How to Properly Bottom Water Succulents

Watering succulents can often feel like a delicate balance, with the constant worry of providing too much moisture leading to problems. An alternative approach is bottom watering, a method of hydrating plants from the base up. This technique involves placing the succulent’s pot in a container of water and allowing the soil and roots to absorb moisture through the drainage hole.

The Benefits of Bottom Watering Succulents

A primary advantage of bottom watering is the promotion of a robust root system. When water is introduced from below, roots are encouraged to grow downwards to access it, creating a stronger and more extensive network. This method ensures the entire root ball becomes evenly saturated, which can be a challenge with top watering, especially if the soil has become compacted or hydrophobic.

This technique also protects the plant’s foliage. Certain succulents have a powdery coating called farina, which can be washed away by overhead watering. Keeping the leaves and crown dry helps prevent rot, particularly in moisture-sensitive varieties. By avoiding a damp soil surface, bottom watering helps minimize pests such as fungus gnats, which are drawn to moist topsoil.

The practice is particularly useful for plants that have grown to cover the entire surface of the pot, making it difficult to water the soil directly without wetting the leaves. It allows the plant to take up only the amount of water it requires, reducing the risk of overwatering and subsequent root rot.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Bottom Watering

You will need a basin, tray, or bowl wider than your succulent’s pot; a kitchen sink also works well for multiple plants. Ensure the container is clean to prevent transferring pathogens to your plant’s root system.

Fill your chosen container with one to two inches of room-temperature water. The exact depth will depend on the size of the plant’s pot, but it should be sufficient to allow for absorption without submerging the entire pot. Using water that is not too cold or hot prevents shocking the plant’s roots.

Carefully place the succulent’s pot into the container of water. A requirement for this method is that your pot must have at least one drainage hole. The water will then be drawn up into the soil through capillary action.

Allow the plant to soak for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. The exact timing can vary based on the pot size, soil composition, and how dry the soil is. A good way to check if the process is complete is to touch the top layer of the soil; it should feel slightly damp. You can also judge by the weight of the pot, as it will feel noticeably heavier once fully saturated.

Once the topsoil is moist, remove the pot from the water. It is important to let the pot drain completely for several minutes. You can place it on a draining rack or an empty tray to allow any excess water to escape from the drainage hole. This final step ensures the roots are not left sitting in water, which could lead to waterlogging and root rot.

Key Considerations for Bottom Watering

The frequency of bottom watering depends entirely on the plant’s needs, not a fixed schedule. Always check the soil for dryness before watering. A reliable method is to insert your finger or a wooden skewer about an inch or two into the soil. If it comes out dry, it is time to water. The appearance of the succulent’s leaves, such as slight wrinkling or a less plump feel, can also indicate thirst.

While bottom watering is effective, it does have a limitation regarding mineral buildup. Tap water contains dissolved salts and minerals that can accumulate in the soil over time. Since bottom watering does not achieve this flushing action, it is a good practice to top water your succulents occasionally, perhaps once every few months, to cleanse the soil.