Succulent Care
Welcome to your ultimate guide to caring for succulents! Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your green thumb journey, we’re here to provide you with all the information you need to keep your succulents happy and thriving. When it comes to succulents, I am the cat lady. I love my succulents and find it hard to part with them, despite having so many. They are an extra set of kids to me. I am not going to lie; I think I love them because they are so hearty. They do not require a lot of maintenance and look beautiful year-round. I have them on my front porch, all over my backyard, in the house, and in random areas around our home. Covering essential topics like watering techniques, ideal lighting conditions, soil preferences, and temperature considerations will allow you to start planting your succulent garden. Information into troubleshooting common succulent problems, such as overwatering, pests, and diseases will provide you with practical solutions to keep your plants healthy. Join us on this green adventure and learn how to create a vibrant, resilient succulent collection that will bring a touch of nature and tranquility to your home. Get ready to become a succulent pro and discover the joy of caring for these beautiful and low-maintenance plants.
Caring for succulents can be relatively easy if you understand their specific needs. Here are some essential tips to keep your succulents healthy and thriving:
1. Light: Succulents need bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Place them near a south or east-facing window, ensuring they receive enough light but are not exposed to direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
2. Watering: Succulents have unique watering requirements. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering to prevent root rot. Water deeply but infrequently, thoroughly saturating the soil and letting excess water drain away. Succulents store water in their leaves and stems so they can withstand periods of dryness without a problem. Remember, it’s better to underwater than overwater succulents. I touch the soil to see the dryness and adjust my watering schedule from there. Sometimes I need to water them a few times a week in the summer months and in the winter months I have gone two weeks between watering. Remember to water the soil not the plant. They are not people and do not need baths.
3. Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial for succulents as they dislike sitting in damp conditions. Your soil is important, it will not make or break your succulents so don’t freak out if you used regular potting soil just know for the future its beneficial to use quality soil and adding perlite, which are little Styrofoam pieces in soil mixtures to help the soil not to become too compacted. It allows little pockets of air. You can buy the soil that already has it or add your own. You can purchase on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3SHjnzm or head to your local Lowes or Home Depot. Make sure your succulents are able to drain. Buy pots with holes in the bottom, or you can add small rock/gravel to the bottom of your pots. I have some pots that I love and this is what I do, so I can still use them.
When transferring pots from the store to your home, check the roots and gently cut off any dark or rotten ones to help your succulent to be as healthy as possible.
4. Temperature: Most succulents prefer temperatures between 50-85°F (10-29°C). Protect them from freezing temperatures and extreme heat, as they can cause damage or death to the plants. Not all succulents can endure the same temperatures. I had some beautiful ones on my porch that were growing like crazy. I added a wine barrel to our front area and wanted to plant these beautifully full succulents for a centerpiece of our yard. They were not happy with me and the direct sun and began to die. I had to dig up all the ones I planted and replant in pots and move back to my porch. Make sure when buying succulents, you find out if they are sun and heat tolerant. They love sunlight just not all day! On the flip side, when you see your succulents stretching, that means they are not getting enough sunlight. You will need to rotate them or move them to where they are able to receive their daily dose of sun. They do not like cold temperatures, so if you are able to move them inside or in the garage when it drops below 50′ it is recommended.
5. Humidity: Succulents are adapted to arid environments and generally prefer low humidity. Avoid placing them in humid areas or near sources of moisture, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
6. Fertilizer: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer specifically formulated for succulents. Apply it sparingly, following the package instructions, during the active growing season (usually spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
7. Propagation: Many succulents can be propagated from leaves or stem cuttings. Allow the cuttings to dry for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil. Mist them lightly with water occasionally to prevent dehydration.
8. Pests and diseases: Check your succulents regularly for signs of pests like mealybugs or scale insects. Treat them with organic insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases.
Remember, different succulent species may have specific care requirements, so it’s essential to research and understand the needs of each type of succulent you have. With proper care, you can enjoy a thriving and beautiful succulent collection.
