air, instead, they get fulfilled their water and nutrients requirement from the soil.
For many succulents of the varieties like mountain succulents, their specialized rooting system can lead to survival with necessary nutrients and conserve water on the contrary other plants cannot survive.
As a result succulents plant can live on minimal water in arid conditions also.
Do succulents absorb moisture from the air?
Yes, succulents absorb moisture from the air. Due to the stomata on their leaves, they can absorb moisture from the air.
This is possible because they possess microscopic openings called stomata on their leaves, which permit an exchange of gases between themselves and the atmosphere.
Succulents in humid climates are particularly remarkable for the manner in which they harness moisture from their environment.
When warm and moist air passes over a succulent’s stomata, tiny cells draw up water vapor to give it all of the hydration that is needed without any additional watering. This process, known as transpiration, not only provides much-needed humidity but also helps keep succulent plants cool with its temperate regulation qualities.
Succulents are able to store water in their leaves, stems, and roots in order to resist longer droughts because they are adapted to living in dry conditions.
Succulents may be naturally known for their water-storing abilities, but they can’t rely solely on air moisture to keep them thriving.
Related: Will Succulents Die If They Freeze?
Do Succulents Like Dry or Humid Air?
Succulents are adapted to survive in drier environments and need very little watering, but high humidity levels can cause death.
To keep your succulent well, ensure that it isn’t sitting in an area with overwhelming moisture.
The ideal humidity levels of succulents are between 40-50%.
Other houseplants may thrive at higher moisture levels, but succulents have adapted to arid conditions and prefer the lower end of that range.
If you live in an area with extreme weather fluctuations, using a humidifier or dehumidifier is essential for keeping your environment within ideal parameters.
Related: Is Peat Moss Good For Succulents and Cactus?
How much water do succulents need?
The succulent’s water requirements will vary depending on several factors, including the plant’s size and kind, the size and nature of the container it is growing in, the air temperature and humidity level, and the quantity of light the plant is receiving.
Typically, it is better to wait until the soil around a succulent is fully dry before watering it once more. This is due to the fact that succulents prefer dry environments and might be susceptible to root rot if the soil is very wet for a long period of time.
Use the “finger test” to measure when to water your succulents by inserting your finger about an inch into the soil and testing for dryness.
How to water succulents without drainage?
It is typically recommended to give succulents a pot with drainage holes so that allow excess water to drain out of the soil. This helps avoid the plant’s roots resting in standing water, which can cause root rot and other problems.
Watering succulents without drainage holes can be tricky but it’s possible.
To help with this, add a layer of charcoal, coconut coir, warm compost, or a succulent and cactus mix at the bottom of the pot.
This will act as a filter to reduce excess water flow and ultimately keep your succulents healthy.
It’s important to note on the side of caution when watering succulents without drainage holes, they should only be watered roughly once a month and no more than 40% of their soil should be dampened in one go.
How often do water succulents in summer?
The size and kind of the plant, the size and type of container it is growing in, the temperature and humidity of the air, and the amount of light the plant is receiving will all affect how often you need water your succulent.
Most succulents only require watering once a week or less in the summer when the climate is warm and dry.
However, some succulent varieties can require more or less watering schedule, so it’s crucial to pay attention to your plant’s individual requirements.
How often should I water my succulents?
The frequency of water depends on the season of the year, the temperature, and how much light your succulent receives, you should water it more frequently.
In general, it’s recommendable to apply more moisture once the soil’s upper layer has completely dried up.
During summer you should water your succulent once or twice a week while it is actively growing.
Use warm compost mixed with a succulent and cactus mix for improved water and air absorption, and add a layer of charcoal to the bottom of the pot to assist water drainage. This can assist maintain the roots of your plant healthy and prevents them from being moldy or soggy.
How much water do indoor succulents need?
When it comes to indoor succulents, once a week should be enough to keep them healthy and happy. How much water you give your succulent varies on where you live and how dry the climate is.
In a very dry environment, twice every week may suffice. The most important thing to keep in mind is to not underwater your indoor succulent.
The effect of overwatered succulents
Over-watering a succulent can have several negative effects on the plant, including root rot, a fungal and bacterial disease, brown leaves, and the overall poor health of the succulent plant.
It’s essential to avoid over-watering your succulent and to water it only when the soil is absolutely dry in order to assist prevent these issues.
A well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and adequate airflow for the plant can all help to avoid problems brought on by too much moisture.
Is it better to water succulents at night?
At nighttime can apply water to succulents but nighttime may not be the best time for you to water your succulents because water cannot be absorbed fully by the plants.
If too much is given, it could lead to over-watering and create a residence in your soil that’s perfect for pests like mold or unhealthy roots.
Before watering, to make sure draining occurs properly, give them plenty of hydration ahead of bedtime so they have enough time to take all they need before sundown.
Is rainwater good for succulents?
Yes, rainwater is good for succulents. Not only for succulents it is also good for all other plants. Rain can also help to wash away all the dirt and other harmful affected material.
It’s essential to avoid over-watering your succulent and to water it only when the soil is absolutely dry in order to assist prevent these issues.
A well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and adequate airflow for the plant can all help to avoid problems brought on by too much moisture.
Why do my succulents die?
There are numerous reasons why succulents could die. Several potential reasons include:
Overwatering: If succulents are irrigated too regularly or if the soil is overly wet, the roots may rot. Use a well-draining soil mix, and make sure to let the soil completely dry out in between watering.
Poor soil drainage: Poor soil drainage can cause too much water to accumulate around a plant’s roots, which can cause root rot and eventual death.
Pests: Mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects can harm succulent plants and eventually cause them to die. Succulents are also susceptible to these pests.
Fungal infection: Fungal infection is one of the causes of them dying when it harms the succulent.
Lack of sunlight: For succulents to thrive, sunlight must be sufficient. Your plants can wilt and die if they don’t get enough light.
Extreme temperatures: Succulents are susceptible to both hot and cold extremes in temperature. Your plants might suffer stress and death if the temperature in your location rises to an excessively high level.
Read also tips on: Can I Use Succulent Plant Food For Other Plants?
Faq
How do succulents get water?
Succulents can survive longer periods without water because they can store water in their leaves, stems, and roots. Succulents are able to accomplish this because they have evolved to live in deserts and other places with limited availability of water.
Succulents commonly get their water from rainwater, soil moisture, or humidity.
Is fresh air good for succulents?
Yes, succulents generally benefit from fresh air. Healthy succulents require adequate airflow since it protects against diseases like fungal infections and pests.
Does succulent absorb moisture?
Yes, succulents may take in moisture from a variety of sources, such as rainwater, soil moisture, and air humidity.
Should you mist succulents with water?
Succulents are adapted to dry environments, therefore misting them with water is generally not recommended because they don’t need a lot of humidity to grow. In fact, problems like rot and fungal disease might result from too much moisture on their leaves.