Watering of these!

I was given a succulent by a pupil in my class last July. Got to be honest, I’ve never been interested in succulents or cacti. However, after looking at it closely, I am now, slowly but surely become intrigued by these amazing plants! I have put two photos on here. One is a terrarium with cacti (which I bought). It is very dry already (was dry when I bought it). Can I add water throughout the winter and add some water now? Obviously not very much at all. I have looked on the internet but there’s lots of conflicting advice on this.
The second photo is of succulents I have bought and planted into pots and glass vases. I have added gravel and activated carbon, as recommended. I’ve also added extra pearlite into the succulent soil. When I put them in I didn’t water them at all as this is what I read on the internet. They have been in these containers now since last Saturday. When can I add some water? And is rain water best? I have a water butt outside so that’s easy. Thanks!
I’m also already noticing that the succulent in the middle might be ‘stretching’ so have ordered a daylight lamp. What colour light is best?

 

Hi,

No succulent expert , but also have a windowcill full of them like you , but only water when they feel very light and dry, typically about once a month in winter, always better to err on the dry side.

Personally would avoid rainwater butts as you never know how clean it is as algae and all manner of things can collect in them ? Just use tepid tap water on ours.

All plants will grow towards the brightest light source, you just turn the pot around so the growth is more even, never drempt of using a grow light on a windowcill, even less for succulents.

 

I don't water mine at all from November to March.
(avoids rot and mealy bugs)
Then as Spring warms up my conservatory i start to water lightly. From May onwards i water them well, just like any other house plant. They like a liquid feed at each watering if possible.
I can recommend this excellent book.

 

Fantastic! Thank you. I’ve been watching lots of
YouTube experts on succulents and there’s so many to choose from! The one I watched
Suggested a grow lamp so I’ve got one on order. It’s ‘only’ £30 and has
Four ‘arms’ to shine on plants. Apparently you it gives them
The extra light in winter. I only have east and west-facing windows.

 

Do the pots have drainage?

 

The
Two glass ones don’t but there is a good layer of gravel and activated carbon at the bottom of theses. The pot in the middle and two end ones do

 

I'd like to help regarding watering but I've never grown plants in that way.
I tend to use very gritty compost and drainage in the pots.

I can only suggest you keep them on the dry side, as that will be preferable to too wet.
Obviously more water in summer, and very little if any in winter.