Overwatering? Under-Watering?

6 years ago

I am confused if I am overwater or under-watering my Crassula Rupestris. I have had my plant for about 5 days and have already watered it twice. I am afraid that I have watered it too much already. Advice on how to fix??

Featured Answer

Karen S. (7b, NYC)

6 years ago

We don't mean to overwhelm you w/all this info. But there are certain basics required & proper mix (soil) is key. Sadly the mix you're thinking of using is awful for succulents. As you've been told sand is awful for them, so is 'regular' potting soil.

Also particle size matters, it's best when materials are close to the same size, helps uniform drainage.

What's shown in your link w/ pix of large & fine mixed together will impair drainage. The fine material will clog the air space in the mix & prevent the roots from getting oxygen, which the plant also needs along w/ light & water.

Yes, many here will suggest 50/50 cactus & succulent mix combined in equal parts w/ perlite. This will give good drainage. So will 'gritty mix', as it's called here, which has several recipes to make your own which you can search for here.

Pls. read up on succulents & learn that they have the ability to store water in their fat, fleshy leaves, so they don't need as much watering as many folks think.

So when it comes to when to water, in succulents we say, when in doubt about watering, don't. Wait several more days then water.

Using a sprayer (if you mean a mister) isn't good for succulents, best not to wet the leaves (encourages rot). Also best to water into the soil AROUND the plant, not on it.

Sorry for all the details, but mix & drainage are super important in growing succulents; & usually the first correction folks need when they start coming here.

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Comments (13)

succulentss
6 years ago
Do you have a plastic pot, ceramic, or teracotta? Does it have a hole in the bottom? What mix are you using?
Vinni Limon thanked succulentss
Vinni Limon
Original Author
6 years ago
I have a plastic pot with a hole in the bottom. I currently using the soil that comes with the plant when you buy it.
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rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
That sound like too much water - 2x in 5 days! If my plant, I would take it out of the pot. Get rid of all original soil. Set it on a newspaper or paper towels to soak up extra moisture. After, pot it in better mix - needs to drain well and fast.
Vinni Limon thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
succulentss
6 years ago
Terracotta pots have better drainage. Everyone here will suggest a mix of 50/50 sifted perlite and cactus and succulent soil. Try to water your succulent every week or so, after you get used to succulents like these you can notice signs of thirst. Also, how do you water your succulent and what lighting is it in?:)
Vinni Limon thanked succulentss
succulentss
6 years ago
Pull off shriveled/dead leaves. They sadly won't get any better, so they're no use:(
Vinni Limon thanked succulentss
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
6 years ago
succulents

Not a big deal, but - respectfully, I disagree...not everyone here will suggest only 50/50 mix :)

Watering is best when mix has almost dried up. Check deep in the pot if there is still moisture or not. Terracotta pots are made of porous material, so they 'breathe'. If dense soil is used, there is still problem with drainage.

I use mostly plastic pot without any problems. Terracotta is nicer looking, breathes, but is also heavier and easy to break for clumsies like me, haha.
Vinni Limon thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
Vinni Limon
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
@succulentss I use a sprayer and the plant is on a window ledge facing the west I am pretty sure.

@rina_Ontario,Canada

thank you both for advice I am planning to use this Soil Recipe as it is the most easiest for me :)
ewwmayo
6 years ago
Skip the sand, it's no good for potted plants. It's a myth and is more detrimental than helpful.
Vinni Limon thanked ewwmayo
Vinni Limon
Original Author
6 years ago
@ewwmayo Thank you I will keep that in mind.
Joseph Gavica
6 years ago
One of the soil mixes that works for San Diego to Boston, is this high perlite mix. Here's the recipe https://harddy.com/succulent-care/right-succulent-soil/

it works everywhere! Learned about this recipe from the head of some San Diego succulent society. It's never failed.

Like everyone on here has said, soil is a vital foundation to the health of your plants.

Hsppy planting!
Vinni Limon thanked Joseph Gavica
Vinni Limon
Original Author
6 years ago
@Karen Thank you so much for all the info. You are right about me needing to read up more about succulents as I just kinda jumped right in. I wanna keep my plant happy and healthy so I will definitely do a lot more research on succulents.

@Joseph I appreciate the link will definitely try it out :D
Kylie Jackson (Zone 7b)
6 years ago
You should probably switch to a terra-cotta pot. Make sure it has a hole! I would repot it, but set on top of a paper towel as Rina said. It will definitely need a better soil. I suggest a mix of cactus soil and perlite. Making your own mix is definitely the way to go. A lot of people suggest a 50-50 mix, but you can decide exactly how much to mix. I would also say to water it less. Twice in five days is a lot for a succulent or cactus to handle.
Vinni Limon thanked Kylie Jackson (Zone 7b)