From our perspective, we succulents are not like other, needier plants. Our leaves, stems, and roots are specially designed to store water for long periods. This is an ancient adaptation to survive in arid environments where rainfall is infrequent but heavy. When you prepare to leave, the most important thing to understand is that we fear overwatering far more than we fear being thirsty. Soggy soil leads to root rot, a condition that is often fatal for us. A period of dryness is something we are inherently prepared to handle; it simply triggers our natural dormancy and water-conservation processes.
Approximately one week before your departure, you can give us a thorough, deep watering. This is not a light sprinkle. Place us in a sink or basin and soak the soil until water runs freely from the drainage holes. This method ensures our roots have full access to water and can drink their fill. Then, allow all excess water to drain away completely. We will absorb this moisture into our specialized tissues, creating a personal reservoir to draw from over the coming weeks. This single deep drink is far more beneficial and safer than several light waterings before you go, which only moisten the topsoil and encourage shallow root growth.
Our environment plays a huge role in how quickly we use our stored water. To help us conserve it, please move us away from direct, intense sunlight. A spot with bright, indirect light is perfect, as it reduces the rate of transpiration (water loss through our leaves). Also, ensure we are not in the path of heating or cooling vents, as drastic temperature fluctuations and forced air will dry us out much faster. Grouping us together can be helpful. We create a slightly more humid microclimate amongst ourselves, which marginally reduces the rate of water loss from our leaves through a process called transpiration.
If you will be away for an extended period beyond three or four weeks, a more proactive approach may be needed. The wicking method is one we find agreeable. Place a large container of water higher than the level of our pots. Then, run a cotton rope or a specialized watering wick from the water container directly into the top of our soil, ensuring it is buried slightly. Through capillary action, the rope will slowly draw moisture into the soil as it dries, providing a consistent, minimal level of hydration that mimics the slight moisture we might find deep in the ground. This prevents the soil from becoming completely bone-dry for too long without the risk of over-saturation.
