Why succulent watering feels confusing (and how to fix it)
Most succulents die from overwatering, not neglect. In India (humid summers, monsoon swings), your plant’s needs change across seasons. Use the “dry topsoil + measured water” rule and you’ll be golden.
Exact watering amounts by pot size
(Assumes well-draining soil + drainage hole; bright, indirect light)
| Pot size | Typical amount | Frequency (summer) | Frequency (winter) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2″ (5 cm) | 30–40 ml | Every 7–10 days | Every 10–14 days |
| 3″ (7.5 cm) | 50–70 ml | Every 7–10 days | Every 10–14 days |
| 4″ (10 cm) | 80–120 ml | Every 10–14 days | Every 14–21 days |
How to apply: Water slowly around the rim until the soil is evenly moist. Don’t re-water until the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry.
5 quick checks before you water
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Topsoil touch test: dry? ok to water. damp? wait.
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Pot weight: light = dry; heavy = still moist.
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Leaves: slightly firm = good; mushy = too wet; wrinkled = too dry.
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Drainage hole: essential for succulents.
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Light: low light → slower drying → water less often.
Common mistakes (and fixes)
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Mushy, transparent leaves → overwatering. Fix: pause watering 7–10 days, add more light, ensure drainage.
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Wrinkled, folding leaves → underwatering. Fix: a thorough drink to runoff (then resume schedule).
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Soil stays wet for days → poor mix or no drainage. Fix: repot into succulent mix (soil + coarse sand/perlite/pumice), pot with hole.
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Watering on a fixed day regardless of conditions → switch to dry-then-water method.
Seasonal tweaks for India
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Monsoon: higher humidity; plants drink slower. Extend intervals by 20–30%. Improve airflow.
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Peak summer: faster drying; shorten intervals a little—but keep amounts steady.
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AC rooms: air is drier; check topsoil more often.
Best beginner succulents (low-maintenance)
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Haworthia, Jade (Crassula), Aloe mini—tolerant and desk-friendly.
👉 Browse our Succulents collection or try:
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Haworthia Zebra — compact rosette; great for low light.
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Jade (Crassula) — forgiving classic.