Succulents are known to be drought resistant plants that conserve water in their stems and leaves. Succulents have gained immense popularity as an adorable plant due to the elegance and their ability to improve and purify the air by taking in carbon dioxide while exhaling oxygen.
However, succulents demand enough attention to thrive healthier. There can be succulents that prosper healthily in desert regions while some grow well in high alpine areas, rain forests and seashores. Thus rain can be an enemy or a friend depending on the variety of succulents and the attention they receive.
Can Succulents Survive Rain?
It is a well-known fact that in order to grow, a plant requires an adequate amount of water. So when it is raining we are pleased because we do not have to water our plants as rain is very effective for the plants more than the regular water we consume.
You must have noticed how lovely a garden looks after the rain. But does rain affect succulents in the same way with succulents? No! In the rainy season, you have to be cautious as exceeding the ample water limit causes trouble in the growth of succulent plants.
Some varieties of succulent plants survive the rain but the majority do not. There are numerous benefits that succulents gain from rain. But it is noteworthy that in most circumstances succulents do not survive in the rain.
As succulent leaves and stems store water, too much moisture or water in the soil might lead to rotten leaves and stems. Succulent plants require a great deal of contemplation and care to survive rain experiencing the benefits of the rain.
How rain benefits succulents
It is a well-known fact that rain provides dissolved minerals and wipes out all the clouds of dust clearing the leaf to make the photosynthesis process easier. Rain, especially with lightning, increases the nitrogen level of the soil.
In order to experience rain healthfully; it is recommended to collect rainwater in buckets and water without exposing them to the rain directly. Rainwater functions healthier than tap water as rain does not contain any additives such as chlorine and fluoride.
Mineral water and tap water we consume are not ideal for succulents because they affect the pH level of the soil. Rainwater nourishes succulents. Remember a substantial amount of rain works for the growth of succulents providing radiant colors.
Rain removes all the salts and damaging chemicals of the soil. Further, rain procures essential chemicals which benefit the growth of succulents.
How To Prepare Succulents For The Rainy Season
Succulents are meant to grow in dry areas as they are naturally designed to store water in their stems and leaves. However, It is possible to grow succulents in rainy climates if you prepare them well for the rainy season.
Succulent gets mildew in humid climates. Then you should move the plants indoors where they get enough sunlight and fresh air. For this, you have to be vigilant about the weather forecast.
Note: if you want your succulents to have rainwater, expose the plants to the rain under your supervision. Then make sure to move them back once they have had enough rain. The following facts might come in handy in protecting your succulents from the rain.
Plant Covers
Use plant covers that avoid plants from getting wet, wind, snow and infections. As these covers can be well fixed using stakes and drawstrings, it helps the succulents to stay protected under windy weather.
With varied materials and thickness, there are fabric garden and row covers that protect your succulents. Always go for fabric options as plastic covers increase moisture retention.
Outdoor tables, pavilion, porch or gazebos with roofs are considered effective methods that safeguard succulents from the rain. However, these methods are not helpful in stronger rainstorms.
Soil and Drainage
Even though planting your succulents in pots or land soil plays an important role when preparing them for rain, do not use heavy soil. Perpetually use high quality and fast-draining soil mixture, fertile with sand or rocky soil, or mulch that make the soil more breathable. Make sure not to add sand when the plants are wet as it may rot roots.
A modest soil mix for potted outdoor and indoor succulents include 3 parts of soil, 2 parts of sand, and 1 part of rock. Preparing a rocky layer using fertile, river rocks, gravel, lava rocks, activated charcoal or aquarium rocks on the top helps to distribute water on the surface of the soil.
Enhance The Air Flow
Fungal infections can be identified as another challenge that the rain causes. As the fungus grows on moisturised surfaces there is a huge probability for succulents to get infected in the rainy season.
In order to minimize the risk make sure to improve the airflow by planting them on the ground or trenches that help the soil to easily get dry.
Pruning
Dead succulent leaves and stems increase the risk of rotting the entire plant after rainfall as they trap water beneath and around the plant. Pruning benefits in preventing this sort of circumstance.
So how does pruning affect your succulents in rain? If dead succulent leaves or stems accumulate under or around your plant’s stem, they can encourage decaying after a rainfall.
Dead organic materials can easily trap water beneath or around the succulent, making the soil moist and creating a positive setting for bacteria. Thus it is crucial to remove dead, sick and infected parts of the plants.
Porous Pots
When planting succulents in pots, it is important to choose the right pot which is made with appropriate materials to avoid making rain a threat to your succulents. Pots made with plastic are known to be the most terrible material for succulents.
Remember plastic containers entice fungi, gnats and white files easily. Ceramic, glass and wood pots are porous but it is defenceless in rooting over time. So what is the ideal type to grow succulents? Terracotta is a breathable clay-based material.
You’ll be able to see the orange color of the material turn into a darker tone as you pour water into it. This process confirms that terracotta enables evaporation reducing the damage the rain can cause.
How To Protect Outdoor Succulent Gardens From Rain
You can keep the succulents under an eave or patio umbrellas without exposing the plants to the rain. By layering pumice you’ll be able to protect succulents from heavy rain as it absorbs additional water in the soil.
After the rainy season make sure to cover the succulents using fabric or frost cloth in order to protect the plants from scouring the sun. Avoid using polythene or plastic covers that block light and air necessary for succulents.
Succulents require well-moisturised soil. Always remember, the bigger the succulents are the more they need water as the leaves store water in them. So make sure to fulfill its water needs. Succulents roots and soil need enough water. It is important to provide water when the plants are completely dry.
Consequently, heavy rain will be unhealthy for most of the succulents plants that derive from dry regions. Even though rain destroys and rots fragile succulents, the majority of the succulents can survive in the rain. In order to minimise the effect of rain, do not put succulents in flooded gardens.
If you are planning to keep your succulents outside, choose a place where there is no trouble draining when it is raining. However, you have to accept the fact that it is very hard to maintain outdoor garden succulents from the rain, especially the tender succulents. Excessive moisture causes difficulties in absorbing oxygen and spreading the fungus.
If you want to grow them in tropical climates or to make them ready for the rainy season, plant them in containers that have enough draining holes. Place them under a hut or a heave when it rains heavily.
What is the optimal amount of rainfall for succulents?
Succulents prosper radiant and healthier under the yearly rainfall that does not exceed 25 inches. Pouring rain is good for these plants but excessive rain might harm your succulent plants.
When the soil gets moistened with heavy rain succulents roots get decomposed. So, always be attentive not to expose your succulents for the excessive rain that exceed this amount in order to avoid any of these damages.
What To Do After Rain
After the rain, cover the succulents using fabric or frost cloths to avoid the scourging sun. Make sure not to use plastic materials. You must be careful when watering after the rainy season because the soil may remain moisturized for some time.
Overwatering may cause root rot. If your succulents are affected by the excessive rainwater, place the containers in a sunny area uncovering the succulents to a warm windy environment. This is the best and quick solution that you can follow to save your succulent after heavy rain.
Be vigilant and do let the leaves get burned. Make sure not to water the succulents until the soil gets completely dry after the rain.
How To Improve Succulent Survival In Rain
If you have a systemic design of where to grow succulents you do not have to worry about the effect of rain on succulents. If you are planning to plant them on the ground, select a sloped area as it helps to drain water easily minimizing the risk of roots getting rot enhancing the absorbing level of water.
Rain is not an enemy for succulents, as long as you follow the correct methods of maintaining the plants well.
Here are things you can do during a rainy season:
- Place your succulents under your home’s eaves.
- Make sure to have patio umbrellas with strong concrete bases to protect the succulent plants from heavy rain. This will also help to keep the soil from draining.
- Put pumice around the soil of the plant. Pumice can absorb excess moisture which is coming from the soil.
Following all the mentioned steps, you will be able to preserve succulents from excessive rain. Your succulents won’t find the rain as an enemy as long as you pay enough attention to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will rain kill my succulents?
That depends on the heaviness of the rainfall, the soil and how much attention you give them. If you won’t be able to keep an eye on your succulents it is wise to provide shade or move the plants indoors.
Is rainwater good for succulents?
The acidity of the rain and the ability to improve the nutrients absorbent quality of roots are distinctive benefits of the rain. But always make sure that excessive rain can harm your succulents.
Can I use rain covers for succulents and cactus?
It is wise to use rain covers except the ones made from polythene or plastic plastics that intensify the damage that can happen due to rain.
Should I bring my succulents indoors when it rains?
The right amount of rain is beneficial for succulents to grow so much better. It won’t harm your succulents if they receive optimal rain under your supervision. If you can not pay enough attention to this it is recommended to move them indoors.
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