Is a periodic "dousing" okay for cacti and succulents?
Question:I usually let my potted cacti and succlents dry out completely and then thoroughly soak the soil when it comes time to watering them. Is this okay?
Answers:
you betcha. most times cacti die because we love them to death and also tend to treat them like tender deciduous plants.
cacti are also a type of succulent and they store alot of moisture inside them. when they are "crispy" and turgid and strong, they are happiest and healthiest.
giving them a good and thorough drink (complete drainage is crucial as they will NOT tolerate wet feet) is a good thing when done only when required.
they flourish naturally in arid, sandy and hot parts of the world. they are built for these kinds of conditions and so letting them dry out completely is what is closest to their natural habitat.
just don't force them to use so much of their inner water stores that they become wrinkled and soft. if they do, then you've left it too long without a drink.
you're doing just fine!
ps: stressing them out like that (no water until the soil is completely dried out) promotes flower growth as well.
Yes it is. I lived in Arizona where these are the natural plants of the area and that's how the city of Phoenix waters the lawns. They do not sprinkle them they flood the yards with about 4" of water and let it soak in. The cactus really thrive with this type of watering and it most mimics natures way.
Cacti and succulents do not like 'wet feet"...over watering can kill..let the ground go dry inbetween waterings
Yes, this is absolutely okay. Better then okay. You are doing it completely right.
I killed an "unkillable cactus" because I gave it too much water. Now I know.
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