This adaptation serves succulents well in the dry, hot landscapes they’re native to. But in households with plant parents who use watering as a love language? Not so much. Every few days, check up on your succulent’s soil. Stick your fingers into the top layer of soil and water your plant if it’s totally dry to the touch. Like, really dry. “You want to make sure—especially with succulents and cacti—that the soil is completely dry before you water it,” says plant expert and chemistry teacher Paul Thompson, M.A. Another way to tell if your succulent needs water is to feel its leaves. If there is still some water stored in them, they’ll feel plump and firm. If they’re wilted and dull, it’s a sign their stash has run dry and it’s time for a quick soak. Emma received her B.A. in Environmental Science & Policy with a specialty in environmental communications from Duke University. In addition to penning over 1,000 mbg articles on topics from the water crisis in California to the rise of urban beekeeping, her work has appeared on Grist, Bloomberg News, Bustle, and Forbes. She’s spoken about the intersection of self-care and sustainability on podcasts and live events alongside environmental thought leaders like Marci Zaroff, Gay Browne, and Summer Rayne Oakes.
