Keith,

It is normal. Succulents don't like to have wet feet, so the gritty mix allows the water to pass right through it, allowing the plant to get what it needs. You could just leave the water in the tray, depending on how many succulents you have, and how much water accumulates in it. If it's only a little bit, it won't hurt.

If you don't want the water sitting in the tray/there is a lot of water in the tray, you could tip it out onto your lawn or down a sink.

Blue

If I left a 1/4 of an inch in the drip pan, do you think that woudl be ok?

It would be better not to leave water sitting in the tray, whatever is there will be re-absorbed back into the pot. Sitting water may also attract some gnats, tiny and annoying little buggers. Turkey baster is a good tool to use to suck the water up. I also use shoe tray, and have one with ridges to keep pots elevated. I don't take all pots out every time I water either, it would be annoying and take forever with many plants. But if you have only few, you could empty it. Try the turkey baster - get one from the dollar store and use exclusively for that purpose.

Rina

For emptying large amounts of water, I use battery operated pump. It doesn't get get the last bit of water left from my trees in gritty mix, but it cuts down a lot of turkey baster time (since I can't lift the trees up and dump out the big saucer).

I'm still trying to find the fastest way to water. So it good to hear what everybody else is doing!

Previously when top watering, I would move my plants in batches over the sink. They are placed on a metal rack made of steel rods to let all the extra water drain through.

Now, I move my plants in batches to some sturdy plastic tubs and water them in those. Then to drain the excess, I move them over to two growing trays I've set up on a little table on a slant, so the water collects away from the pots (which I empty into the sink).

When bottom watering, I do the same thing except fill the tubs with water/fertilizer beforehand. It takes a bit of time, but I get to look over my plants in the process.

I do not leave any water sitting in my trays, as it can wick up and cause overwatering. It will also eventually will grow bacteria/fungus/algae/insects.

My other idea about this would be to drill a hole in my boot tray and attach a hose that leads to a drain or just a container that would collect the water.

Keith

That would be a good idea. And dump the water in the garden....Rina

Or even put a cloth into the excess water and hang it down below the water level into a container, the water will wick along the cloth and drain the tray....just another idea that I have used to drain an overwatered heavy pot on a bench that was too heavy to lift off. Simples!

Gill UK

Someone (Crenda maybe?) recently mentioned using a shop vac ( minus the bag of course) for such.

I believe it was notolover. Wonder if the 2.5Gal ones are any good. The idea seems really solid?

Just used my shop vac and it did a good job. But I'm concerned about my succulents. I just took them inside and also repotted them in gritty mix. I have them under t5 grow bulbs. I think lots of the petals look deflated. Do you think they are just adjusting?

Keith - Yes, expect about 3 weeks for the roots to re-establish. If your plant roots aren't able to keep up, lessen the intensity of the light temporarily.

Should I water more frequently?

Is it possible you could raise the back side of the tray(s)slightly up so the draining water can move to the forward lower side where you intend to add a drain hole for dripping ?

I often ( habit) place watered pots on a second cleaner dry tray an occasional small puddle or two does remain on the bottom of the trays and is usually evaporated in a few minutes after returning them to the under lighting area(s).

Another practice I use while they are nestled inside under lights during the colder months is to use a slightly distant indirect low speed clip on fan (small in size) while the bulbs are burning.

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Depending on the type(s) of succulent(s) and just a thought. I would think while under T-5 bulbs watering would be a little less frequently for some some may be the same in frequencies and some could be more frequently than you would have been using ( watering) while they where outside. ( Assuming they where outside )

I imagine your inside growing conditions may vary to some degree from others. Example forced hot air from the furnace is different that forced hot water or fire places etc. would also factor in to how frequently you should or need to water.

Kkeith

Could you post a photo of the leaves you are concerned about? They could be under- or over-watered. And ewwmayo makes good point too.

Rina