If you are lucky enough to have a Buddha’s temple in your garden, you will want to ensure you take good care of it. One of the critical aspects of caretaking is watering the succulent properly. While watering this plant is not difficult, there are a few golden rules you must follow to ensure your plant stays healthy and happy.
The best time to water your Buddha’s temple is early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in. Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant, and be sure to water the entire root ball thoroughly. Allow the plant to drain before putting it back in its spot, as standing water can lead to fungal growth and root rot.
The frequency will vary depending on the time of year and your plant’s location. In general, succulents like to be dryer in the winter and damper in the summer. Avoid getting the leaves wet, and don’t overwater.
This article discusses everything you need to know about watering a buddha’s temple.
Buddha’s Temple: General Water Requirement
Before we get into the specifics of watering a Buddha’s temple, it’s essential to understand the plant’s general water requirements. In general, succulents are drought-tolerant and only need to be watered every 1-2 weeks. However, a few things will affect how often you need to water your plant.
For example, if your plant is in a pot, it will dry out quicker than if it were in the ground. The time of year also makes a difference – succulents need less water in the winter and more in the summer.
If you live in a hot, dry climate, your plant will need to be watered more frequently than in a cooler, wetter climate. And finally, if your plant is in a sunny spot, it will need more water than if it were in a shadier location.
Golden Rules for Watering a Buddha’s Temple
Now that we have covered the basics let us get into the golden rules of watering a Buddha’s temple.
2. The Best Time to Water Your Buddha’s Temple
The best time to water your Buddha’s temple is in the morning, before the heat of the day sets in. This gives the plant time to absorb the water before it evaporates. Aim for the hours between 6 and 10 am for better results.
However, you can water your plant anytime as long as you avoid the heat of the midday sun. If you water in the evening, do it early enough so the plant has time to dry out before nightfall.
Watering your plant late in the evening is highly discouraged because the leaves will stay wet overnight, leading to fungal growth or root rot.
3. What Type of Water to Use
It’s best to use lukewarm water when watering your Buddha’s temple. This is because too cold or too hot water can shock the plant and cause harm.
If you can’t get lukewarm water, err on the side of using cooler water rather than hot water. Hot water can scald the plant’s roots, leading to root damage and death.
You should also ensure the water is distilled if you cannot access fresh, clean water (preferably rainwater). Avoid using tap water since it contains chemicals that can build up in the soil and harm your plant.
If you must use tap water, let it stay out for 24 hours before watering your plant to allow the chlorine to evaporate.
4. How Much Water to Use
When watering your Buddha’s temple, make sure you water the entire root ball thoroughly. Allow the plant to drain before putting it back in its spot, as standing water can lead to fungal growth and root rot.
The amount of water you use will depend on your plant and pot size. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 cup (240 ml) of water for a small plant in a 4-inch (10 cm) pot. For a larger plant in an 8-inch (20 cm) pot, use 2 cups (470 ml) of water.
If you’re unsure how much water your plant needs, it’s better to err on the side of using less rather than more. Too much water can cause root rot, killing your plant.
5. How Often Should You Water Your Buddha’s Temple?
The watering frequency will vary depending on the time of year and your plant’s location. In general, succulents like to be dryer in the winter and wetter in the summer.
If your plant is in a pot, it will need to be watered more frequently than if it were in the ground. This is because pots dry out more quickly than soil.
The type of climate you live in will also affect how often you need to water your plant. If you live in hot, dry weather, you will need to water your plant more often than in a cooler, wetter climate.
Finally, the amount of sunlight your plant gets will also affect watering frequency. If your plant is in a sunny spot, it will need to be watered more often than if it were in a shadier location.
A good rule of thumb is to water your plant every 7-10 days in the summer and every 14-21 days in the winter. However, you should always check the soil before watering to see if it is dry.
If it is still moist, wait another day or two before watering. Only water your plant if the soil is bone dry.
6. Watering Method
There are different ways to water your Buddha’s temple; the best method will depend on the size of your plant and pot.
You can use a watering can or a small cup for small plants in 4-inch (10 cm) pots or less. Be careful not to overwater, as too much water can lead to root rot.
For larger plants in 8-inch (20 cm) pots or more, you can use a watering wand attached to a hose. This will allow you to water the plant without getting the leaves wet.
If you get the leaves wet, dry them off as soon as possible to prevent fungal growth.
However, the best watering rule for almost all succulents is bottom watering. In this method, you place the plant in a pan of water and allow the roots to soak up moisture for about 15-30 minutes.
Remove the plant from the water once it is fully soaked and allow it to drain before putting it back in its spot. This method is especially beneficial for plants prone to root rot, as it prevents the leaves from getting wet.
7. Avoid Overwatering
It’s important not to overwater your Buddha’s temple. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions, and never leave the plant sitting in water for extended periods.
If you notice the leaves start to yellow or wilt, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. On the other hand, if the leaves are turning brown and mushy, this is a sign of overwatering.
If you think you are overwatering your plant, stop watering for a week or two and see if the plant improves. If not, you may need to repot the plant in dryer soil.
8. Reduce Watering During Winter
During winter, reduce watering somewhat as the plant will be dormant and won’t need as much water. However, don’t let the soil dry out completely, as this can damage the roots. A good rule of thumb is to water once every two weeks during winter.
If you live in a particularly cold climate, you may need to water even less often. If the temperature dips below freezing, it’s best not to water as this can cause the roots to freeze and die.
9. Fertilizing
One last thing we must mention that is highly related to watering your Buddha’s plant is fertilizing. Fortunately, you don’t need to fertilize your Buddha’s temple very often, as succulents are not heavy feeders.
In general, you should only fertilize during the growing season from spring to summer. If you choose to fertilize, use a cactus or succulent fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content.
Too much nitrogen can harm your plant, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and use a weak fertilizer solution. Fertilize once every month or two during the growing season, and then stop fertilizing altogether during winter.
Summary
As you can see, watering your Buddha’s temple is as simple as 1,2,3. With these eight golden rules for watering a Buddha’s temple, you’ll be sure to keep your plant healthy and happy all year round.
Just remember to water in the morning, use lukewarm water, avoid wetting the leaves, and don’t overwater. Also, remember to fertilize monthly during the growing season, give extra water during hot weather, and reduce watering during wintertime.
Follow these guidelines, and you’ll have a beautiful Buddha temple in no time!
Last update on 2023-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API