Understanding the Watering Needs of ledebouria

Ledebouria require regular watering but avoid leaving them sitting in water. They prefer moist but well-drained soil. Water thoroughly whenever the soil becomes dry to a depth of 1 to 2 inches. Ledebouria are succulents and like their soil to dry out partially between waterings to prevent root rot. As a general rule, water ledebouria when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.

water ledebouria, root rot, brown tree trunk with green leaves — *Photo by* *Omar Ram* / *Unsplash*

Choosing the Right Watering Schedule for ledebouria

The watering schedule for water ledebouria depends on several factors including temperature, pot size, and season. In general, ledebouria require more frequent watering in warmer weather and less in cooler weather. The size of the pot also affects how quickly the soil drains and dries out.

During summer:

Water ledebouria planted in small pots every 3 to 5 days
Water ledebouria planted in medium pots every 5 to 7 days
Water ledebouria planted in large pots every 7 to 10 days

During winter:

Water ledebouria planted in all pot sizes every 10 to 14 days

The Drought Deciles system provides a visual guide for telling when to water based on the moisture level of the soil:

Decile	Soil Condition
1-3	Soil is damp, no need to water yet
4-6	Top 1-2 inches of soil is starting to dry out, time to water
7-9	Top 1 inch of soil is dry, time to water deeply
10	Soil is very dry down 2-3 inches, time to water heavily

In general, water ledebouria when the top 1 inch of soil is dry to the touch. The moisture level and frequency of watering will depend on the specific growing conditions.

water ledebouria, root rot, a red flower with green leaves in the background — *Photo by* *Alex Kraft* / *Unsplash*

Proper Watering Techniques for ledebouria

There are two main watering techniques for water ledebouria: bottom watering and top watering. Both have pros and cons.

Bottom watering involves placing the entire pot in a tray of water until the top soil becomes moist. This method has several benefits:

The water is absorbed evenly through the drainage holes, ensuring uniform moisture throughout the soil.
It prevents overwatering the top layer of soil which can lead to root rot.
The water is absorbed slowly over time, giving the roots a constant supply.

Bottom watering is recommended whenever possible for ledebouria. You can bottom water ledebouria by:

Adding enough water to a tray so it comes halfway up the sides of the pot
Letting the pot sit in the water for 10-15 minutes
Removing the pot from the tray once the topsoil feels moist

Top watering involves pouring water directly onto the soil surface until it drains from the drainage holes. It is only used when bottom watering is not possible:

Make sure to use a watering can with a narrow spout to avoid overwatering localized areas.
Water the soil thoroughly until excess water drains from the bottom.
Move the can around the pot as you water to reach all areas.

In both methods, allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Frequent light watering can cause root problems, so aim for deep, infrequent watering that thoroughly saturates the roots.

water ledebouria, root rot, moon — *Photo by* *Ingo Doerrie* / *Unsplash*

Signs of Overwatering or Underwatering ledebouria

Water ledebouria plants exhibit telltale signs when they are getting too much or too little water. Learning to identify these symptoms can help you adjust your watering technique and schedule appropriately.

Overwatering symptoms in ledebouria include:

To fix overwatering: