Avery Martinez is a succulent blogger and has been writing about succulent care for over 5 years. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with other succulent enthusiasts. When she's not writing, Avery likes to travel and try new foods.
Hey there! Thanks for reaching out with your question about watering succulents in the fall. It's an important topic to discuss, as the changing seasons can have a big impact on your succulent care routine.
In the fall, succulents naturally go into a period of dormancy, which means they require less water than they do during the active growing season. This is because the days are shorter, the temperatures are cooler, and the overall humidity levels tend to be higher. During this time, it's crucial to adjust your watering schedule to prevent overwatering and potential root rot.
As a general rule of thumb, I recommend watering your succulents in the fall about once every two to three weeks. However, it's important to remember that every succulent is unique, and factors such as the specific type of succulent, the size of the pot, and the environmental conditions in your area can all affect how often you should water.
Succulent Watering Guide in Fall
Succulent Type | Pot Size | Environmental Conditions | Watering Frequency |
---|---|---|---|
Echeveria | Small (up to 4 inches) | Dry, arid climate | Once every 3 weeks 🌵 |
Aloe Vera | Medium (4 to 8 inches) | Humid, tropical climate | Once every 2 weeks 🌿 |
Jade Plant | Large (above 8 inches) | Cold, temperate climate | Once every 4 weeks 🍃 |
Zebra Plant | Small (up to 4 inches) | Dry, arid climate | Once every 3 weeks 🦓 |
String of Pearls | Medium (4 to 8 inches) | Humid, tropical climate | Once every 2 weeks 💧 |
Crown of Thorns | Large (above 8 inches) | Cold, temperate climate | Once every 4 weeks 👑 |
To determine if your succulent needs water, it's best to rely on visual cues rather than sticking to a strict watering schedule. Here are a few signs to look out for:
1. Check the soil moisture: Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. If it still feels slightly moist, hold off on watering for a few more days.
2. Observe the leaves: Healthy succulent leaves are plump and firm. If the leaves start to look wrinkled or shriveled, it's a sign that your succulent is thirsty and needs water.
3. Watch for color changes: Some succulents, like Echeverias, will show a slight color change when they're in need of water. The leaves may appear dull or slightly translucent when they're thirsty.
Remember, it's always better to underwater than to overwater your succulents. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues that can be difficult to reverse. So, if you're unsure whether to water or not, it's safer to wait a few more days before giving your succulents a drink.
In addition to adjusting your watering schedule, there are a few other fall care tips to keep in mind. First, make sure your succulents are getting enough sunlight. Even though the days are shorter, they still need bright, indirect light to stay healthy. Second, be mindful of temperature fluctuations and protect your succulents from frost if you live in a colder climate. Lastly, avoid fertilizing your succulents during the fall, as they don't require as much nutrients during their dormant period.
I hope this helps you navigate watering your succulents in the fall! Remember, observing your plants and adjusting your care routine accordingly is key to keeping them happy and thriving. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Happy succulent gardening!