Okay, so I recently got into succulents, and let me tell you, they’re addictive! I’ve been expanding my collection, which means I’ve been doing a lot of repotting lately. One thing I’ve learned the hard way is that watering succulents right after repotting can be a big mistake. I found this out because some of my poor plants ended up rotting. So I did some digging, asked around in some plant groups, and finally figured out the right way to do it.
Figuring Out the Waiting Game
First, I had to understand why waiting to water after repotting is so important. Apparently, when you repot a succulent, the roots can get damaged, even if you’re super careful. These damaged roots are vulnerable to rot if they sit in wet soil. I felt so bad thinking about all the times I probably overwatered them!
So, I started experimenting. After repotting a succulent, I started to wait. I’d leave them alone for a few days, sometimes even a week. This, I learned, gave the roots time to heal. I’d look closely at the roots while repotting, and if I saw any significant damage, I’d wait even longer.
Getting the Soil Right
Next, I focused on the soil. I used to think any old potting mix would do, but boy, was I wrong. Succulents need soil that drains really well. I switched to a special succulent and cactus mix, and sometimes I even added extra perlite or pumice to make it even more airy. This made a huge difference. The water would drain out quickly, and the soil wouldn’t stay soggy.
Checking the Plant’s Signals
I also started paying more attention to the plants themselves. I learned that succulents show signs when they’re thirsty. The leaves might start to wrinkle a bit or feel softer than usual. That’s when I knew it was time to water. After repotting, I’d wait for these signs before giving them a drink. It felt a bit like detective work, but it was worth it.
Watering Techniques
When it finally came time to water, I had to change my technique. Instead of just pouring water from the top, I started bottom watering. This meant putting the pot in a tray of water and letting the soil soak it up from the bottom. I found that this method helped prevent the leaves from getting wet, which can cause rot. Plus, it encouraged the roots to grow downwards, which is a good thing.
My Routine
Now, here’s what my routine looks like:
- Repot the succulent into a well-draining soil mix.
- Wait for at least 3-7 days, sometimes longer if the roots were really damaged.
- Check for signs of thirst, like slightly wrinkled leaves.
- Water from the bottom until the soil is thoroughly moist.
- Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again.
It took some trial and error, but I finally feel like I’ve got a good system down. My succulents are thriving, and I haven’t lost any to root rot since I started doing things this way. It’s so satisfying to see them doing well, and I wanted to share this in case it helps other succulent newbies out there! Trust me, a little patience goes a long way when it comes to these little guys.
