How to know if your succulent and cactus needs water. Your plant will show signs.
When succulents and cactus become dehydrated they start looking deflated and limp. Although these plants come from dry climates, they still need a good amount of water when it it time to water.
For succulent plants varieties, dehydration is easier to spot than in cactus. The leaves and stems look and feel limp rather than firm and plump.
For cactus varieties, you can see deflation, sagging, and/or dimpling in its body. The body actually shrinks in size.
When you see signs of dehydration, water your plant liberally and the soil deeply.
However, if your plant still looks unusually limp and wrinkle days after a good watering, your plant could be getting attacked by pests. Carefully scan your plant bugs like mealy bug, thrips, and mites.
Succulents are susceptible to mealybugs and other soft-bodied pest that like to suck nutrients from the plant’s stem and leaves. Check the stems, leaves, and crevices for signs of pests. Treat the plant immediately to keep the pest from spreading to your other plants. (More information on pest control to come.)
