How to grow and water succulents in summer

Succulents are loved for their delicate appearance and air-purifying abilities. However, improper watering habits may cause succulents to die during the summer. Proper watering is essential to keep them safe through the summer. Let’s learn about the cultivation and watering methods of succulents in summer.

1. Cultivation and watering methods of succulents in summer

Although succulents love sunlight, they should be avoided from long periods of direct sunlight in the summer to prevent sunburn on the leaves. You can protect them by providing shade or moving the plants indoors.

Moderate rain is good for succulents, and rain once a week can promote nutrient absorption. But be careful not to expose your plants to excessive rain, as rainwater may carry bacteria and increase the risk of succulents rotting.

The hot summer is the peak period for succulent plant diseases. If crown rot is found, the infected part should be cut away with sterile tools and the wound should be filled with crushed charcoal and sulfur to help dry it out. For black rot, the damaged tissue also needs to be cut off and covered with sulfur, and then the plants are sprayed with a mixed solvent of benomyl and mancozeb.

When watering, you should follow the principle of "don't water thoroughly when the soil is dry" to avoid water accumulation in the pot soil which may cause root rot. After the potting soil is completely dry, pour in an appropriate amount of water and ensure that the plant is in a ventilated environment.

It is very important to control the watering time in summer. In hot weather, you should choose to water after the sun sets or when the temperature is lower. On sunny or rainy days with high humidity, watering in the evening helps the roots of succulents breathe.

Succulents grow slowly in summer and their demand for water decreases, so the watering interval can be appropriately extended. Before watering, observe the leaves at the bottom of the plant. If wrinkles appear, it means watering is needed.

Use a toothpick to test soil moisture. Insert a toothpick into the soil in the pot. If the toothpick is dry and not covered with soil when you pull it out, it means the soil is dry and you can water it.

For summer-type succulents, spring and autumn are the peak growth periods, watering is 3-6 times a month; 1-3 times a month in summer; and 1-2 times a month during the winter dormancy period.

Winter succulents grow vigorously in autumn and winter, and should be watered 2-4 times a month in these two seasons; 1-3 times a month in spring; and water appropriately in summer after the soil is completely dry.

2. In addition to watering, what other maintenance measures can help succulents survive the summer?

Shade protection: During the hot summer months, provide your succulents with adequate shade, especially during the midday hours when the sun is strongest.

Appropriate light: Make sure your succulents receive the right amount of light, but avoid prolonged direct sunlight.

Good ventilation: Keep the maintenance environment well ventilated to reduce the occurrence of diseases and avoid high temperature and high humidity environments.

Appropriate fertilization: During the growing season, apply fertilizer suitable for succulents in a timely manner, but avoid fertilizing during high temperature seasons.

Pest and disease control: Check plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases and take appropriate control measures.

Pruning and cleaning: Remove dead leaves and diseased branches to keep the plants neat and healthy.

Avoid overcrowding: Make sure there is enough space between plants to avoid overcrowding, which helps with air circulation and reduces disease.

Proper repotting: If the plant is growing too quickly, it may need to be repotted before summer to provide more growing space and fresh soil.

Soil selection: Use well-drained, aerated soil to encourage healthy root growth.

Temperature Control: In extreme heat, consider using shade netting or moving the plant to a slightly cooler location.

Reduce humidity: Use a dehumidifier or improve ventilation to lower the humidity in your curing environment to prevent mold and rot.

By following these summer care and watering guidelines, you can ensure the healthy growth of your succulents and avoid losses caused by improper management.