How Often to Water Outdoor Succulents

Succulents are popular outdoor plants known for their ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions. Their fleshy leaves and stems store water, allowing them to tolerate drought. However, succulents still require occasional watering to look their best. Learning how often to water outdoor succulents is key to keeping them happy and healthy.

What are Succulents?

Succulents are plants that have adapted to survive in arid environments. They have thick, fleshy parts that conserve water. These water-storing tissues allow succulents to endure long periods of drought.

Common succulent varieties grown outdoors include:

Sedum
Sempervivum (hens and chicks)
Echeveria
Aeonium
Crassula
Kalanchoe
Agave
Aloe
Cacti like opuntia and prickly pear

Succulents come in a huge range of shapes, sizes, and colors. Their diversity makes them popular outdoor plants in landscapes and gardens.

Benefits of Growing Succulents Outdoors

Succulents offer many benefits as outdoor plants:

Drought tolerance – Once established, most succulents only need water every 2-3 weeks. Many types can withstand severe drought.
Low maintenance – Succulents don’t need frequent care, fertilizing, or deadheading. Minimal effort is required.
Pest and disease resistance – The thick leaves deter pests. Most succulents aren’t prone to diseases.
Adaptability – Succulents grow well in the ground or containers. Many tolerate poor, sandy, or rocky soil.
Year-round interest – Succulents look great year-round, even in winter. Foliage, flowers, or forms provide interest.
Variety – Hundreds of succulent species and cultivars offer diverse sizes, shapes, and textures.
Hardy in heat – Succulents revel in hot, dry outdoor conditions when other plants struggle.

With proper watering, succulents are easy plants that flourish outdoors. Their versatility and resilience make them perfect for xeriscaping, rock gardens, borders, and containers.

Factors That Determine Water Needs

Several factors affect how often outdoor succulents need water:

Climate and Weather

Succulents require more frequent watering in hot, dry climates. Cool, humid climates extend the time between waterings. Pay attention to heat waves or cold snaps that alter water needs.

Sun Exposure

Succulents in full sun dry out faster than shaded ones. Adjust watering frequency based on the location. More sun means more water required.

Soil Type

Well-draining soil is essential for succulents. Sandy soil needs more frequent watering than soil with some clay that retains moisture. Amend dense or clay soil to improve drainage.

Plant Age

Younger succulents need more water to establish. Mature, established plants can tolerate longer dry periods. Prioritize water for new plantings.

Plant Variety

Some succulents are naturally more drought-tolerant, like cacti and agave. Others, like certain Echeveria, require more moisture. Learn the needs of specific varieties.

Container vs. In-Ground

Containerized succulents dry out faster and need more water. In-ground plantings access soil moisture more easily.

Weather Changes

Unseasonal weather like heat waves or cold snaps affect water needs. Adjust frequency when weather deviates. Prioritize water during temperature extremes.

Season

Outdoor succulents need the most water in hot, dry summer months. Reduce frequency in cool, rainy winter.

Paying attention to these factors will indicate when your outdoor succulents need water.

Signs Succulents Need Water

In addition to climate factors, the plants themselves reveal when they need a drink. Look for these signs:

Wrinkled, shriveled leaves – Healthy succulent leaves are plump. Wrinkling signals dehydration.
Dull, drooping leaves – Succulents normally have vibrant, perky foliage. Wilting or dullness shows water deficiency.
Soil is completely dry – Check the soil moisture before watering. Succulent soil should dry out between waterings but not become dust-dry.
Lower leaf drop – Normal leaf loss occurs from the bottom up. Rapid lower leaf drop indicates under-watering stress.
Loss of shape or thinning – Succulents will start to lose their compact, sculptural shapes when under-watered.
Reduced growth – Inadequate water limits new growth and causes leaves to stretch for moisture.
Root visibility at drainage holes – Roots emerging from the container’s drainage holes signals extreme dryness.
Pest infestation – Spider mites, mealybugs and other pests attack more easily when plants are water stressed.
Sunburn scorch – Extremely dry plants cannot cool themselves and get sunburned more readily.

Succulents display recognizable symptoms when they need water. Responding promptly prevents decline.

On average, established outdoor succulents need:

Spring – Every 2-3 weeks
Summer – Every 1-2 weeks
Fall – Every 2-4 weeks
Winter – Once a month or less

These are general guidelines only. Always assess soil moisture, climate conditions, and the plant’s signs before deciding to water.

Succulents store water in their leaves, so they do not need frequent watering. Wait until the soil is almost completely dry before watering again. The exceptions are tender new plantings, cuttings rooting, and extreme weather. Otherwise, err on the side of underwatering instead of overwatering.

Specific watering techniques help outdoor succulents thrive:

Water thoroughly – When you do water, soak the soil completely until water drains from the bottom. Avoid frequent shallow sprinklings.
Water the soil – Water at soil level to encourage deep roots. Wet foliage can burn and cause rot.
Water in the morning – This gives plants time to absorb moisture before hot afternoons.
Add gravel drainage – Top dressing rocks improves drainage to prevent soggy soil.

Infrequent deep soakings are better than frequent shallow waterings for outdoor succulents. Wait until the soil dries out before watering again.

Problems from Over or Under-Watering

Maintaining the right watering schedule prevents common problems:

Symptoms of Under-Watering

Wilting, wrinkled leaves
Loss of shape and thinning
Lower leaf drop
Dull, drooping leaves
Reduced or stretched out growth
Pest infestations and sunburn

Symptoms of Over-Watering

Mushy, translucent leaves
Blackened, rotting leaves and stems
Leaf drop
Discolored foliage
Excess pest and diseases
Bulbous, swelling lower stems
Stem or root rot

Getting the watering frequency right is crucial for healthy outdoor succulents. Observe plants and make adjustments to avoid under or over-watering damage.

Watering Methods

Several effective methods hydrate outdoor succulents:

Hand watering with a watering can or hose is simplest. Direct water to the base of the plants.
Drip irrigation provides consistent moisture. Emitters deposit water slowly at the soil level.
Self-watering containers like ollas supply plants with water as needed.
Soaker hoses slowly emit water along their length directly into the ground.
Sprinklers effectively cover a large area. Avoid watering foliage, which can scorch.
Rainwater harvesting takes advantage of natural rainfall collected in barrels.

Choose moisture methods suited to your climate, water restrictions, and setup. Efficient irrigation conserves water in drought prone areas.

Tips for Healthy, Well-Hydrated Succulents

Optimizing the watering routine keeps outdoor succulents looking their best:

Let new transplants establish roots for 2-3 weeks before allowing soil to dry out between waterings
Water at the base of plants to keep foliage dry and prevent rot
Remove weeds to reduce competition for moisture
Add sand, pumice, or gravel to improve drainage
Use terra cotta pots that naturally dry out faster
Group plants with similar watering needs
Shelter container plants to conserve moisture
Avoid fertilizing during summer, which stimulates thirsty growth
Consider drought-tolerant native succulents adapted to local conditions
Move container plants to a sheltered location during temperature extremes
Wait until spring for repotting, watering more often until they establish

By paying attention to signs, environmental factors, and following best practices you can maintain the perfect watering regimen for your outdoor succulents.

FAQs about Watering Outdoor Succulents

How much water do outdoor succulents need?

Outdoor succulents generally need a thorough soaking every 1-4 weeks depending on climate, soil, and other conditions. The soil should dry out between waterings.

Should I water outdoor succulents everyday?

No, watering every day will harm succulents. Too much moisture causes rot. Allow the soil to completely dry out before the next watering.

Is it better to underwater or overwater succulents?

Underwatering is preferable to overwatering. Succulents store water in their leaves and can tolerate drought. Too much water rots their tissues.

What time of day is best for watering succulents outside?

Early morning is ideal so the water has time to penetrate the soil before the heat of the day. Avoid water sitting on foliage overnight.

Can succulents survive without water outside?

Mature, established succulents can survive extended periods without water in outdoor plantings. But they will not thrive. Some leaf drop and dormancy will occur.

How do I get my outdoor succulents to grow faster?

Fertilizing and adequate water during the active growing season will speed up growth. Avoid overwatering, which causes rot not growth.

What causes leggy succulent growth outdoors?

Leggy, stretched out growth results when succulents don’t get enough sunlight. Rotate pots or move plants to get adequate sun for compact shapes.

Should I stop watering outdoor succulents in winter?

Winter rain and reduced evaporation mean succulents need less frequent watering in winter but should not be left bone dry for months.

Conclusion

Learning how often to water outdoor succulents prevents over and under-watering. While succulents are drought-adapted, they still periodically require moisture for healthy growth especially in hot, dry climates. Quality soil, efficient irrigation, infrequent deep soakings, and proper timing ensures outdoor succulents thrive. Pay attention to your climate, the season, soil moisture, and the plant’s signs to optimize watering. With the right hydration regimen, succulents will flourish outdoors.

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