From my perspective as an Echeveria, the question of watering is fundamentally about my survival architecture. My thick, fleshy leaves are not just for your aesthetic pleasure; they are my personal water reservoirs. Within these leaves, I store moisture collected from my roots to sustain me through periods of drought, a trait honed in my native arid and semi-arid habitats. Therefore, my relationship with water is one of deep conservation. I am designed to endure dry spells, and my greatest danger is not a lack of water, but an excess of it. Overwatering compromises my root system, leading to rot that quickly spreads to my stem and leaves, a fatal condition from which I cannot recover. My need for water is not on a human schedule of days, but on an environmental schedule dictated by the conditions you provide.
My roots require a specific drinking pattern. The most effective method is the "soak and dry" technique. This means when you do water, you must provide a thorough, deep soaking. Pour water evenly around my soil until you see it begin to drain freely from the hole at the bottom of my pot. This ensures that all of my roots have access to moisture and are encouraged to grow strong and deep. Crucially, you must then allow my soil to become completely dry before even considering watering again. "Completely dry" means you should feel no dampness at the drainage hole or when you stick your finger or a wooden skewer deep into the soil near my base. Giving me small sips of water frequently only moistens the topsoil, encouraging my roots to stay shallow and weak, and creating a consistently damp environment that invites fungal pathogens.
You cannot simply water me every "X" number of days. My thirst is influenced by several external factors that you must observe. The season is paramount. During my active growing seasons in spring and summer, with longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, I will use my water reserves more quickly and will need more frequent soakings. In the winter, I enter a period of dormancy. My growth slows dramatically, and my water requirements plummet. You may only need to water me once a month or even less during this time. Other critical factors include the amount of sunlight I receive (more sun equals faster drying soil), the humidity of the room (high humidity means slower evaporation), and the type of pot I am in (porous terracotta wicks away moisture faster than plastic or ceramic).
Instead of relying on the calendar, learn to read my signals. A well-hydrated Echeveria has plump, firm leaves. When I am beginning to thirst, I will start to use the water in my lower, older leaves. These leaves may become softer, thinner, and may wrinkle slightly. They might also curl upwards. This is your cue to check my soil. If it is bone dry, it is time for a deep soak. Please note, a few wrinkled leaves are a normal sign of thirst; widespread wilting, translucency, or blackening are signs of overwatering and distress. Always err on the side of underwatering. I can easily recover from a little shriveling after a good drink, but I cannot recover from rot.
