Succulents have grown in favor of low-maintenance houseplants due to their appealing shapes and capacity to conserve water. Whether you've just started enjoying green fingers or are a seasoned gardener, knowing how to care for succulents is critical to keep these unique plants alive.
Succulents have specific requirements for watering, sunlight, soil, and disease control due to their unique water-storing capacities. One must learn the fundamentals of succulent care and strategies to preserve their health and beauty.
Read on to get complete information on how to properly maintain succulents, from understanding watering frequencies to selecting the right soil and combating common succulent illnesses. Prepare to begin a wonderful adventure of succulent maintenance and appreciate the beauty these hardy plants bring to your indoor or outdoor surroundings.
What Are Succulents?
Succulents are thick, fleshy plants that have developed the ability to store water in order to endure arid regions and harsh soil conditions. Their unique feature is the storage of water in their leaves, which gives them a pleasant and undoubtedly attractive appearance.
Conversely, succulents retain water in their stems, whereas geophytes have subsurface organs that store nutrients.
It's a widespread fallacy to link succulents with arid regions, although they can be found in various plant families and variations worldwide. Succulents have a wide range beyond deserts, from houseleeks in the towering Pyrenees Alps to the ice plant, native to South Africa and sprawling along California's coastal roadways.
Tips on How to Care for Succulents
Give Them Enough Sunlight
Succulents thrive in bright light and usually require six hours of sunlight every day, depending on what species your succulent belongs to. While plants cannot thrive in complete shade, it is critical to create a balance and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight throughout the day. Using a sheer curtain can provide some shade while still allowing them enough light.
This is especially important for newly planted succulents, readily scorched in direct sunshine. Gradually exposing them to full sun while providing shade and filtered light with a sheer drape will aid their adjustment and prevent injury.
Adjust Watering with the Changing Seasons
Succulents, like humans, have higher energy requirements during their growth stages. When these plants are flourishing in the spring and summer, they consume more water than when they are dormant in the fall and winter.
Monitor the soil moisture by placing a finger into the top 1.25 inches to calculate watering requirements. When this section is completely dry, water your succulents. It is critical to avoid over-watering because it might be harmful to the plant's health. As a result, let the soil dry between watering sessions to avoid soggy circumstances that might harm your succulents.
Ensure Proper Drainage by Using Containers with Holes
Do avoid soggy soil that results in rot as succulents abhor excessive moisture. A container with holes can allow excess water to escape, which is required for proper drainage.
Terra-cotta pots are suitable for novices due to their excellent drainage capabilities. However, as you gain expertise in plant care, consider terrariums or other containers. These solutions provide diverse appearances and may suit your evolving succulent cultivation tastes.
Select the Right Soil Blend for Your Succulents
After selecting appropriate containers, the next step is to fill them with the proper potting mix to guarantee your plants receive the necessary nutrients. Succulents demand well-draining soil; therefore, more than regular potting or garden soil is required. To encourage appropriate drainage, the soil should ideally be permeable and sandy.
You can buy ready-made succulent or cactus soil or make your mix. Potting soil can be used with sand, pumice, or perlite to create DIY mixes. It's vital to remember that succulent roots are sensitive, so be careful not to damage them when repotting.
Water the Soil Base for Proper Moisture
Ensure that you properly soak the soil mix of your succulents during the watering procedure until water begins to flow out of the drainage holes. Watering with a spray bottle should be avoided since misting can cause brittle roots and mildew growth on the leaves.
Alternatively, place the pots in a pan of water and let the water drain through the drainage hole. Remove the pots from the pan after the top layer of soil becomes moist to avoid overwatering.
Foster a Clean Environment for Your Succulents
Indoor plants, like any other area of your home, can develop dust on their surfaces over time, which can impede their growth. To remedy this, use a moist cloth to wipe the leaves and spines gently.
Use a soft paintbrush to get rid of dust and dirt from hard-to-reach spots properly. Cleaning your indoor plants regularly helps to preserve their health and promotes maximum growth.
Add Fertilizer to Succulents During the Summer Growing Season
Succulents require little fertilizer; however, they can benefit from light fertilizer feedings in the spring and summer when they are actively growing. Overfertilization must be avoided because it might cause rapid growth and damage the succulents.
Refer to the suggested dosage on the fertilizer container as a general guideline, and use only half of that quantity for your succulents. This cautious approach guarantees that you offer enough nutrients without overburdening the plants. Remember, when it comes to fertilizing succulents to keep their vigor and vitality, moderation is crucial.
Remove Pests Infesting Your Succulents
Pests are normally not a serious issue with indoor succulents, but you may occasionally meet bugs. Gnats are drawn to succulents grown in overly damp soil with inadequate drainage. To avoid a full-fledged infestation, remove eggs and larvae by spraying the soil with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution.
Another common issue that succulent owners may have to deal with is mealybugs. Mealybug infestations are primarily caused by overwatering and over-fertilizing. In such circumstances, it is best to separate the damaged plants from other succulents and treat them with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. Taking these precautions aids in preventing and managing pests, allowing your succulents to thrive.
Summary
You can ensure the health and beauty of your succulents with careful care and attention. You can also create an optimal environment for their growth by understanding their watering needs, utilizing well-draining soil, providing appropriate light, and treating pest issues.
Remember that overwatering and overfertilizing might be harmful to the plants. The above advice will help you care for your succulents and enjoy their distinct appeal and durability.
If you wish to gift your loved ones a beautiful bouquet of succulents, contact Alpha Floral now!
Call us at (805) 965-5165 or visit us at 1810A Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA, 93109.
FAQs
Do succulents need direct sunlight?
The optimal conditions for most succulents involve being placed in bright, direct light, and they typically require at least six hours of natural sunlight each day. However, if your home only offers a shady corner, consider selecting plants that thrive in low-light environments. You can place these plants near a window that faces south or east to ensure they receive the best possible light exposure.
Do succulents need soil or sand?
For optimal growth, succulents thrive in porous, sandy potting soil. To create the right conditions, it's crucial to amend your potting soil with sand. While any type of sand can be used, we highly recommend opting for coarse sand to ensure efficient drainage for your succulents instead of very fine sand. It’ll contribute to their overall health and well-being.
Do succulents need big pots?
Inexperienced gardeners frequently over-water their succulents, expecting this to result in a healthier plant. While the succulent can survive in a large pot, the extra space does not promote ideal development. The amount of space in larger pots allows the roots to spread out widely, preventing the succulent from filling the container.
Avoid extremely large pots for better growth, and instead, choose a container that allows enough but not too much area for the succulent's root system to thrive. It promotes overall plant health and vitality.
How long can succulents go without water?
Succulents can endure 1-3 months without watering in indoor or cool climates. Indoor succulents experience less exposure to outdoor elements like wind and sunlight, which typically dry out the soil faster. In cooler climates, especially during fall and winter, the soil tends to retain moisture for longer periods.
Can I use plastic pots for succulents?
Plastic planters used for succulents lack breathability, leading to problems with water drainage. To address this, purchasing plastic pots with drainage holes and utilizing an appropriate succulent soil mix is advisable. It ensures that water does not accumulate around the plant roots for prolonged periods, promoting healthier growth.
