From our perspective, the question is not truly about a schedule of days, but about the condition of our home—the soil. Our roots need both water and air. Constantly soggy soil suffocates us, leading to root rot, a swift and often fatal condition. We are succulents, equipped with thick, fleshy leaves and stems that store significant water reserves. We are built for drought. Therefore, the only correct time to water is when the soil is completely dry. You must check this by feeling the soil an inch or two below the surface; if it is dry to the touch, then we are ready for a drink.
We communicate our needs quite clearly if you know how to look. A perfectly hydrated Crassula ovata has plump, firm leaves with a vibrant green (or red-tinged) color. When we are beginning to use our internal water reserves, we will give you a subtle sign: our leaves will soften slightly and may develop a very slight wrinkle or give when gently squeezed. This is our ideal state to be watered. It is a much better indicator than any calendar. Please never wait until we become severely wrinkled and shriveled, as this puts us under extreme stress.
The climate across your USA greatly influences how quickly our soil dries out. We will break down our needs based on the major seasonal shifts we experience indoors.
Spring and Summer (Our Active Growth Season): During these warm, sunny months, we are actively growing and will use water more frequently. You may find our soil dries out every 7 to 14 days. Ensure we receive plenty of bright, indirect light, which fuels our growth and helps process the water.
Fall and Winter (Our Dormant Resting Period): As daylight shortens and temperatures cool, our growth slows dramatically. Our water requirements drop significantly. During this period, our soil can take a month or even longer to dry out completely. Overwatering is the greatest threat to us during these dormant months. Water us very sparingly, only when the leaves show those slight signs of softness.
Our pot is our entire world, and its characteristics drastically affect watering frequency. A pot made of porous terracotta will pull moisture from the soil, drying it out much faster than a plastic or glazed ceramic pot. Furthermore, a pot must have excellent drainage holes. Water that cannot escape drowns our roots. The type of soil is equally vital; we demand a gritty, fast-draining mix specifically designed for succulents and cacti, not moisture-retentive potting soil. Factors like air conditioning, heating, and humidity levels in your home also play a role—dry, heated air in winter will dry the soil faster than a humid summer day.
When our soil is dry and our leaves are slightly soft, please water us thoroughly. This means pouring water evenly over the soil until it begins to flow freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures our entire root system receives moisture. Always empty the saucer underneath our pot after watering; we must never sit in standing water. Then, simply leave us alone until the entire soil mass is dry again and we show those slight thirst signals. This cycle of a deep soak followed by a period of drought mimics our natural environment and keeps us healthy for decades.
