7 Summer Watering Tips for Small Succulents

I love my small succulents. Their plump leaves and quirky shapes bring life to my sunny windowsills. But summer in America can be brutal for these little desert darlings. Too much water, and they rot. Too little, and they shrivel. 

After years of trial and error, I’ve nailed down some watering tips that keep my succulents thriving during the hot summer. Whether you’re in Arizona’s scorching heat or New York’s humid summers, these tips will help your succulents stay happy. Let’s dive in!

Why Watering Matters for Succulents during Summer

Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, making them drought-tolerant. But summer’s heat, especially in American homes with air conditioning or blazing sun, can throw them off balance. 

Overwatering is the number one killer of succulents, with 80% of succulent deaths linked to root rot. Underwatering, though, can stress them too. My first aloe plant turned into a mushy mess because I didn’t understand its needs. These seven tips will help you avoid my mistakes.

1. Check the soil before watering

I used to water my succulents on a schedule—big mistake. Succulents don’t care about your calendar. They need water only when their soil is bone-dry. Stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s even slightly damp, wait a few days. 

In summer, my succulents need water every 7-10 days, but in cooler climates like Seattle, it might be every two weeks. Use a well-draining cactus mix—my go-to is a 1:1 blend of potting soil and perlite. It dries out fast, which succulents love.

2. Water deeply but infrequently

When I water, I give my succulents a good soak. I pour water slowly until it runs out of the drainage holes. Then, I let the pot sit for 10 minutes and empty the saucer. Standing water is a death sentence for succulents. 

In summer, deep watering encourages roots to grow strong, but don’t do it too often. Overwatering leads to soggy roots, especially in humid areas like Florida. 

3. Morning is the best time to water

I learned this the hard way. Watering at night left my succulents sitting in damp soil too long, inviting rot. Now, I water in the morning. The sun helps dry the soil faster, and my plants love it. This is especially important in summer when it gets stuffy indoors or blisteringly hot outside. 

If your succulents are on a patio or a windowsill, morning watering reduces evaporation and keeps roots happy. Aim for 7-9 a.m. when temperatures are cooler.

4. Adjust for your home’s environment

Every American home is different. My friend in Phoenix keeps her succulents outdoors, where the dry heat sucks moisture fast. Mine are indoors in air-conditioned rooms, so they need less water. If your home has low humidity (like in Colorado), your succulents might need slightly more frequent watering. 

In humid states like Louisiana, cut back. I use a small hygrometer to check humidity levels—around 30-50% is ideal. Also, keep succulents away from air vents or heaters, which can dry them out too quickly.

5. Use the right tools for small pots

Small succulents often live in tiny pots, which can be tricky to water. I used to drench my mini Haworthia with a watering can, causing a mess. Now, I use a small squeeze bottle with a narrow spout. It lets me control the water flow and target the soil, not the leaves. 

Wet leaves can cause rot, especially in summer’s heat. For my 2-inch pots, I use about 1-2 tablespoons of water. If you’re in a hot region like Nevada, a spray bottle can also work for a light mist, but don’t overdo it.

6. Watch for signs of stress

Succulents talk to you if you pay attention. I once ignored my jade plant’s wrinkled leaves, thinking it was fine. It wasn’t—it was thirsty. Wrinkled or soft leaves mean your succulent needs water. On the flip side, mushy, translucent leaves scream overwatering. 

In summer, check your plants weekly. My sedum turned yellow last July because I overwatered during a rainy spell. If you spot trouble, adjust your routine fast. Move the plant to a shadier spot or skip watering for a week to let it recover.

7. Protect succulents from extreme heat

Summer in the U.S can be intense. My succulents on a south-facing windowsill got scorched one year ago. Direct sunlight for hours can stress small succulents, making them need more water than usual. 

I now use sheer curtains to filter light or move them to a spot with bright, indirect light. If your succulents are outdoors in places like Arizona, consider a shade cloth during heat waves. Temperatures above 90°F can dry out soil too fast, so check it more often. 

Pro Tip: A simple thermometer near your plants helps track conditions.

Bonus Tips for Succulent Lovers

• Choose the right pot. Terracotta pots are my favorite for small succulents. They’re breathable and help the soil dry faster. Make sure every pot has drainage holes. I learned this after losing a string of pearls to a cute but hole-less ceramic pot.
• Rotate your plants. I rotate my succulents every couple of weeks to ensure even light exposure. This prevents them from leaning toward the sun and keeps growth balanced.
• Avoid tap water if possible: In some American cities, tap water has high mineral content. My succulents perked up when I switched to filtered water. Rainwater is even better if you can collect it.
• Group similar succulents: I keep my echeverias and sedums together because they have similar watering needs. My aloe and cacti, which need less water, stay in a separate group. This makes care easier, especially in summer.

Common Summer Watering Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made plenty of mistakes during the summer with my succulents. Here are the big ones to watch out for:

• Watering on a schedule. As I mentioned, succulents don’t follow your calendar. Check the soil instead.
• Ignoring drainage. No drainage holes? Your succulent is doomed. Always use pots with holes and a saucer to catch excess water.
• Overcompensating for heat. Hot weather doesn’t mean more water. It means checking the soil more often.
• Leaving water on leaves. Wet leaves in summer heat can burn or rot. Water the soil directly.

Final Thoughts

Caring for small succulents in summer doesn’t have to be hard. With these seven tips, I’ve kept my plants thriving through blistering heat and unpredictable humidity. Check the soil, water deeply but rarely, and pay attention to your home’s unique conditions. 

Your succulents will reward you with vibrant colors and quirky shapes. Got a favorite succulent or a watering tip I missed? Share it with me—I’m always learning! Keep these desert beauties happy, and they’ll brighten your home all summer long.