Hydrophobic soil/succulent

[Bumpusismydog]

Any advice on rehydrating hydrophobic soil for succulents? I recently purchased a dried out jade and even after changing the soil twice and bottom watering for an hour at a time it doesn't seem to be taking water. Leaves are shriveled and dry, falling off. Thanks!

 

[Chuck]

Hydrophobic Soil & How to Fix It

<p>Is your soil repelling water rather than absorbing it? If the answer is yes, then you've got hydrophobic soil. Here's our tips on how to fix this common garden issue. <br></br></p>

www.mrfothergills.com.au

I would also water from the top at a slow drip overnight or place the container into a wheelbarrow or bathtub and have the water level almost to the top of the container. I have had this same problem with old dried out potting soil and compost.

 

[Bumpusismydog]

Thank you, I will give the soaking method a try. I've noticed in spite of the soil drying out some of the leaves are dropping when I bump the plant. Is this consistent with underwatering or am I possibly overwatering? It wasn't the healthiest plant when I bought it...I was hoping to be able to rehabilitate it.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

When I overwatered mine the plant used to exude little drops of water around the edge of the leaf.

 

[Bumpusismydog]

Definitely didn't see that. Thanks for that insight, I'll be watching for that from now on.