Most beginners kill their succulents by overwatering — but it's rarely because they water too often. It's because they water on a schedule instead of watching the plant.

Succulents store water in their leaves. When you water on a fixed schedule (like "every Sunday"), you ignore what the soil and plant are actually telling you. The fix is the soak-and-dry method: water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom, then wait until the soil is 100% bone dry before watering again — no matter how many days that takes.

A few signs your succulent is thirsty (not overwatered):

• Leaves feel soft/wrinkled instead of plump

• Bottom leaves look slightly deflated

• Pot feels very light when lifted

A few signs of overwatering (the real killer):

• Mushy, translucent, or yellowing leaves

• Black spots at the base of the plant

• Soil that stays wet for more than a week

If you want the full system — light requirements, soil mix, propagation, and a 4-week checklist — check out the course pinned in this community. Drop a comment with a photo of your succulent setup and I'll tell you exactly what to adjust. 🌵