Growing Succulents: Everything You Need to Know
Succulents are oddly-shaped plants with hefty leaves and lovely hues that are too appealing to ignore. The succulent movement has swept the globe, with succulents dominating rock gardens, business reception areas, table centerpieces, and even outshining a bride’s intended partner in a bridal bouquet. These plants aren’t picky and are a great place to start if you want to put your green thumb to the test. Succulents can grow into focal points in any setting if they keep up with their relatively short list of desires.
Make an informed decision.
It should not be difficult to become a succulent parent. Yes, there are hundreds of species to pick from, in a variety of shapes and colors to suit your every whim, but you might want to think about size (giant or tiny) and location (ground or fancy container) to help you narrow down your options.
Keep in mind that certain succulents thrive better outdoor than they do inside. Some succulents enjoy bright direct light, while others avoid the sun and prefer indirect light. Examine the plants closely before purchasing. A succulent should be well-formed, colorful, and have vibrant leaves. Avoid any that have visible evidence of damage or insects.
It’s All About the Soil
Succulents should be grown in well-draining soil. When planting in the garden, make sure the location is well-drained and not in a low position that will remain moist. Cactus soil is good, but you can mix sand, gravel, or volcanic rock instead into your potting soil for increased drainage when growing in containers.
Succulents in glass pots may appear elegant, but they are not beneficial to the health of the plants because they do not drain well and lack breathability. Ensure that the containers have drainage holes for excess water to drain and adequate airflow for optimal root development for a healthy succulent.
Mulch Your Compost Pile
Mulch accentuates the dry look of succulent pots and prevents moisture compost from getting into contact with the leaves, which can cause them to rot. Horticultural grit, shells, or similar dry material can be used. Apply with a spoon, being careful to cover all of the compost.
Protect in winter
The majority of succulents are delicate and must be brought indoors during winter. Move pots into a greenhouse or conservatory if possible. Some succulents can be left out in the open in a protected location, but only with bubble wrap around the container to protect it from cold.
Keep A Journal
Keep a close eye on your plant’s looks and develop habits to figure out what they’re trying to tell you. If your plant’s leaves start to turn yellow, it may have been exposed to too much moisture. Soggy leaves indicate that your plant is drowning, while curling upper leaves indicate a lack of water. If it begins to stretch and appear slim, it is possible is not getting enough sunlight. A consistent watering regimen will assist you in figuring out when your plant needs to be watered and when it’s reached its fill.
Succulents: How To Care For Them
It’s crucial to learn how to care for succulents, whether you’ve been given a jade plant or bought an echeveria at the store. Continue reading to learn how to keep your plants happy and healthy.
Ensure That Your Succulents Receive Enough Light
Because most succulents are native to dry, hot climates, it’s no surprise that they love to bask in the sun. Your plant will thrive in 4–6 hours of direct sun. If your succulent grows outside and you live in a hot climate, attempt to provide shade or a screen for it during the hottest hours of the day.
Succulents Should Be Rotated Regularly
Succulents prefer direct sunlight, but if you leave yours in the same position day after day, just one side is likely to get enough light, so rotate the plant frequently. Because succulents slant toward the sun, turning them will help plants stand erect. (Leaning may also indicate that they need to be in a more sunny location.)
Only Use Water When Absolutely Necessary
Succulents don’t require as much watering as other houseplants and can even be damaged by overwatering. Most succulents should only be watered from spring to autumn, and the compost should be allowed to dry out between watering. Some succulents, on the other hand, have more particular watering requirements. Before watering your succulents, make sure they need to be watered.
Directly Water The Soil
When watering your succulents, soak the soil until the drainage holes are completely dry before water is applied. If your container doesn’t have drainage holes, reduce your water usage. It is possible to injure the succulent roots and leaves if you water your succulents with a spray bottle. Because of the drainage hole, pots can also be immersed in a pan of water and draw water through the hole. Once the top layer of soil is damp, remove it from the pan.
Succulents Should Be Kept Clean
Your indoor plants will inevitably accumulate dust on their surfaces, which might stifle their growth. Therefore, cleaning and general care should be done by gently wiping off the leaves and spines with a moist cloth (use a soft paintbrush to get at hard-to-reach spots).
Get Rid Of Bugs
Indoor succulents should be pest-free, although you may have to deal with bugs on occasion. Gnats are drawn to succulents that have been planted in waterlogged soil with poor drainage. Another issue that succulent owners must contend with is mealybugs. Mealybugs are commonly caused by overwatering and overfertilizing. Treat sick succulents and move them away from other succulents.
Pruning And Feeding
You can fertilize your succulents three or four times a year. It will also assist your plant is thriving if you remove any dead or decaying leaves. Something to keep in mind: if the leaves begin to shrink from the top of the plant, something is wrong; but, if they wither from the bottom of the stem closest to the earth, this is normal.
Indoors, you may grow succulents in various shapes, colors, and textures to add drama and interest to any room’s décor. When you utilize well-draining soil, don’t overwater, and give your succulents ample sunshine, they’re pretty easy to cultivate. You’ll be well on your way to building the indoor succulent garden of your dreams if you keep this in mind.
Succulents are a wonderful world to explore.
Happy gardening!
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