How Often to Water Succulents Indoors and Outdoors in Summer and Winter

How often to water succulents? Succulents should be watered only when their soil is fully dry. In summer, indoor succulents need water every 10–15 days, outdoor succulents every 7–10 days. In winter, indoor succulents need water every 20–25 days, and outdoor succulents every 15–20 days.Succulents are easy-to-grow plants known for their thick, water-storing leaves.

If you water too often, your succulents can rot. If you water too little, the leaves may shrivel. Through my personal gardening experience, I’ve learned how to water succulents properly in summer and winter, both indoors and outdoors. In this post, I’ll share a simple watering schedule that you can follow easily.

Why Watering Succulents Is Important

Succulents store water in their thick leaves and stems, which is why they survive in dry conditions. However:

Overwatering: Causes root rot, yellowing, and soft leaves.
Underwatering: Causes wrinkled, dry, or shriveled leaves.

The key is to water only when necessary, not on a fixed calendar date. Watering schedules must match soil dryness, season, and plant placement.

Quick Tips for Watering Succulents

Here are some basic, easy-to-remember watering tips:

Water only when soil is fully dry — check the top 1–2 inches of soil.
Use soak and dry method — water deeply, then wait for soil to dry fully before watering again.
Use pots with drainage holes — avoid stagnant water.
Water in the morning — this helps soil dry faster during the day.
Don’t mist leaves — succulents prefer water at the roots, not on their leaves.
Reduce watering in winter — because succulents grow slower in cold seasons.

How Often to Water Succulents Indoors and Outdoors

Watering frequency depends on whether succulents are indoors or outdoors and on the season. Let’s look at both situations in detail.

How Often to Water Succulents in Summer

Summer is the growing season for most succulents. Soil dries faster due to heat, especially for outdoor plants.

Indoor Succulents in Summer:

Water once every 10–15 days.
Indoor pots dry slower because there’s less direct sun and wind.
Always check soil moisture before watering.

Important Note: Don’t follow a fixed date blindly. If soil is still moist, wait longer.

Outdoor Succulents in Summer:

Water once every 7–10 days.
Outdoor sun exposure and heat dry soil faster.
Small pots may need slightly more frequent watering — but always check soil dryness first.

Additional Tips:

Water early in the morning so plants absorb water before strong sun.
Avoid watering in the evening to prevent fungal problems.

How Often to Water Succulents in Winter

Winter is the resting or dormancy period for many succulents. Growth slows down, so water needs reduce.

Indoor Succulents in Winter:

Water once every 20–25 days.
Indoor air is cooler, so soil stays moist longer.
Be careful not to overwater — check dryness before watering.

Outdoor Succulents in Winter:

Water once every 15–20 days.
Outdoor cold weather means soil holds moisture longer.
On rainy days, avoid watering completely.

Important Note: In winter, always reduce the quantity and frequency of watering compared to summer.

Indoor and Outdoor Succulent Watering Schedule Table

Season	Indoor Succulents	Outdoor Succulents
Summer	Every 10–15 days	Every 7–10 days
Winter	Every 20–25 days	Every 15–20 days

How to Check If Succulents Need Water

Even with a schedule, always check soil dryness before watering. Here’s how:

Finger Test: Touch the soil 1–2 inches deep. If it feels dry, water. If it feels moist, wait.
Pot Weight: Lift the pot. Dry soil is much lighter than wet soil.
Leaf Signs: Wrinkled or shriveled leaves mean the plant needs water. Mushy or yellow leaves mean too much water.

Can I water succulents daily in summer?

No, daily watering is not needed. For outdoor succulents, water every 7–10 days in summer. For indoor succulents, water every 10–15 days. Always check if the soil is completely dry before watering.

What happens if I overwater my succulents?

Overwatering can cause root rot, soft leaves, and yellowing. Always let the soil dry fully before watering again.

Can I mist succulents instead of watering the soil?

No. Misting is not good for succulents. They prefer deep soil watering, not water on leaves.

Conclusion

How often to water succulents indoors and outdoors?

It depends on season and plant placement:

Indoor Succulents:
- Summer: Water every 10–15 days.
- Winter: Water every 20–25 days.
Outdoor Succulents:
- Summer: Water every 7–10 days.
- Winter: Water every 15–20 days.