How to Water Succulents | Succulent Care Tips & Tricks

[@pattimessenger6214]

Here in SoCal, we are in the midst of the longest drought that I have seen in the 38 years that I have lived here. A great source of water for your plants s your shower. If you’re like me, your shower is on the far end of the house from the hot water heater. Put the shower head in a 5 gallon bucket while you wait for the shower water to heat up. You will get 1-1/2 to 3 gallons of “free” water while you wait for the water to warm up enough to get in. Under normal circumstances, that water would normally go down the drain as waste. It is enough to water your succulents. The rest can be used for your flowers and vegetable garden. Every little bit helps! Thank you for your videos!

[@FreePlantsForever]

That is such a good tip, especially in this drought! Thank YOU!! ❤️🌵

[@sarajanelee2763]

It's a quarter before 6pm here in San Diego. It's the aftermath of Hurricane Hilary. It normalized with dry weather last Monday. How can I maximize the rain water I gathered for my succulents? Thank you.

[@bettyford5192]

Shall I plant mine in sand

[@karieberry1070]

I’m So Cal this year -2024-We got soooooo much rain!! My succulents are sad.

[@JANKARocks]

Great idea!!!!

[@Heidi-Beth]

Your outside succulent garden is beautiful. Thanks for the info!

[@FreePlantsForever]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@MydNyteRayne]

Succulents are an addiction!! :)

[@FreePlantsForever]

They really are! Once you get the hang of it they can be so easy and satisfying to grow.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

Well. I didn't know hardly anything about my succulent plants until now! Thanks!

[@FreePlantsForever]

You are so welcome!

[@catiegrace5792]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much, so helpful. Yeah ! Really well done 👍🏻

[@FreePlantsForever]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aprilfoote8700]

Succulents are beautiful plants.

[@KAG1776]

When in pots I've found that after the 1st watering if u check the weight and also know what the dry weight is u get a nice idea of when all the water is gone...

[@FreePlantsForever]

Great tip!

[@lgdels]

If you love Aloe Vera this is my experience: I usually grow the babies in clay pots. I don’t let them to get to much sun light. Usually mines prefer shade. Finally, when the soil is completely dry is when I soaked them with fresh water!!!

[@SucculentFarmsCollective-o7z]

Your method is super effective! Thanks a bunch for taking the time to record the tutorial. Actually, on our farm, we often use this trick too, to make sure our succulents get just the right amount of water.

[@Christine-tc1vg]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I am in Canada and have just started growing and propagating succulents indoors as we get snowy, winter weather. You were very informative and easy to understand. So, Thank You very much!

[@johnberry1107]

Great content. Easy practical. Thank you.

[@FreePlantsForever]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DarMcCree]

I’m in ND and I am growing them and they are doing great. I water them often and they have been growing and look great! It’s my ones inside that I forget about and do not water often that I do not see as much growth.

[@Monzelita]

Such beautiful succulent garden, love from Colombia

[@FreePlantsForever]

Thank you so much, and thanks for stopping by my channel!💚

[@shandyjohnson7577]

Beautiful plants. Just starting to learn. Happened upon your channel. Great tips. Thanks

[@FreePlantsForever]

So happy that this could be helpful!!

[@tikitiki7610]

fabulous plants you have!

[@itsmeeandrea]

Amazing video 😍😍😍 a lot of helpful tips!!

[@FreePlantsForever]

So glad it was helpful, and good luck with your succulents!

[@lindam653]

This is a very informative video. Thanks so very much!😊

[@FreePlantsForever]

You are so welcome!

[@lisascenic]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@christinaamador4884]

I love your videos. So informational. Thank you for your time of sharing. I think your accent is very nice too.❤

[@FreePlantsForever]

Thanks so much! Glad to have you here, and if there is any plant you have questions about or would like to see on this channel, just let me know!

[@30stmFantasy]

I recognized that So California dirt. Love your succulent variety.

[@FreePlantsForever]

Haha! Yes, clumpy clay California dirt 😅

[@theevolvingmindset333]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@wfjr997]

Thank you so much for sharing❤

[@raquelysquierdo-tadlock3116]

thanks for the great information

[@FreePlantsForever]

So happy to help!

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

Hi there. Nice little succulent collection. I see spider mites/mealybugs starting on some of your arrangements pretty badly, I know how that is. Didn't know if you seen it so I figured I'd mention it. Thanks for sharing your little cuties ❤

[@damienallingham5450]

Good Info

[@sosokso]

Thank you this video really helped me. I’ve always over watered my succulents but this video helped me realize to check for the soil to make sure it’s fully dried before watering.

[@melissaalp5972]

Thanks for the information, great video !!

[@FreePlantsForever]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Kevin-eh2wz]

This video was really helpful I just bought one today and it was dying and I got so depressed but I did a little research so now Ik I can save them

[@FreePlantsForever]

Yes! For sure they can probably be saved. Succulents are super resilient. Best of luck!

[@SaarasGarden]

Very important content my friend 😘😘 thankyou for sharing this video

[@FreePlantsForever]

So glad you enjoyed it, thank you so much for your support 🪴

[@PaulConnor100]

Great advice I'm new to succulents on my tropical journey. I think I may have over watered from the tap and sempervivem went mushy and lost colour clear.I was scared to water others and they shrivelled up ,a real science 🙆‍♂️

[@FreePlantsForever]

Oof... Yeah each little succulent can be particular about their water, I struggle with sempervivum myself. It's supposedly one of the more hardy succulents 🤷‍♀️

[@mokuho]

It's good that you show how to water it because in the videos they just talk and talk!😢 4:49

[@JazzMeUinFLUSA]

Pretty succulents you have there😮

[@FreePlantsForever]

Thank you so much!

[@michaelwinters7415]

Great vid mate, very helpful💙👍

[@DarrinsDaffs]

I am so glad I found you! I have just started with succulents. I know, with your help I will be more successful than I would be without it! Thanks so much.😊

[@FreePlantsForever]

So happy to help where I can! Best of luck with your succulents 💚

[@Alacica]

absolutely love succulents 😍😍😍

[@Balatac]

A moisture meter is a handy tool to determine when to water. I have used the most hi-tech meter for years. No fuss and a no brainer. I leave a bbq stick in all my potted plants. That's it. Simple.

[@brendamaun5455]

I just started doing that for my hanging baskets in PA.

[@lgdels]

Sorry about this, but What is a bbq stick?

[@brendamaun5455]

@@lgdels I use an inexpensive wooden skewer.

[@Taylorthegood]

​@@lgdelsskinny wooden stick you use for kabobs

[@엄-H]

Very helpful 👍

[@ProgressiveDiscussions]

I use a wooden chopstick push to the bottom of the pot. you just pull the Chopstick out and make sure it's completely dry and there's no soil sticking to it. Problem solved. Succulents, like echeveria, also need strong direct sunlight so they don't get leggy and spindly.

[@fusion-music]

Beautiful garden, range of plants and pots. What makes watering more difficult is having different size pots. Small pots dry out far quicker. Great video.

[@FreePlantsForever]

Yes, true, and that's why a lot of my small pots look terrible! I need to pay closer attention to them.

[@judyrobinson7634]

Hi, I’m in Ky, I love succulents, truly enjoyed the video, I don’t know a lot about caring for them, I need something fairly easy to care for. I think I’ll dry and learn how to cars for these, I have some but I’m just guessing on what do for them .thanks so much

[@SuperManning11]

Very helpful-thanks! I think potting soil is my problem, so I’m going to attempt to make my own. I’ve found I have occasional problems even with my aroids and root rot, and when I changed potting soil the problem vanished.. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this for the succulents. Fab sunglasses, btw!!!

[@janereed4113]

I’m so glad i watched this. I thought my Aeoniums were dying but it is summertime here now. And I was wondering if I should water my jade plant thoroughly by soaking. Now I know it’s ok.

[@FreePlantsForever]

Right?!?! Aeoniums always look terrible in the summer, but they always bounce back.

[@donnat2793]

WOW! What a beautiful garden. That is what I would like to do, however, I can't keep my succulents alive no matter what I do. They grow tall, and all of the bottom leaves dry up and fall off and I'm not sure if I'm supposed to cut them and not let them get too tall or how to properly care for them. I love your succulents; they are absolutely gorgeous!

[@FreePlantsForever]

It sounds like your succulents aren’t getting enough light. They need to be in very bright light or they will stretch very long and tall. If they are indoors and you don’t have a bright spot for them perhaps invest in a grow light. There are lots of options these days for lamps that fit very need.

[@donnat2793]

@@FreePlantsForever Oh, I will try that. Thank you so much! 🙂

[@beybslifeintheus494]

Beautiful my friend

[@FreePlantsForever]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@pinkypooky5779]

Sand is a good mixture to add to dirt so it drains well and roots don’t get compacted

[@FreePlantsForever]

Good advice!

[@TaquishaTaylor]

Thank you💓💥

[@annieyahu676]

Thanks for Sharing ❤️

[@FreePlantsForever]

Thanks for watching and hope its been helpful

[@lornaneilson5920]

Wow most beautiful ❤

[@FreePlantsForever]

Thank you! 💚

[@ashmarie1311]

You should do a video showing how the plants change during the seasons

[@FreePlantsForever]

That’s a great idea!

[@HexanGun]

i like your garden its very cute and lovely i also like the weather that is the dream place i wanna live

[@FreePlantsForever]

Awww... thank you so much!

[@831CROW]

Good video

[@nohemidanielson5446]

Are those webs spider mites? How do you take care of those on succulents?

[@edmundgoh8935]

I use watering squeeze bottle + terracotta pots for succulents. For indoor, once watered, use fan to speed up drying for a day (USB fan is fine) or two. Terracotta pots helps to eveoprate water faster and it is a good for getting rid of excess water. Make sure the pots are not coated by water proof else this may not work.

[@wendymeade7509]

Thank you for your calm, helpful video! One question remains… tap or rain water??

[@FreePlantsForever]

Depends! Rain water is always good if you have it. We store rainwater, but it does eventually run out and we just use the hose then. Our water tends to be really hard, so rainwater is preferred, but I just use what I can! They definitely aren't as fussy as other plants, so no need for distilled or anything like that.

[@sandracohen8481]

What about using a wood skewer to stick in the pot to measure moisture

[@victoriablue665]

Thank you!

[@KhalisKhayn]

I’m repotting all succulents since i’ve neglected them for the longest time. Thanks for all the tips ❤

[@FreePlantsForever]

You are so welcome!

[@bilumammen8856]

Thanks for sharing

[@dianearmoogan3326]

You have some beautiful 😍 🤩 succulents ❤😊

[@FreePlantsForever]

Thank you so much 😊

[@mercedesortega516]

Thank you

[@FreePlantsForever]

You're so welcome!

[@snehabarad5547]

Hey, can we use only sand as potting mix for succulent?

[@FreePlantsForever]

I know a lot of people who do that - just make sure your sand to soil balance is good! Should work just great!

[@jugnoothelight8662]

thankyou for sharing

[@FreePlantsForever]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed this video.

[@RandiChaney]

Do you know if a good plant app that's free great for helping me learn and know the stuff succulents I have and how to care guide?

[@pamschmeltz2013]

Having problems growing stone succulent. Any hints to care for them?

[@Jeanclements-z6m]

I have a strawberry pot with succulents. It stays out all winter and pops back in the spring. How is that possible? Would that do the same if planted in a plastic pot as well?

[@girlmellaceus]

Tysm

[@FreePlantsForever]

You're welcome!

[@digiverse7686]

Hello, may I please ask whether I can use unsalted water in which I boiled vegetables to water my succulents? After the water has cooled down, of course.

[@peacelily7751]

How do you propagate the Ionians?

[@FreePlantsForever]

Aeoniums are super easy to propagate, but I've found it's best with a stem, I haven't had much luck with leaf propagation. All you need to do is stick a stem in soil (you don't need any leaves!) and it will start rooting and growing. Such a great plant.

[@vanschermerhorn7167]

Watching your video on watering succulents , you put plants in a plastic container and watered from above . Is that standard for you or can you put water in the container an water from the bottom ? Maybe watering from bottom would be over watering ???

[@FreePlantsForever]

You can definitely bottom water! That is probably a really good way to ensure that you're not overwatering. I usually just "top water" as in my mind that's what happens in nature. I keep it in the tray to get the best of both worlds. I leave the plants in the drip tray for about an hour as any water that isn't absorbed by then isn't needed, and that way we avoid overwatering.

[@lynnetrue4103]

Ive heard not to get water on the leaves when watering. How important is that when growing indoors? Some take up so much of the pot its difficult not to get leaves wet?

[@FreePlantsForever]

I think they're pretty resilient and some stray water on the leaves won't hurt. I always think of plants in the wild... they get rained on naturally! So water on the leaves shouldn't hurt too much - with some succulents, if water gets trapped in the cener rosette you can just blow it out with a little blower tool, or your own breath!

[@pambaughman1579]

Hello, what r the two orange ones

[@FreePlantsForever]

They are called Coppertone Sedum - they get extra orange in hot, direct sunlight... will be pale green in the shade.

[@dayeolmung]

함께하고 갑니다

[@intensivemanagement]

I transplanted my succulent I call it a pony tail one . The leaves when from shinny green to brown and I’ve given it plenty of water . What’s going on ?

[@pascuadodti105]

Mam ,I want can you give different colours and kinds of

[@ibkristykat]

So how would i get my aloe to thicken her leaves and be greener? Same technique with the soaking? And then i presume the aloe gets watered only when the soil fairly deep down feels dry as he** right? Lol i usually do it 1x wk regardless. It's indoors in an east facing window so it's mostly sunned in the morning until the sun goes above thw house around 11 or so. No trees are near our windows where aloe and her cousin African violet live on the kitchen table. Violet is doing great! Aloe is sick off and on. 😢

[@FreePlantsForever]

I’m guessing the Aloe needs more light, they are from South Africa and like very bright, desert conditions. They also don’t like soggy soil, so really only water when very dry and try to get it brighter light for around 8 hrs a day. If it needs to stay indoors, you could try a grow light perhaps?

[@ibkristykat]

@@FreePlantsForever ahhh thanks. Yeah some of the center leaves are more green but most of the tips of most every leaf is like a light tan brown color. Ok. Thank you so much!!!!

[@susangarmany35]

I don't know the names of my succulents because they look so poor. I'm in Colorado, it's fall, will a grow light help them survive indoors?

[@FreePlantsForever]

If your succulents are grown indoors, they would definitely benefit from a grow light. They usually like a lot of bright light, and will get more colorful with more light. I'd recommend to ease them into bright light though, as they can sunburn even with grow lights. Best of luck!

[@ferbylima8869]

What is the yellow one called pls?

[@FreePlantsForever]

I believe you're talking about the Coppertone Sedum - turns bright orange/yellow in direct, warm sunlight, will be pale green in the shade.

[@vanschermerhorn7167]

If tips of succulent have a brown spot can you trim it off ?

[@FreePlantsForever]

I wouldn't recommend cutting the tips of succulent leaves as that could make them more prone to rot. If they have a brown spot it could either be sunburn or rot. You might be best off removing the whole leaf. Or if it's just an aesthetic thing, maybe just leave it.

[@damianmlegacy7311]

Very nice garden tho

[@Grannygaragegang]

I’m just watching this video and notice webbing on some of the plants. Did they have spider mites?

[@FreePlantsForever]

I don't think it's spider mites, but could be mealy bugs. Unfortunately I do have a lot of those in my plants.

[@angellee9307]

Perlite and cat us dirt helped me not to kill them.🤣😳👍🏽

[@FreePlantsForever]

Yes! It makes such a difference when you've got the right substrate.

[@damianmlegacy7311]

Have you been to guatemala? The soil is wet and succulents are growing like crazy explain that?

[@FreePlantsForever]

As long as there is adequate drainage and the roots aren't sitting in standing water many succulents do well in moist soil. In fact, some succulents do better in wetter environments. "Succulent" is just a general term for a huge variety of plants with differing needs.

[@1101naomi]

How do you know when to water BEFORE it starts to lose leaves

[@barbaratarrant6534]

I bottom water is that OK

[@FreePlantsForever]

Absolutely! It's actually a really good way to regulate the amount of water used.

[@adriennefloreen]

Most of those succulents are from South Africa and they like more water than desert cacti, if you want I can tell you what most of those species are except for the echeverias, there's too many similar looking echeverias and I can't identify some of my own. Did some of your plants come from Monterey bay nursery? They sell plants to plant selling stores all across California and most of their species names are spelled wrong. I just made a video about the plants I got that were all labeled with misspelled names in Northern California and half were from that company! I'm wondering because you have many of the same plants as me.

[@FreePlantsForever]

Yes, true... it all really depends on the individual succulent, they all have different needs for sure. Most of my plants were not bought but were propagated from dropped leaves or given as cuttings from other people, so it's possible they originated from Monterey Bay 🤷‍♀️

[@adriennefloreen]

@@FreePlantsForever You can see some of the weirdest plants I have gotten from them and another company that apparently buys seeds from their source and also spells everything wrong in my most recent plant video. I still don't know what the unidentified one really is.

[@emilyalmansa4497]

@@adriennefloreen As an old teacher I might suggest that the reason for the problem you point out here, "also spells everything wrong" is that the signs might be written by non-English learners.

[@dmitrimikrioukov5935]

The plants seem to have a lot of webbing. Is that spider mites?

[@FreePlantsForever]

Not sure where you're seeing the webbing. I don't generally get spider mites on my succulents, they do suffer from mealybugs sometimes. Could be that?

[@Grannygaragegang]

I noticed that too and I have the same question.

[@MarissaAquino-tt3lf]

I soak my succulents instead of overhead watering, they seam to like it better

[@FreePlantsForever]

Yes, great advice - they love a good soak... and then a good dry-out.

[@cascadianroots]

I successfully kill off many succulent and cacti 😫 trying to revive my aloe right now. (I know it's not a succulent though 😅)

[@FreePlantsForever]

Aloe is a kind of succulent! Succulent is just a broad term for drought tolerant plants that retain moisture in their leaves. Most people end up overwatering their succulents and cacti and not giving them enough warmth and light. If they’re indoors move them to a bright windowsill or invest in a grow light. Depending on how they’re doing, it could be worth chopping and re-propagating them.

[@cascadianroots]

@@FreePlantsForever yes, we are mid progress in the callousing over stage so I can repot him... Hoping I've watched enough videos to successfully revive him! 😫

[@FreePlantsForever]

@@cascadianroots I'm planning to post an aloe video soon. Wishing you good plant vibes! 🪴

[@cascadianroots]

@@FreePlantsForever thank you! Looking forward to watching when you do👍

[@pinkypooky5779]

They like to dry out before the next watering I like to just get a spray bottle and mist but do t keep soil too wet and I add sand to my soil mixture for good drainage

[@mokuho]

If there is some humidity leave it, it does not need more water😮

[@itsAngryKitten]

It’s so tough in NorCal sun this sun is CRAZY STRONG 😅 I’m either covering with burlap for a little decrease in strength or shading! Then watering oh god I need to kick it up it’s so hot 😢

[@mollypitcher9380]

BUT sometimes over and under watering symptoms look the same. I’ve killed succulents both ways.

[@FreePlantsForever]

This is why I find checking the soil is really important. If the soil is wet... definitely don't add more water. Something as simple as a chopstick is good to check if the deeper soil is wet too.

[@Jackie.D329]

Every succulent in my care has died. I dunno why I keep buying

[@sallyreynolds8340]

Fantastic u were superb☺️

[@FreePlantsForever]

Thank you!

[@Wewillbeokay8]

But mine always die even when I don’t over water

[@FreePlantsForever]

What are the conditions like? Are they getting enough light and warmth? Is the soil well-draining? There are many factors to make these plants happy.

[@Wewillbeokay8]

@@FreePlantsForever I think they’re getting enough light. I’m not really sure. Could definitely be the soil.

[@ЕленаИсаева-н4ш]

🙏💕🌹

[@partlycloudyoptimist809]

I’m apparently the only person on earth that can’t get a succulent to root.

[@FreePlantsForever]

Not sure what your conditions are like, but they might need more warmth! They also don’t want to be in direct sunlight, but are better off in the shade (if outdoors) or in bright indirect light indoors.

[@Heidi-Beth]

You are not alone.

[@HadalBlue]

Hi, I’m not sure what climate you live in, but, in case you live in a hot humid country like I do, I feel that leaving the leaves outdoors in a bright but shaded area seems to help a lot (as opposed to indoors) so that they receive sufficient indirect sunlight to prevent an early rot of the leaves. Hope your climate allows you to so the same and let me know how it goes! Good luck

[@Heidi-Beth]

@@HadalBlue Thamk.you

[@HadalBlue]

@@Heidi-Beth Most welcome, hope it helps you somehow ❤️

[@leslietinyhousebuilderwann3851]

Don’t move to Texas if you like to garden! It’s a place where gardens die. Well, without a lot and I mean a lot of blood sweat and tears. I only have flower beds because I brought old cow manure from my parents farm up north and installed a drip system.

[@midgethorn4083]

Interesting. I’d sworn off succulents and bought fake ones. I may give it another go.

[@FreePlantsForever]

They can be tricky! But they can be really resilient and worth owning once you get to know the process.

[@AnaLuizaHella]

*FREE PLANTS TIPS* Isn't your channel monetized? If not you should do it. Congratulations on your channel but remember you're free to stop whenever you want.

[@mariec2882]

I watched this video and still don't understand how much water to put, you where too general and not specific enough.

[@carolelliott6646]

How much do you water a donkey tail I finally found one after looking for a year. I'm afraid to water it as I usually over water everything.

[@FreePlantsForever]

That's just it, there is no correct "amount" it depends on the situation, the pot, the soil, the conditions etc. My main advice is that as long as your soil is dry and your plant looks thirsty, give it a LOT of water. Let it sit in the water and soak it in... but don't let it get soggy, keep an eye on it. I keep my plants in a drip tray for around an hour until the soil is really saturated, then I don't water again until it is fully dried out. A large pot or an in-ground succulent is going to require a lot more water than a succulent in a tiny pot. I hope that helps!