It means that your succulent is either rotting, or has fungal illness caused by excessive water. What Can Succulents Do Without Water? It can retain both water and nutrients for a long time so that they don't need to be watered as often. Even though succulents can withstand extreme drought, it is important to water them regularly. It's common knowledge for most succulent lovers that succulents and cacti are capable of going long periods of time without water. The plants will be more happy if they are only watered once or twice per winter.