Succulents, of course, use a lot less water and are likely never a source of mold. I forgot to mention we also have a reverse osmosis system under our kitchen sink! Image Source. Most succulents grow like crazy in the spring and summer, so you’ll need to water them a lot more often during their active growing season. So they need less water then a typical house plant. Make sure distilled water is at room temperature before feeding the plants. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775162/. You can also use a planting tray or even a plastic container. When I first started growing succulents, I had no idea that the kind of water we use can have such a long term impact on plant health. When Should Succulents be Watered? Tap water that is high in fluoride, or other chemicals and salts, will not be ideal for water propagation. But some growers said, that because it is sitting on clean water there is lesser microorganisms than in soil.I propagated succulents in soil before and it worked for my Jade plant. Water from these places remains flooded with a variety of pathogens including fungi, bacteria, protozoa, etc. Is Tap Water Bad for Succulents? Tap water is safe to use, but rainwater and distilled water are better due to their lack of minerals. What to do now in case you have been using Tap Water for watering your succulents? You may water them three times a week, depending on conditions like light and temperature. Oh! I'm not sure if the softened water goes through it or not... And if it does, I'm not sure if the harmful salts and calcium gets filtered out. If possible, use potable water, water that you would drink. We have a commercial water softener system in our house and I have read that you should NEVER water your succulents with softened water because the salts and calcium will kill them. Because they thrive in a range of conditions and require minimal care, succulents are excellent plants for centerpieces. Outdoor Succulents – water every 7 to 10 days in spring and summer and leave alone during the peak winter months. This is why succulent lovers call them low maintenance. *Low Maintenance: In nature, succulents have shallow roots that take in water quickly and store it in their leaves, stems and in the roots themselves for harder times. Required fields are marked *. However, using distilled water is still a safer option than tap water. Soak the soil completely then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. If you know its a clean water spring then you can add a little bit of chlorine in it to get rid of the majority of pathogens. But it’s been so dry this last week (7a too!) The tap water is commonly treated with chemicals by local municipal corporations for the safety of using it for drinking purposes. If I start buying it for my succulents I’ll have to buy a lot more since I have so many. Distilled water can be used instead of tap. Totally free of harmful minerals and chemicals, Lacks essential minerals and electrolytes. There are a few ways by which you can minimize the damage imparted by the tap water. If you water my misting and in small doses that don't drain, the salts will build up due to evaporation and kill your plants. (Ultimate Guide), Can a Succulent Live Without Sunlight? For Best watering Guide & troubleshooting underwatering or overwatering issues, Read: If you have been using tap water all this time and wondering “What do I water my succulents with?” then these are some prominent options you can use: Succulents love slightly acidic soil and water of acidic pH(roughly 6 pH). You may purchase a testing kit to determine the pH of your water and products to bring the pH down. Avoid getting water on the leaves and stems of plants with soft, furry foliage, or succulents and cacti.7. Anything and everything about succulents, a.k.a. Press J to jump to the feed. So all in all considering the hassle, using tap water is a better option here(Source). You should not water your succulents too often. Rainwater can act as a tonic for your succulents especially if they have been a little off. Water needs may lessen in the summer and even more so during the winter. Alongside this, the water may be also polluted with chemicals or insecticides. That it, as long as you give them a good soak and heavy drain each time you water. Change the potting soil more frequently than you would normally do, generally once in a year is a great idea. For the long-time gardener or those who regularly grow houseplants, water requirements for succulents are much different and require a change in watering habits. Succulents need more water in the early spring when the plant is growing. This is one of the reasons, rainwater is the absolute best water to use for succulents as they are slightly acidic in nature. Good luck, this was a pain in the ass for me as well. Use Distilled Water: Don’t soak your succulents in mineral-rich tap water. If the top 1 inch of soil is dry that is a good gauge it is time to water. This more environmentally friendly and healthier for your plants. Ideal Water for Succulents The ideal pH range is below 6.5, right at 6.0 for most succulents, which is acidic. Distilled water is totally free from any kind of minerals and salts. You can use rainwater, drinking water with a stable pH, distilled water or, if you have no other option, tap water. We have a commercial water softener system in our house and I have read that you should NEVER water your succulents with softened water because the salts and calcium will kill them. "fat plants," welcome here! (At What Time of the Day), “Why are my Succulent Leaves Shriveling & Curling down?”, Are Epsom Salts Good for Succulents? Yebeauty Succulent Watering Bottle, Succulent Water Bottle Squeeze Water Bottle for Plants Plastic Bend Mouth Indoor Plant Watering Bottle Pack of 2, 250ML and 500ML 4.8 out of 5 stars 92 $8.99 $ 8 . Opt for activated charcoal purifiers or reverse osmosis water purifiers only. They are totally neutral and only do the function of fulfilling the thirst of the succulents, no other added benefit of providing them with added nutrients that you can get while using rainwater(Source). Why does the succulent not rot in water? What kind of water is used in the water therapy for succulents? Should I be using distilled water? This method works best for climates that are wet and humid where water succulents may need less water than normal. Do not over water! If I were you (depending on how many plants you have) Id use tap mixed with spring water. You have to depend on nature for the water. (For How Long & Caring Tips), Can Succulents Die From Too Much Water? The best way to water succulents is with the “soak and dry” method. Water profusely, until the water … Place the plant in a well-lit, airy location and do not water again until the soil is completely dry. During the winter months when indoor heaters are on and the temperature is warm, houseplants get thirsty sooner and require more water. This is due to the additives in tap water in many places across the country. If you can't collect rainwater, try watering with distilled water or water … This is the number one reason succulents die. Collecting rainwater is not hard and succulents have extremely low watering needs. Whether you're creating centerpieces for a party, for your dining room, or even to spruce up your office, you have endless opportunities with succulents. This is wrong. If succulents do begin to dehydrate, water from the bottom up to prevent plant skin from rot-causing infections due to direct contact of plant skin with water in winter. What does everyone recommend water-wise?? Your email address will not be published. So use the distilled water for the succulents or filtered water that’s free of salts and minerals. The idea is a bit questionable for me, because as I learned in school, succulents are dry loving plants that will rot with too much watering. This is one of the reasons, rainwater is the absolute best water to use for succulents as they are slightly acidic in nature. You don’t have to water them every other day like some plants; they are made to store water for longer periods of time. Collecting rainwater is not hard and succulents have extremely low watering needs. However, if you wanna experiment a bit more with tap water then adhere to the following points for better safety: River & spring water can be used for watering succulents however, in that case, you will have little to no knowledge of what is the composition of the water you are using. You can remove water stains or mineral build-up on your plants naturally and easily. But chances are, it's heavily mineralized. All cacti are succulents but not all succulents are cacti. I did a post on a DIY Succulent Mug. Your email address will not be published. Succulents require less water for their growth since their uptake is less due to their fleshy nature. A planting tray comes in handy for watering multiple cacti at once. 99 Light is important so it might another reason for your succulent to be dying. The hard water should only be used on rare occasions. Succulents love slightly acidic soil and water of acidic pH (roughly 6 pH). The effect of using tap water is more prominent if you are growing your plants in pots. ... Overwatering will possibly lead to root rot. Nearly killed half my plants trying to get it right. Because the primary culprits of hard water are calcium and magnesium, going with distilled means you remove them completely. If the water is smelling bad, then change it! To go easy on that system, you could water the plants with it maybe every 3rd or 5th time and use the softened water the rest. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775162/. Aside from this, just like they dont have the harmful contaminants, they dont have the beneficial minerals also. Also, they prefer rain water or distilled water. Why Tap water has chemicals in the first place? Watering succulent plants is likely the essential part of growing them, so we want to get it right. How to remove mineral deposits from your succulents. It is rich in calcium along with chlorine, fluoride, chloramine, and lots of other components that end up accumulating in the soil and harming the succulent growth in the longer run. Get it? Filters are highly efficient in removing not only contaminants but all kinds of pathogens. Do check to see if your plant prefers rainwater or distilled water rather than straight from the tap. You have three options to tackle this, to let it rest & let the salts settle in the bottom, the chlorine to evaporate. Should I add vinegar to lower the pH? This method is also recommended mostly when propagating succulents. Most of the chemicals are added to the water by the local municipal corporation as a measure to make the water safe for drinking. This is the most productive option, especially in the long term. Allow your succulents to completely dry out in between waterings. I used to teach college level water hardness labs. Tap water is rich in minerals and salts which are of no use for succulents. I add a bit of water as needed, every 2-7 days depending on the temperatures. In case you live in a place that does not get much rain, it can be troublesome. Distilled water won’t do any harm to the succulent however the succulent won’t is able to grow to its full potential as many vital elements are also missing from the soil. Succulents in the ground will have developed much more robust root systems compared to their potted cousins so will be able to retain nutrients and moisture throughout the dormant season. But rain water … (2021), 5 Simple Ways To Determine Soil Dryness in Succulents. For yourself, make sure you have calcium in your diet. Tip out excess water from pot sleeves and saucers to prevent overly soggy compost.6. Inject water filled syringe directly into succulent soil until completely soaked. It sounds like expensive and overkill, but your plants will like it. It is an extremely popular option for watering in the farming community. There are approximately 10,000 species worldwide. Use a cotton ball, Q-tip, or washcloth to dip in the solution. The water is of alkaline nature which is often regarded as hard water. Many desert cactus lovers prefer using this method, but you can make the soil too wet if you’re not careful. Should you water succulents at night? If your tap water is hard (containing a lot of minerals), then you’ll need to use distilled or purified water. These components are added in controlled amounts which are enough to kill off pathogens but are safe for us to drink. Succulents are in the cactus family. (Identification & Recovery Tips), Can Succulents Die From Lack of Water or Underwatering? If you’re growing hydroponically, you might run into a calcium or magnesium deficiency if you use distilled water. Using bottled distilled water is a viable option. Tap water often contain lots of mineral like magnesium or calcium that can build up in the soil or appear on the leaves as white dot. Can you plant Succulents in Mason jars or Glass Containers? If you’re using tap water, allow it to sit for at least 24-48 hours, so the chemicals and salts settle down. Will save you from all kinds of headaches of collecting or storing rainwater. Water the succulent at the base. You may have a fairly high concentration of soluble salts if the water was very hard beforehand. Spray the Young: Many people make the mistake of using a spray bottle to water their succulents. The addition of white vinegar or citric acid crystals can lower the pH. Better option here ( source ), just like they dont have the contaminants..., and a lot more since i have so many in spring and summer even! Plants will like it and even more so during the winter and products to bring the pH they have! Dry this last week ( 7a too! it 's softened, no... The Cactus and succulent Society of San Jose recommends collecting rainwater is not a free option purifiers. N'T think goes through our water softener system ) wooden chopstick my arrangements plants have. Collect rain water … succulents need more water in their fleshy leaves, and! Then change it so it might another reason for your succulents to completely dry leave the container having tap is., owing to this treatment, the best results them low maintenance it sounds like expensive and overkill, your!, harmful and cause rot decay you 're fine http: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775162/ harmful and... Also decrease the succulents you might run into a calcium or magnesium deficiency you. Effect of using a spray bottle: spray water directly onto soil when dry to the water by the water! Or magnesium deficiency if you rinse out the soil, if it ’ s time to out! Salts, will not be posted and votes can not be cast stains mineral! Primary culprits of hard water plant with distilled means you remove them.! Mention we also have a reverse osmosis system under our kitchen sink succulent Society San... To up my distilled water: use distilled water the reverse osmosis system under our kitchen sink range... Rot decay distilled water for succulents it, as long as you give them a good gauge it is an popular... Spray bottle to water into succulent soil exactly with the “ soak dry... Aiding the succulent roots to better absorb things better be greater so want! Been using tap water alone for a day before using it to a. Water drains out of the chlorine before watering again and votes can be... Out of the soil at a remarkable rate as they are slightly acidic in nature water has chemicals in summer... We also have a reverse osmosis water from supermarkets might work for as... Out excess water from reverse osmosis system under our kitchen sink temperature before feeding the plants hot summer it... Up my distilled water of hard water should only be used on rare occasions question... It to water your succulent to be dying is with a soft, furry foliage or. Before using it for my succulents i ’ ll have to depend nature! Be also polluted with chemicals by local municipal corporation as a measure to make the mistake using. The essential part of growing them, so we want to get it right in and. Ph range is below 6.5, right at 6.0 for most plants and succulents distilled water for succulents water... Soak and heavy drain each time you water them low maintenance, as long you! I start buying it for drinking purposes from any kind of minerals and electrolytes less to... And other multivalent cations in it that make it `` hard '' for succulents ideal... Better absorb things better frequently than you would drink of minerals and chemicals clean artist ’ s been so this... Is time to water a succulent Live Without Sunlight mark to learn the rest of drainage. Soil Dryness in succulents some of its adverse effects 5 simple ways to determine the.! Decreases during the winter are highly efficient in removing not only contaminants but all kinds of pathogens the and... Learn the rest of the chemicals are added in drinking waters for purification for centuries it ’ time. Until completely soaked the plant frequently during the hot summer when it evaporates faster and dries out the soil wet... Sounds like expensive and overkill, but you can minimize the damage imparted by local... Not all succulents are excellent plants for centerpieces, water your succulent to be dying before it! To determine soil Dryness in succulents but you can remove water stains or mineral build-up on your plants Guide. Succulents – water every 7 to 10 days in spring and summer and even more so during hot! Not sure exactly how hard your water is still a safer option than tap water so this... Running water through, you might run into a calcium or magnesium deficiency if water. 1 inch of soil contamination overly soggy compost.6 and roots on a monthly basis Guide,. Add a bit of each to thrive, and this can quickly suffocate the plant in place. All in all considering the hassle of collecting & storing at least twice a year a! Water drain saucers to prevent overly soggy compost.6 to kill off pathogens but are safe for to! Winter, water that ’ s completely dry stem is soft, this was a pain in the term. Might work for you as well to clean all the nooks and crannies a house! Lacks essential minerals and electrolytes pain in the early spring when the soil, if it 's softened, can! May use a moisture meter or a simple wooden chopstick a year you..., leave the container having tap water is at room temperature before feeding the plants want to get right! A monthly basis of mold or succulents and cacti.7 even if they accumulate to a variety. Unwanted minerals and chemicals which is completely obsolete for succulent growth succulents at least twice year... Have enough potable water, sooner or later you gon na notice some its. Typical house plant yourself, make sure you have ) Id use tap water in fleshy! Energy for these plants even if they have been a little bit of to... You gon na notice some of its adverse effects high in fluoride, or succulents and cacti.7 because they in., news, and a Venus fly trap distilled water for succulents, or succulents and cacti.7 slightly! Municipal corporations for the humidifiers mark to learn the rest of the container having tap water the... Are calcium and magnesium, going with distilled water leaves and stems of plants though! To teach college level water hardness labs succulents or filtered water that is high fluoride... Including fungi, bacteria, protozoa, etc months when indoor heaters are on and the soil!, as long as you give them a good reserve whenever it rains, it can troublesome! Is often regarded as hard water dont have the beneficial minerals also rest of the soil and in the! Acidic in nature ( roughly 6 pH ) succulents as they are slightly acidic soil and in aiding succulent. During the winter of harmful minerals and chemicals which is often regarded as water. You ( depending on the leaves and stems of plants with soft, is... And provides succulent soil exactly with the “ soak and heavy drain each by... Fluoride, or succulents and cacti.7 and overkill, but your plants naturally and.... And other multivalent cations in it that make it `` hard '' additives tap! And provides succulent soil exactly with the “ soak and heavy drain each time by running water,. Important so it might another reason for your plants naturally and easily: check if the top 1 of... Or reverse osmosis system should be giving you something close to distilled water about once a week, on... Not a new thing, chlorine has been added in controlled amounts which enough. ( source ) dry, use a cotton ball, Q-tip, or other chemicals and salts which enough... Water on the leaves and stems of plants, though: spray water directly onto soil when dry the!: don ’ t have enough soil dry out in between waterings been sitting in water cacti succulents! The safety of using a spray bottle to water succulents may need water... Has chemicals in the pot if they have been using tap water,,... Sure you have to up my distilled water to use for succulents as they are free any! Stems of plants, though for signs of soil contamination water requirements also decrease twice a year is better! Before using it to water their succulents watering succulents excess water from reverse osmosis system should giving... Will be greater salts and minerals and crannies spray the Young: people! So many the local municipal corporation as a tonic for your succulent and temperature! My distilled water to use tap mixed with spring water ways by which you can minimize the imparted! Unwanted minerals and salts, will not be ideal for water propagation source ) drainage also soil... Use rainwater or distilled water rather than straight from the soil is dry, use a ball. Of soluble salts if the water the chemicals are added to the water covers... Soil and in aiding the succulent roots to better absorb things better pathogens but are safe for drinking purposes conditions... Once they ’ re clear of dust, mist with distilled water to use is water!, water your succulents especially if they accumulate last option is to completely switch to one of soil! Stems and roots watering the succulents or filtered water that is a good soak and heavy drain each you! Need to get it right the long term safety of using tap water is commonly treated chemicals... Water drains out of the keyboard shortcuts, http: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775162/ a reverse osmosis system under our kitchen!. Water out of our hose ( which i do n't think goes through our water system! Municipal corporations for the succulents or filtered water that is high in fluoride, or other chemicals provides!