Third, the soil affects watering. A good soil should be half soil particles and half filled with air and water. A heavy soil retains water. A sandy soil quickly loses water. Some plants show characteristic symptoms when they need water.
Succulents often look shriveled.
Coleus and impatiens wilt. The soil shows when it is dry also. It has a lighter color and shrinks away from the pot. If you stick your finger about one inch into the soil and no particles stick, the soil is dry. Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.