If you live in Arizona, then growing succulents is an easy peasy task for you. Arizona experiences extreme temperatures throughout the year (from hot summers to frigid winters). The average high-temperature hovers around 103 degrees Fahrenheit during summer and drops to a chilly -40 degrees Fahrenheit during wintertime.
This weather makes gardening in Arizona challenging. Plants tend to dry out very easily due to excessive heat. Even though the soil in Arizona is naturally alkaline, the lack of rainfall means that the pH level is usually above 7.5. Succulents grow in a dry area, so don’t worry about them more; just water succulents every 10 days. Dig in to find out more.
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Do succulents and Cacti survive without water?
Succulent and cactus plants are popular because of their unique appearance and ability to thrive in dry conditions. But many people assume that they require little water.
Most succulents and cacti prefer moderate amounts of moisture during the day. Depending on the type of plant, they usually need more water at night. If you live in a hot climate, you’ll probably need to water them every day, even if it’s just once.
Of course, some types of succulents and cacti are native to arid regions, so they might need less water than those brought to North America.
However, even desert plants need water, especially if you live where there isn’t much rainfall. So you shouldn’t let them go thirsty.
How often should you water succulents in Arizona?
The best time to water succulents is in the morning. Water your succulents every 10 days.
However, the story doesn’t end there. Watering frequency can be affected by several factors. A few examples are as follows:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Soil composition
- Light levels
- Season
- Dormancy
- Species
- Indoors vs. Outdoors
It is important to be alert to any changes in conditions, regardless of a general rule of thumb of ten days. Water the plants in a way that accommodates their needs by altering your watering schedule.
It’s well known that you should water more frequently during the summer. It’s hotter, after all. Also, your plants dry up faster when the water dries up.
If the “every 10 days” rule needs to be adjusted, how should it be done? The answer depends on the situation.
There is nothing like the scorching heat and bone-dry summers in Arizona. It is important to water succulents frequently if they live in a climate like that. You should water them daily or every other day in such circumstances.
Virginia, for example, can have very hot summers as well. In addition, there is a high level of humidity as well. Evaporation is much slower in Arizona due to its saturation with water. We recommend watering every five to six days in this case.
The opposite is true during the winter. The intensity of sunlight decreases as the days shorten and the temperature drops. As a result, the growing plants go dormant for a while (like a bear hibernating).
Watering outside plants less frequently in winter is much easier than in summer. Once or twice a week, I water my indoor plants. Snow and sleet are enough to water outdoor, cold-hardy plants such as Sedum and Sempervivum.
How do I know my succulents need water?
Plants are sensitive to moisture levels in the soil. Therefore, plants with roots in moist soils produce green leaves throughout the growing season.
On the other hand, plants with roots in dry soil grow leafy greens during the summer months and die off during winter. This phenomenon is called seasonal dormancy.
Testing the soil is the best way to determine whether your soil needs more water. You can use a trowel to dig into the soil around the base of each plant.
When you do this, look for small pockets of air. These pockets indicate no water, so the soil is dry. To make things easier, you can buy a soil testing kit online. Check what is in the ground soil.
Things to Consider When Watering Succulents
The most important thing to remember about watering succulents is to keep it simple. Don’t overdo it; ensure you give them enough water to survive. For example, don’t let them sit in a puddle of water for days without getting any air circulation. Also, you want to avoid overwatering because it leads to root rot. If you do overwater, use a plant mister or mist spray bottle.
If you live without rainstorms, you can still give succulents some moisture. A good way to do this is to put a saucer under each plant. Be careful, though—if you’ve got a lot of plants, you might have to add another saucer. Just make sure to empty the old one every few weeks.
You might think the best way to water succulents is during the day, but that’s not true. While daytime watering is ideal for keeping your house cool, nighttime watering helps prevent leaf scorch.
During the day, the leaves absorb sunlight and heat, causing the temperature inside the pots to rise. At night, the leaves lose energy and cool down. So when you water at night, you’re helping to keep the temperatures even throughout the day.
Some common problems with watering succulents in Arizona:
- Watering succulents in Arizona can be a tricky task. Not only do you need to ensure you’re providing the plants with enough water, but you must also be careful not to overwater them.
- If you water succulents in the morning, they’ll have time to absorb the water and won’t be as stressed. However, avoid watering in the evening or afternoon when the plants are warm, as this can lead to problems like weakened leaves and roots, insect infestation, and diseases.
- It’s also important not to soak the plant–just wet the soil. Excess water can cause your succulent’s roots to rot, eventually killing the plant.
- A moisture meter can help you determine how much water your succulent needs at any given time so you don’t accidentally overwater it.
How can you avoid overwatering your succulents?
One of the most common mistakes succulent owners make is overwatering their plants. This can be very harmful to the succulent and can cause it to sag, lose leaves, and even rot. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to avoid overwatering your succulents:
- Wait until the soil is dry before watering your succulent again. You can tell if the soil is dry by sticking your finger. If it feels wet, then don’t water it yet.
- If you’re unsure how often to water your succulent, try watering it every other day or every two days. Succulents can tolerate being watered daily, but if you’re unsure whether or not to water them, wait an extra day or two.
- Never pour water directly on top of the potting mix or soil. This will cause the roots to rot and will kill the plant. Instead, pour water into a container and let the succulent absorb it through its leaves.
- Ensure your succulent receives plenty of sunlight and the temperature is between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius (64-75 degrees Fahrenheit).
Tips to water succulents
Succulents are beautiful plants that require minimal care. They don’t like too hot or cold temperatures, so most people keep them indoors during the winter months. But even indoor succulents still need to be watered regularly.
Here are some tips for watering succulents and cacti:
• Use lukewarm water. If it feels cool or warm, it probably isn’t.
• Avoid spraying water directly onto the leaves. Instead, use a spray bottle to apply the water slowly around the base of each plant. This way, the roots won’t dry out.
• Never let succulents sit in standing water. Not only does it cause rot, but it might also damage the root system.
• Remove any dead or damaged leaves. These are signs of disease or insect infestation.
• Check soil moisture levels every few weeks. Add another inch of the potting mix when the soil feels damp.
• Keep the container away from heat sources, such as radiators, fireplaces, or heating vents.
• Allow the soil to dry completely before adding more soil.
Also, you can check how often should you water a cactus.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. Is The Full Sun Good For Succulents?
It can be brutal due to the intense light and high temperatures. However, most succulents will tolerate full sun for a few days if you gradually introduce them to it, increasing an hour or so every couple of days. The direct sunlight is now protected by shade cloth.
2. Do Succulents Benefit From Cinnamon?
In addition, some succulents exhibit bruised-looking leaves and pockmarks caused by another disease. A solution can be made by mixing two tablespoons of ground cinnamon with one pint of isopropyl alcohol, shaking it well overnight, straining it through a coffee filter, and spraying it on the plants the next morning.
3. Can Succulents Be Poured With Coffee?
Succulents benefit from the use of coffee grounds both for growth and development. The soil will also become richer—aeration and drainage increase when coffee grounds are added to succulent soil.
Conclusion
I would say that all succulents should be watered regularly because they have shallow roots. However, there are different ways to do this. No matter what you decide, just be aware of the watering season. I hope this article has given enough idea of a watering session.