To understand my watering needs, you must first understand where I come from. My ancestors are from the arid, rocky plains of South Africa. I am a succulent, built for survival in harsh, dry conditions with infrequent but heavy downpours. My thick, fleshy leaves are my water storage tanks, carefully hoarding moisture to see me through long periods of drought. This is my fundamental nature. Overwatering is a far greater and more common threat to my well-being than underwatering. It attacks my very foundation—my roots—leading to a fatal condition called root rot. When in doubt, it is always safer to err on the side of dryness.
You must never water me on a fixed schedule. My thirst is not dictated by the days of the week but by my environment. The only way to know if I need water is to physically check the soil's moisture level. Please insert your finger, a wooden skewer, or a moisture meter deep into the potting mix, near the edge of the pot. If you feel any dampness or coolness at all, I still have water to use. Wait. You should only water when the soil is completely dry all the way through to the bottom of the pot. This "soak and dry" method mimics the natural desert rains I am adapted to.
My water consumption is directly influenced by the conditions you keep me in. Several key factors will change how quickly my soil dries out:
Season (Light & Temperature): During my active growing seasons in spring and fall, with longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, I will photosynthesize more and use water faster. You may need to water me every 2-3 weeks. In the intense heat of summer, I may slow down to conserve energy. In winter, I enter a near-dormant state due to shorter, cooler days; my growth stalls and my water needs plummet. You might only need to water me once a month or even less.
Pot & Soil: My pot and soil are critical. I must be planted in a pot with a drainage hole. My soil must be a very gritty, fast-draining mix, specifically for succulents and cacti. A dense, moisture-retentive soil will suffocate my roots. A terracotta pot, which is porous and allows water to evaporate through its walls, will help the soil dry much faster than a plastic or glazed ceramic pot.
When the soil is completely dry, water me thoroughly. This means taking me to a sink and slowly pouring water over the soil until it runs freely out of the drainage hole at the bottom. This ensures the entire root ball gets moistened. Please let all the excess water drain away completely. Never let me sit in a saucer of water. After watering, return me to my sunny spot and do not check the soil again for many days. The cycle of a deep soak followed by a period of complete dryness is the rhythm of life I understand best.
