How to care for succulents

Caring for Succulents can be easy. These plants are native to drought prone areas. As a result, they store water to last them through long periods with little or no water. This feature makes them ideal as indoor-home plants or outdoor as part of a low maintenance garden residing in warmer climates.

How to care for indoor succulents

If you choose to grow a succulent indoors, your plant will need the following:

• Plant your succulent in a pot that drains: Succulents do not like to live in wet soil. As plants accustomed to high temperatures and little moisture, they can actually rot, contract disease, or die if overwatered. Potting in a planter that has slots for drainage can help prevent overwatering.
• Use succulent soil or soil that drains well: Using the correct type of soil will help your plant thrive. Because succulents don’t appreciate overwatering, using soil that drains will keep your plants appropriately moist.
• Plenty of sunlight (at least half a day): These plants hail from hot, dry climates and love plenty of sunlight. Although they will go dormant in the winter and require less sunlight, most succulents like at least a half day to a full day of sunlight depending on what type of plant you have chosen.
• Water heavily, but not often: Overwatering is an issue with succulents. Watering every day and leaving the plant with soaking soil will kill your succulent. However, simply misting them will also leave them wanting more. Supply your plant with a large amount of water about once a week (also varies depending on the variety). Check the soil to see that it is drying between waterings.
• Maintain a warm temperature: Succulents like about 70-80 degrees in summer months and 50-60 in winter months.

How to care for outdoor succulents

Succulents make great houseplants, but they can also add an exotic edge to your outdoor garden.

When planting an outdoor garden, choose your succulents and accompanying plants carefully. Succulents prefer lots of sunshine, dry soil, and little watering. If this doesn’t fit the surrounding flora, consider using your succulents as houseplants or moving them to a separate location.

• Choose a sunny spot: Give your succulent lots of natural sunlight.
• Make sure you have appropriate soil: Does the soil drain well? If not, backfill the hole with sand or gravel to increase drainage capability. Many succulents will fall victim to rot if they are not set in the right kind of soil.
• If watering is necessary, pour water directly onto the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry. Water heavily until soil is moist. Let the soil dry before the next watering. Check out Succulents and Sunshine for more specific information on watering your plant.
• Bring your succulents indoors for the winter: Many of these exotic plants do not fare well in the winter. If you live in an area that has a cold winter, you an easily transplant into a container for indoor storage.

Regardless of what kind of succulent you choose, make sure you water it properly and it will be an interesting addition to your home or garden.

How to grow a succulent

If you already have existing succulents, you can propagate them yourself. Propagation is typically done with a leaf cutting or an offshoot.

Propagating succulents with leaf cuttings indoors

To grow a new succulent from a leaf cutting, follow these steps:

1. Remove a leaf from the plant below the main flowering element.Make sure the leaf comes away clean and contains all parts of the leaf.
2. Put leaf in dry area and allow to dry.This process generally takes a few days.
3. When leaf becomes calloused, it is time to plant.When calloused, the leaf will appear splotchy, discolored, or brittle.
4. Place well-draining or succulent soil in a drainable pot.
5. Set leaf on top of soil.
6. Leave for several weeks.
7. Water your succulent very little, about once a week.Be careful to avoid overwatering.
8. When roots appear, remove the parent leaf.Typically, this leaf will wither. Be careful not to damage the new roots in this process.
9. Your plant will take root and you will have a new succulent.Happy gardening!

Propagating succulents with offshoots

If your succulent develops an offshoot at the base of the plant, you can gently remove it to grow a separate plant. To do so, simply allow the offshoot to develop roots for a period of 2-3 weeks. Once you see roots, remove with snips or simply twist to remove. Then follow steps 2-7 above to propagate your new succulent.

Don’t underestimate the power of that succulent in your living room. “We believe part of the satisfaction of living with indoor plants is in their modest requirements, and just as much pleasure can be found in a humble potted cactus as in a conservatory full of demanding tropical plants,” write London garden designers Caro Langton and Rose Ray in their new book, House of Plants: Living with Succulents, Air Plants, and Cacti (Frances Lincoln, $30). Ultimately, theirs is a guide for those who’ve never even considered developing a green thumb until this very moment. “It’s likely your indoor greenery will find you when you are least prepared: given as gifts, or perhaps stealing your attention while strolling through a local market,” they write. Whether you’ve been gifted a jade plant or you picked up a echeveria at the store, it’s important to learn how to care for succulents. Read on to find out how to keep your plants healthy and happy.

1. Make Sure Your Succulents Get Enough Light

Succulents love light and need about six hours of sun per day, depending on the type of succulent. Newly planted succulents can scorch in direct sunlight, so you may need to gradually introduce them to full sun exposure or provide shade with a sheer curtain.

2. Rotate Succulents Frequently

Succulents love direct sun, but if yours is sitting in the same exact spot day after day, it’s likely that only one side is getting enough light. Langton and Ray suggest rotating the plant often. Succulents will lean towards the sun, so rotating them will help them stand up straight. (Leaning may also be a sign that they need to be in a sunnier spot.)

3. Water According to the Season

Just like us, succulents need more energy when they’re in a period of growth. During the spring and summer, the plants are thriving and drinking up much more water than when they’re resting in the fall and winter. Langton and Ray recommend testing the soil with a finger—when the top 1.25 inches are dry, grab your watering can. Overwatering can kill your succulent, so make sure you let the soil dry between waterings.

4. Water the Soil Directly

When you water your succulents, soak the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes. (If your container doesn’t have drainage holes, use less water.) Don’t use a spray bottle to water your succulents—misting can cause brittle roots and moldy leaves . You can also place pots in a pan of water and allow the water to absorb through the drainage hole. Once the top of the soil is moist, remove from the pan.

5. Keep Succulents Clean

“Inevitably, your indoor plants will gradually pick up dust on their surface, which can inhibit their growth,” write Langton and Ray. Wipe off the leaves and spines gently with a damp cloth (use a soft paintbrush to get at hard-to-reach spots).

6. Choose a Container with Drainage

Succulents don’t like to sit in waterlogged soil, so drainage is important to prevent rot. Your container should have a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape. Terra-cotta pots are ideal for beginners.

7. Plant Succulents in the Right Soil

Succulents need soil that drains, so regular potting soil—or dirt from your yard—won’t do. Choose cactus soil or mix potting soil with sand, pumice, or perlite. Succulent roots are very fragile so be gentle when repotting.

8. Get Rid of Bugs

Pests shouldn’t be a problem for indoor succulents, but occasionally you may have to deal with bugs. Gnats are attracted to succulents that are planted in soil that is too wet and doesn’t have proper drainage. To get rid of eggs and larvae, spray the soil with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. Mealybugs are another pest succulent owners have to deal with. Overwatering and overfertilizing are the common causes of mealybugs. Move infected plants away from other succulents and spray with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol.

9. Fertilize Succulents in the Summer

Succulents don’t need much fertilizer, but you can give them light feedings during the spring and summer growing season. Be careful not to overfertilize—this can cause your succulent to grow too quickly and become weak.

Succulents are often regarded as the ultimate low-maintenance plant, but even seasoned gardeners have seen them perish under their care. Read our growing guide to help keep them happy indoors and out.

Modern Succulents

Succulents are a natural way to add texture and subtle color to a space. With their sculptural shape they’re both modern and on trend.

Photo by: Alison Gootee

Related To:

What Are Succulents, Anyway?

“Succulent” refers to thick, fleshy plants that have evolved to store water to survive arid climates or tough soil conditions. Often the water is stored in the leaves, giving succulents their signature (and irresistibly cute) look. Other succulents may store water in their stems, and some succulents are geophytes — plants with underground organs that store food or other nutrients.

Succulents are sometimes mistakenly thought of as just desert plants, but their reach goes far beyond that. You can find succulents across multiple plant families with dozens of varieties growing all over the world — from houseleeks high in the Pyrenees mountains to ice plant, a South African native you can find sprawling alongside California’s coastal highways.

DIY Succulent and Cactus Projects You Just Have To Try 26 Photos

Succulents can be used to make modern but earthy decor. Here’s how to get creative with these drought-tolerant plants by using them in everything from wreaths to hanging wall art.

How Often to Water Succulents

Watering is usually the top question we receive when it comes to succulent care. Unfortunately, there’s no perfect watering schedule. Watering requirements for all plants, not just succulents, will change by the season, and even by the week. Plants won’t need to be watered as frequently in the winter as they will need in the summer because most plants go dormant during winter; likewise, your plants will need less water during a string of cloudy, overcast days.

Plants should only be watered when the soil or planting medium is completely dry. A good, reliable way to water your succulents is to place your planter on a saucer full of shallow water and wait until the water is absorbed into the soil, then remove the planter from the saucer. Another option, especially if your planter doesn’t have a drainage hole, is to water your succulents is by using a spray bottle. Mist the leaves, and then get in close to the base of the plant and spray the top layer of the soil so the roots can take in some water, too.

Oops, I Overwatered My Succulent

Because of the nature of how succulents grow and store water, the number one mistake home gardeners make is overwatering. One key sign a succulent has been overwatered includes yellowing, translucent leaves that may be mushy due to the excess water causing the plant’s cell walls to burst. They tend to fall off easily if touched.

Succulents should never sit in standing water; it quickly leads to root rot, so proper drainage is essential. Self-watering planters have built in drainage trays and are a novice gardener’s best friend. If your planter doesn’t have a drainage hole and you’re not able to create one, add a few layers of pebbles to the bottom of the planter before adding the succulent and planting medium.

If the damage is already done, all hope isn’t lost — many succulents thankfully don’t mind a quick emergency transfer. Remove the succulent from the wet planting medium and remove any rotten leaves or cut off any rotten stem with a pair of sharp, clean scissors. If the soil is soaked, you can even give the root ball a gentle squeeze. Leave it to dry in a sunny spot. In the meantime, clean out the planter thoroughly; it’s best to start by scrubbing with warm water and soap, then follow up a 10 percent bleach solution to sanitize. This will help prevent any bacteria that formed from infecting your succulent. After the succulent has had some time to dry out, replant in fresh soil.

You saw and fell in love with gorgeous mini desert houseplants that will look perfect in your home. So you brought them home, placed them on the sunniest window and hoped for the best. But now you wonder how to care for succulents indoors. This happens to most of us. We purchase houseplants on a whim because homes decorated with houseplants give out a relaxed ambience.

Plants are like people. Whilst most houseplants need a lot of tender, love and care there are others that want to be left alone. Therefore your new housemates will thrive if they get the right conditions once they arrive home.

The Leave me Alone Plants

Desert plants, which are commonly known as succulents, belong to the group thriving on neglect. Therefore, succulents are some of the easiest plants to care for indoors. However, they too need the right conditions to do well. Once you place them in the right spots, you can forget about them. That is how easy these desert plants can be when take them home.

Why Care for Succulents Indoors

If you are someone who really wants to keep indoor plants, but cannot maintain them, then succulents are definitely meant for you. They are easy to care for, they do not need a lot of watering or re-potting.

Succulents also make ideal gifts even if the recipient is not green fingered. Nowadays, succulent plants are available everywhere. They are also relatively cheap to buy if you get them in the mini variety. You can pick one up from your local supermarket or then purchase it from a specialist shop. Either way, a number of places offer these desert beauties.

A very close friend has gifted most of mine. She will soon be on her new family adventure thousands of miles away. The succulents gifted by her will be a memory of the amazing days we spent together as friends and moms.

How to Care for Succulents Indoors

Water requirements for succulents indoors

Succulents do not need moisture rich soil. Their dessert ancestry makes them the perfect houseplant for anyone who forgets to water their plants on a regular basis. These plants need to be watered when the soil is dry. Imagine the desert environment.

They do not receive a lot of water on a regular basis, but when they do, the leaves absorb as much as they can, which is why they are called succulents. So when you are watering them, make sure the soil is dry.

Sunlight for succulents indoors

Succulents are desert plants and that is what makes them easy to maintain. However, because they are desert plants, they need a lot of brightness. Having said that, some plants will require direct sunshine most of the day and others will need brightness, but not sunlight. Therefore, if you want your succulents to flourish, study your home first and then choose the type of succulent that will thrive in your home.

Soil type

Most gardening experts will tell you to move your succulent from its potted soil into a desert dweller mix. The desert dweller mix is a combination of soil, a bit of sand and loose rocks to mimic their original growing habitat. I have kept mine in the same pots that they arrived in and they are fine.

As long as you do not over water the plant, you should be fine using any well drained soil variety. So I would not worry too much about finding a soil type that is right for your succulent until you are ready to grow more varieties.

Which Succulents to Grow Indoors

The market is full of new and unique varieties. The most important aspect to think about is how much sunshine the house receives. Choose plants that will thrive in their new home.

Start out with a few different types of these beautiful desert plants. Most varieties are now available to buy on Amazon.

Dudleya

There are over 40 varieties of this Dudleya also known as Echeveria. Most varieties are a single rosette type plant. Although they are supposed to be grown outdoors, you can grow them indoors in colder regions. Place the pot is a sunny spot and water it occasionally when the soil is bone dry.

From my experience, the rose shaped plant will grow as wide as its plant pot. I have had this variety for about 3 years now, originally purchased as a baby plant. I re-potted the plant once. Since then it has grown into its pot, but has not grown any further. If you want it to grow into a large floret, re-pot it into a big plant pot and leave it.

Gollum Jade Plant

These belong to a family called Crassula. This variety is also known as the Gollum Variety. It grows in a tubular straw like manner. The straw like leaves give it a lot of character. When I first got the plant, I made the mistake of placing it in the bathroom. Although the bathroom is bright, it is a damp environment. The plant did not die, but it was not growing either.

Since moving it to its new place, which is sunny and dry, the tubes are growing. The plant can grow up to a metre high so I am looking forward to it growing. This variety will grow in bright places but it does not need direct sunlight all the time. The plant needs sunshine for a few hours every day, but not all day. Like the other succulents, only water when the soil is dry.

Ripple Jade Plant

The ripple jade plant also belongs to the Crasula family. The leaves grow in a beautiful ripple and the edge of the mature one have a pink tint. This variety loves the sun, so placing it in a location that has full sunlight for most of the day will make it thrive. It does not require much watering. When the soil dries out, give it a good drench and then leave it to dry out again.

Aloe Plants

Aloe plants are some of the most common succulents that you will find in most houses. They are easy to grow and they do no need a lot of direct sunlight. If you place the plant in a bright room, but away from sunshine, it will thrive. Watering, once again, only water when it is dry.

Finally …

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Country living has a great guide on how to take care of your indoor succulents.

If you are interested in growing vegetables at home as a beginner, check out how to grow your own vegetables and download the free printable vegetable growing guide.

Succulents originally came from dry, arid areas such as steppes, semi-desert and desert, so they don’t need much water. In fact, they don’t like to sit in wet soil because their roots are sensitive to the bacteria that develop when there is moisture. There are basically 2 things to remember about taking care of the succulents in your terrarium: light and water.

The Right Amount of Light

You already know that succulents need a lot of light, but how will you know how much light is enough? Your plants will tell you when they need more or less light.

Too little light: Plants will grow tall or they’ll bend in one direction in search of light. That is called “stretching” or etiolation and it won’t hurt your plant, it just looks kind of funny. Too little light can also cause your plants to become pale and lose their color.

Move your plant to a brighter part of your space. If your succulents haven’t been in direct sunlight, avoid moving them into direct sun for long periods as they will burn. Direct sunlight takes a little “training” by giving the plants more and more light each day so they get used to it. Start with 1 hour or 2 each day, then leave them for an hour longer the next day. If you live in a part of the world that is dark often, try giving your plant artificial light with some Grow Lights, but remember to keep the light source no more than 12 inches (30 cm) from the plants.

Too much light: Yes, it’s possible to give your succulents too much light, especially when they’re babies. Most smaller succulents will burn if you leave them in hot, direct sunlight for a long time. The leaves get spotty burn marks or they will start to dry out from the outside inward. Sometimes the glass from your terrarium can also refract sunlight, magnifying it into an intensely hot beam. So avoid direct sun!

If some of the leaves on your succulents burn, don’t fret! They will grow more leaves and the old ones will die. Just move your terrarium away from the too-bright area. Don’t give it a bunch of water, that’s a common mistake. You can also try to put a piece of thin fabric, plastic grocery bag, or a paper towel over your terrarium during the really sunny part of the day, but make sure there’s plenty of air flow.

The Right Amount of Water

The “perfect” amount of water is a pretty flexible concept for succulents, but we like to say “more water, less often”. The general rule is to thoroughly water the soil, then wait for the soil to completely dry out before watering again. This is because the soil that succulents love drains very quickly. If you dump water into one concentrated spot, it just drains to the bottom without spreading to the rest of your terrarium. This is no good because terrariums, by definition, don’t have an opening for water to drain. For this reason, we recommend watering your succulent terrarium with a low flow of water over a large surface area. Remember, don’t overwater and don’t water too often! You have to keep in mind that changes don’t happen overnight like they do in some house plants. Here’s how to recognize when your plants are trying to tell you something.

Too little water: Plants look shriveled or the leaves wilt downwards.

Don’t give it a ton of water just yet. Dry succulents aren’t so bad as they were made to withstand long periods without water, being desert plants. If your succulents live in a terrarium without any drainage, please be careful about how much water you give your plants. Keep an eye on the plants over the next week and you’ll see them plump up again. Don’t dump a ton of water into your succulents at once, they’ll rot and die.

Too much water: This is the most common mistake that people make with their succulents. When your plants get too much water, the bottom leaves start to die or rot. When they rot, the leaves get all squishy and gross.

In most cases, just let your terrarium sit without a watering until you see the soil become completely dry. You can tell if the soil is dry when the color gets light and dusty. You can also stick a finger, toothpick, or moisture meter into the soil and test the moisture level, like baking cupcakes. If you’ve already put way too much water into your terrarium and the dirt is soggy or you see water fill up the bottom of the vessel, then you might want to try more desperate measures. Make a trip to the local pharmacy or computer store and buy a large syringe with a long needle, like the ones used to refill ink cartridges. Stick the syringe into the bottom of your vessel and suck out as much water as possible. Now leave your terrarium in a bright place with good air flow, but not in direct sun, and let it dry out. Then start watering your plants again once things have dried – it’s normal that some parts of the plants die, it doesn’t mean the entire plant is dead. They’ll come back with love and time.

Links

• Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus

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They can go beyond your desk or windowsill.

Succulents have a reputation for being homebodies. Charming on bookshelves and perfect on window ledges, they’re frequently thought of as indoor plants. But succulents can also make great additions to outdoor gardens. “You can grow succulents outside in almost all climates,” says Marianne Hugo, director at Coastkeeper Garden, a nonprofit conservation garden in Orange County, California. “If you live in colder parts of the country, it just takes a little more planning and rotating.”

Ground vs. Planters

The vast majority of succulents won’t survive a frost. With the exception of a few extra-hardy varieties-such as hens and chicks, which go dormant in freezing temperatures-outdoor succulents will die once cold weather moves in. Unless you live in the warmest parts of the country, you’ll want to plant your outdoor succulents in pots that can be moved inside once the mercury drops. Potting succulents also allows you to control how much water your plants receive. Although they’re celebrated for being low-maintenance, succulents have delicate roots that can rot when overly saturated.

“There’s only one way to truly kill a succulent, and that’s too much water,” says Hugo. “If you live in an area where it rains frequently, such as Portland, or if it’s an unusually wet season, planters allow you to bring your succulents inside to keep dry.” Even in sunny Southern California, where conditions are ideal for succulents, Hugo finds planters helpful. “When we’re having a terrible heat wave, I move mine into the shade,” she says. “Even succulents can get too much sun.”

Caring for Succulents in the Ground

For all the advantages of pots, if you live in a perennially warm climate, consider planting some of your succulents in your garden bed. As desert natives, they tolerate weather extremes better than most plants, and are an easy way to cut down on wasteful water usage. When planting succulents in the ground, it’s important to provide them with well-draining soil that will prevent root rot. Before planting, create a six-inch mound using a lightweight, succulent-specific soil mix. Then, plant your succulent in this mound.

When planting succulents that like to sprawl, such as hens and chicks, be sure to allow enough space between plants. These petite plants spread generously as they mature. Once in the garden bed, succulents need little care. During extreme droughts or heat, you may consider watering if their leaves begin to shrivel. But keep in mind that thirsty succulents are better than drenched succulents. “When in doubt, if you’re wondering if it needs water, it’s better to err on the side of not watering your succulents,” says Hugo.

Avoid Pests

Although succulents don’t attract many pests, those outdoors can become infested with the dreaded mealybug. These white, wingless insects are found in warmer climates and greenhouses, where they enjoy snacking on juicy plants-and there’s no juicer plant than a succulent. If you observe mealybugs on your outdoor succulent, Hugo recommends removing the infested leaf or branch. If the bugs have invaded the entire plant, it’s best to get rid of the plant.

Caring for Succulents in Planters

Succulents thrive in a variety of pots. Those that live exclusively indoors can occupy almost any type of vessel, from teapots to terrariums, provided the amount of water is carefully regulated. When outdoors, however, succulents can be soaked by heavy rains. For this reason, it’s important to use pots with drainage holes. Terra cotta pots are ideal, as they naturally wick away moisture from the soil. Succulents should be potted in a lightweight succulent soil mix that allows for ideal drainage.

As with succulents planted in the ground, potted succulents living outdoors will rarely need watering. However, if it’s unusually hot or dry, check in with your plants. Are the leaves shriveled? Does the soil appear dusty? If so, they likely need a drink. While it’s true that most succulents enjoy abundant sunshine, some do best in partial sun or shade. Be sure the succulents in your planter have similar light requirements, and keep them in a portion of the yard that suits them best.

Moving Succulents Indoors

If you live in a cooler climate, your potted succulents will have to come indoors before your area experiences the first frost of the season. Before moving indoors, double-check for mealybugs. Remove any portions of plants that are infested-you don’t want to introduce bugs to your indoor plants.

Once indoors, most succulents will need a generous amount of light. If you don’t have enough sunshine to go around, Hugo suggests investing in grow lights. Some succulents go dormant over the winter and require little or no water. Others, however, continue to actively grow, and will need to be watered as often as once a week. Research your individual plants to ensure that they enjoy a happy, healthy winter vacation indoors.

Succulent care and succulents are a very popular hobby in recent years. How and why it is so popular is the subject of great curiosity, which puts people on a small journey into the world of tiny plants. First of all the Succulent plants are quite easy and almost everyone can do it. And because it does not occupy much space in the environment, it can be placed in the hall, bedroom, kitchen and office. That’s why it’s an effort that everyone can easily do.

Let’s step into the world of succulents together

Ingredients for Succulents Garden

* Soil mixture used for growing Succulents or cactus

* Swamp moss for filtering

* Coal for filtration

* The kind of Succulents you want

* To decorate moss, stone, ball etc. objects such as

Succulent Placement Tips

First we need a pot. However, you can grow succulents in a desired container. I mean, it could even be an ice cream box. This issue is up to your taste.

Fill the flower pot. First put the pebbles, then the coal, then the moss and finally the soil.

This is about your creativity. You can sort the succulents as you want.

Decorate. Neon lights, patterned rocks, different marbles, marbles… You can decorate any way you can think of.

Be creative. You can grow the Succulents with any plant you want. So you can even sow onions next to the Succulents. This is you too. The possibilities are endless!

If you buy the Succulents kit you won’t have to pick up the materials you need to create Succulents one by one. Especially if you have new curiosity kits, you can work as much as you want if you choose the materials yourself.

Do not over water the sludges. Because these plants can not hold much water. By giving them too much water, you are not evil, but evil. The best method for irrigation is once a week. Water once a week and do not drown in water. Let the soil get wet, but not the lake.

Bright light is good. Succulents are plants that can be grown both at home and abroad. Wherever you decide, be careful not to let the Succulents light, but keep it in direct sunlight for a long time.

Remember, it is important to gain experience in succulent cultivation. Try to make different Succulents types and arrangements. The more you try, the more different and useful things you learn.

Succulents Decorating Tips

Add color. Succulents themselves are beautiful in color, but it may be great to add some bright and bright color objects in addition to these green plant lets. It may be good to have the object colored and vividly whatever you planted in your flowerpot or succulents. You can also add neon lights in the form of glass spheres, balls, chains in addition to the succulents.

Stylize with objects. Putting different objects next to Succulents brings a nice breath to your succulents garden. Moss, small pebbles, patterned objects, glass particles (green soda bottle fractures can be super!) Can add a special air to your succulent garden and there is no harm to such objects as long as you don’t overdo it.

Be free about pots. He said that succulents can grow almost everywhere. For this reason, do not be limited to only classic earthenware. You can try different colored, different shapes boxes. There are no strict rules when it comes to Succulents. Relax and above all, have fun.

Give your home a new feel. If you put the succulent on the dining table or coffee table, you will see that the atmosphere of the house changes immediately. With a few Succulents pots, which you can call a miniature oasis, you will see that your room becomes a warmer home.

Color your parties with succulents. Succulents will have a positive effect on having a good time with your friends at home. The Succulents inside the glass fan adds depth to the space and color the environment. In addition, you have also guessed that the succulents will have a very elegant appearance at weddings and especially at wedding weddings.

Remember, there is no rule if the subject is succulent. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, you can add a breath of fresh air to your living spaces.

Tips to Equip Your Garden with Succulents

Now that we talk about the key issues in Succulents cultivation and care, we can now turn to making your garden a Succulents paradise. Creating your own Succulents garden is very enjoyable and much easier than you think. Now we offer some tips that can be useful to cultivate your own garden succulents.

Choose different types of succulents for your garden. Succulents have very different tissues and shapes. So there is definitely a Succulents for every taste. These miniature plants, which do not require much watering, will allow you to perform different experiments.

A common dilemma for plant parent newbies is “how do I care for my new succulent”? The answer to that question is easy, you don’t need to do very much! Despite this, if you want to take care of your new plant babies in the best way possible it is best to follow these 6 steps.

1.Water Your Succulent Correctly

The most important thing to do when caring for your new succulents is to properly water your succulent. Check to see if there is any moisture or water in the soil of your succulent. If there is any moisture or wetness whatsoever, Do Not Water! If the soil of your succulent is COMPLETELY DRY it is time to water. When watering your succulent drench the soil. Allow excess water to drain out of the drainage holes located at the bottom of your pot. If your pot does not have drainage holes, no problem! Just soak the soil enough so that the soil is damp to the touch, but make sure that extra water does not accumulate or flood the bottom of your pot as this will cause your succulent to rot. After watering your succulent, wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. When watering do not 1. Mist or spray your succulent 2. Utilize self-watering bulbs or devices. These two methods are not ideal for succulent care.

2.Find the Correct Lighting for Your Succulent

Correctly placing your succulent in the correct lighting environment is essential to the growth and well-being of your succulent. Some succulents prefer a lot of sun, while some succulents prefer a more shaded environment. As a general rule of thumb, high light varieties like Echeveria, Crassula, Aeonium, Kalanchoe, and Sedum varieties require around 50% shade, and Haworthia, Aloe, and other low light varieties require around 80% shade. This means that high light varieties are perfect for the windowsill or outside. It is important to note that when moving a high light succulent outside into direct sunlight you must use shade cloth or growers cloth to cover the succulent for half the day before exposing these varieties to direct sunlight for the entire day. Low light varieties of succulents like Haworthias and Aloes are ideal for the home or indoors because they require more shade. Haworthias, Aloes, and other low light varieties will not succeed outside in direct sunlight because the tips of their leaves will burn and die. For your convenience check out this lighting chart that will show you the amount of light your succulent needs to thrive!

3.Do Not Expose Your Succulents to Extreme Temperatures

Succulents cannot be exposed to extreme temperatures. Most succulent varieties will die at any temperature below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Many succulents thrive in warm climates, but often times succulents will not do well in temperatures that regularly surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit consistently.

4.Choose a Pot With Drainage Holes

Pots with drainage holes are ideal for proper succulent care. It is challenging to drench a succulent without having excess water build-up at the bottom of the pot. As a result, pots without drainage holes often-times hold excess water, which can cause the succulent to rot.

5.Use the Correct Succulent Potting Mix

Succulents require a potting mix that drains well. This is so that succulent can hold the moisture that they require in their soil while excess water drains out. You can find many great succulent potting mixes for sale at your local Home Depot or online.

6.Use the Correct Succulent Fertilizer

It is not necessary, but to ensure your succulents and cactus are as healthy as possible utilize a half strength general fertilizer once a month.

Succulents are growing in popularity not only because they are beautiful but these elegant plants are easy to care for.

Horticulturists love succulents because as outdoor plants, they can make a garden come to life. Grown indoors, succulents add color, style, and make interesting conversation pieces with friends and family.

We have created this guide on how to care for succulents to help you enjoy the pleasures of growing these exquisite and charming plants.

Our guide will give you valuable information on the key areas needed for growing healthy and beautiful succulents outdoors or indoors – sunlight, water, pot and soil, and fertilizer.

Sunlight

Succulents need sunlight to create their own food through the process of photosynthesis. To grow a healthy succulent, your plant should receive six hours of sunlight per day.

Without enough sunlight, the leaves will thin out and shrivel. You might notice some succulents’ leaves stretching and thinning out; as if they were reaching for the sun. This is a condition called etiolation and it happens when the succulent plant is not getting enough sunlight.

If you want to grow succulents as part of an outdoor garden, ground cover, or in hanging baskets, place them in areas that get four to six hours of exposure to morning sunlight.

However, if you are buying succulents from a garden store find out if the plants were grown indoors. If so, the plants should be gradually re-introduced to sun exposure. Otherwise, the leaves can get scorched.

Succulents can also be grown as indoor plants especially in regions where temperatures can drop below freezing levels.

There are varieties of succulent plants that are resistant to frosts such as Sempervivums and Stonecrop Sedums. The majority are not frost-tolerant.

To be safe, if the temperature in your region drops below -20 Fahrenheit or -28 Celsius, plant the succulent in a container and move it indoors.

Indoor succulents still need regular exposure to sunlight. You can ensure the health and proper growth of your indoor succulent by placing the container near a window that brings in four to six hours of sunlight per day.

If getting enough sunlight is a problem, buy a Grow Light for your succulent. Place the plant under the Grow Light for up to six hours per day.

Water

Water is another component of photosynthesis, after sunlight and carbon dioxide. Succulents need water to extract nutrients from the soil. Without water, a succulent’s leaves will lose their plumpness, thin out, and eventually die.

While it is important for your succulent plant to receive water, giving it too much water will do it more harm than good. In fact, overwatering could lead to your plant’s demise.

So how do you know that it is time to water your succulent?

The first thing you need to do is to check the moisture level of its soil. You can do this by simply feeling out the topsoil. If it is dry to the touch, then it’s time to water your succulent.

Another way is to insert a stick one-inch into the topsoil. If the end of the stick feels dry to the touch, give the soil a good soaking. You can also use a hygrometer to check the moisture level of the soil.

During the spring and summertime, you might notice that your succulent plants are getting water every seven to ten days. In the wintertime, succulents need less water because the soil stays moist longer.

When watering, always make sure the soil gets thoroughly drenched. The best way to water succulent plants is with the use of a garden hose or a container with a long neck spout.

Do not water the succulent from above because it will get the leaves wet and keep the plant in a moistened state much longer. Always water the succulent from below.

If you overwater a succulent, its roots will rot. The plant will develop an infection that can spread throughout and kill your succulent.

A succulent can survive long dry periods and drought because its leaves and stems store water. You might notice that your succulent remains healthy even if you haven’t watered it for more than one week.

Pot and Soil

Did you buy your succulent online, from a nearby nursery or a local garden shop? If so, re-pot the succulent plant right away. Chances are, the succulent was kept in a plastic pot that does not have a drainage hole.

The best pot to plant your succulent in is one that is made of terra cotta. This type of material works best for succulents because it is breathable, encourages evaporation, and does not allow water to accumulate.

You can also use a ceramic pot that has not undergone the glazing process. Similar to terra cotta, ceramic pots allow evaporation to take place which dries out the soil faster.

The pot must be large enough to give the succulent’s roots room to grow. Most importantly, the pot must have a drainage hole that will enable excess water to flow out freely.

Succulents grow best in well-draining and well-aerated soil. You can use cactus soil or any variety that is formulated for succulents.

To improve drainage and moisture content, add ingredients such as pumice, perlite, coarse sand, and lava rock at a 1:1 ratio to cactus soil.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer adds nourishment to the soil. Succulents don’t need much fertilizer but it will be a good idea to include it in their diet during the spring and summer growing season.

Choose a brand of fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. Then, dilute the fertilizer to ¼ its strength by dissolving it in water.

Feed the succulent once during the spring which is the active growing season, and again in the summertime. Before giving the plant fertilizer, make sure the soil has dried out completely.

Do not fertilize the succulent in the winter season which is considered the period of dormancy.

Succulents that are grown in a garden don’t require as much fertilizer as indoor succulents because outdoor soil has more nutrients. Irrigation from the pot removes more nutrients for succulents that are grown indoors.

Indoor grown succulents respond better to fertilizer that is diluted to ½ its original strength.

Conclusion

Growing succulents is a wonderful hobby. Before you start, it would be a good idea to figure out if you want to grow the succulent plant indoors or outdoors.

If you want to grow succulents indoors, choose a variety that thrives with only partial sun. Do not go for succulents that have bright-colored leaves. Plants with red, yellow, or orange leaves need more sun exposure to maintain their bright colors.

Instead, choose succulents with dark green leaves such as those belonging to the Gasteria and Haworthia varieties.

Follow our growing tips and you will have healthy succulents adorning your garden or home in no time!

It’s no secret that succulents flourish where most plants would shrivel. While summers are already here and the temperatures are rising, proper care is vital to keep your succulents happy and healthy. Whether your succulents are in the ground or in a container, here are some tips to help keep your succulents vigorous and healthy.

Water Them Adequately

These drought-tolerant greens fall in the list of easy-to-care plants, yet most people have a misconception about watering them. They believe succulents don’t need water or can survive on a little amount of water.

Well, the latter is true but to some extent; the chubby leaves of succulents store a lot of water, which means they need watering less frequently than other greens. So, if you have in-ground succulents, water them once in 10 days or 2 weeks, especially when the temperatures exceed 80 degrees.

In contrast, container-planted succulents need watering more frequently; water them once a week.

Nevertheless, remember that black plastic pots radically increase the heat around these plants. Therefore, remove and plant your succulents in a more hospitable container. Make sure to water these hardiest greens early in the day so that they dry off and don’t rot.

Ease Your Succulents into the Sunlight and Heat

Types of Colorful Succulents | Click here to purchase

Since there is more sunlight outdoors in summers, too much heat or sunlight can burn your succulents. Moreover, there is no doubt that succulents growing outdoors are often thriftiest than those growing indoors. Of course, there is more sunlight and better airflow outdoors, which creates ideal growing conditions for these plants.

Move your succulents to a fully shaded area, and then gradually move them into a place with more sunlight. Note that, larger succulents with strong roots can tolerate sun exposures for long, yet ensure to keep these newly planted greens in a shady spot for longer. For baby succulents, keep them in sunlight for an hour or two each week.

Also, the morning sun is the best for them to flourish, especially in the hot days. Take all your indoor succulents out for the summer, but watch for the signs of sunburn that include color change or bleaching.

In case you see any of these signs, move them back to a shady place. If you see your plants are stretched out toward the sun, it indicates that they need more sun; hence, move them to a sunnier place, where they get enough sunlight.

Watch Out For Pests

Although only a few pests bother succulents, they can be annoying and destructive. The most common pests that can harm these plants are mites and mealy bugs. In addition, rodents, and birds can drastically affect plant health as they find succulents a good source of water in dry periods.

Moreover, snails love to crawl and munch on the thick leaves, especially newly-grown ones.

To avoid destruction, you can deter these pests with repellants and exclusion; netting around your succulent plant is a good idea to prevent rodents and birds from eating your chubby succulents. That being said, if you see small white fluff mites at the base of your plants or under the pot rim, they’re likely to be the mealy bugs, the most common pest.

You can hose them off or kill them with insecticidal soap. However, make sure to check the roots too; it’s their favorite place to live in.

Other Tips

Make sure to keep the area around your succulents free of built up leaf debris, mulch, and anything that can hold water. Not to mention, a wet base will lead to rotting or attract pests. Since warm weather causes evaporation, check your in-pot plants for the buildup of white salts at the bottom and sides of your containers.

Moreover, avoid watering your succulents every day and make sure to water according to its type and size.

Keep in mind that less care is no care for the succulent family. Check on the conditions of your plants regularly to prevent any damage. For most succulents, early summer is an ideal time for propagation. Many of these plants will be easier to grow healthy if they are cared for properly.

Therefore, make sure you follow the above-mentioned tips to make your succulents look lush green even in hot summer days.

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Growing Succulents Indoors

If you long for indoor greenery but haven’t succeeded with houseplants, consider succulents. They are easy-to-please houseguests and survive indoor conditions with minimal effort.

Succulents survive dry indoor environments thanks to special adaptations – fleshy leaves, thick stems or enlarged roots – that allow the plants to hoard water. Most people are familiar with cacti, which are a type of succulent. But succulents also include a host of other plants grown primarily for eye-catching foliage.

Strong, distinct leaf shapes give these succulents striking textures that transform them into living sculptures for interior rooms. Learn how to grow these undemanding plants.

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Why Succulents?

Succulents make great indoor plants because they’re adapted to survive dry conditions. In winter especially, homes offer dry interior air to houseplants, which is why many don’t survive. Low relative humidity isn’t a houseplant’s friend. Succulents, though, with their water-storing ways, endure dry air without ugly side effects.

Light

Most succulents, in an indoor setting, will crave the brightest light possible, especially during winter in northern climates. Place them near a south- or east-facing window. This same setting works during the warmer parts of the year. Alternately, you can shift succulents outside during spring and summer. Choose a protected location where plants receive bright, indirect light. Research your succulent selection to ensure you’re providing ideal light.

Soil

In their native settings, succulents typically grow in sandy, well-drained soil. Duplicate that footing for potted plants by blending your own soil mix – half potting soil, half sand. To test how well the mixture drains, wet it, then squeeze it in your hand. If it falls apart, you have a mixture succulents will love.

Containers

When you purchase a succulent, slip the pot into a pretty cachepot, and you’ll have instant décor. Or you can transplant these easy-grows-it plants into ornamental containers. Most houseplant succulents have shallow roots, so you can tuck them into shallow bowls or squat pots. Succulents can’t stand overly moist soil. Make sure containers have drainage holes to allow excess water to exit.

Water

The fastest way to kill a succulent is with too much TLC – and too much water. Unlike typical houseplants, succulents stash water in their leaves or roots, which act like a reservoir to slake the plant’s thirst. To avoid overwatering, water only enough to keep leaves from withering.

Clues that a plant needs watering include shrinking or puckering leaves or normally shiny leaves that appear dull. If you suspect it’s time to water, shove a finger into soil two knuckles deep to make sure it’s dry.

When you water, apply enough so it runs out drainage holes. Empty the drainage saucer so plants don’t sit in water overnight. About 95% of houseplants need soil to dry out almost completely before watering.

Fertilizer

Succulents experience strongest growth during spring and summer. Growth slows in fall, and winter is a time of rest. Fertilize lightly or not at all during winter. In warmer months, feed plants 3-4 times. Use a standard houseplant fertilizer for most succulents, but keep in mind that it is easy to over fertilize these plants. In most cases, they should be fed lightly or about half what you would feed a regular houseplant.

Planting Partners

You can combine several succulents in the same container to create a dish garden. The secret to success lies in plant selection. Be sure you’re mixing and matching plants with similar growth rates and care requirements.

Growing the succulents under the roof can be a bit difficult. Succulents do not make the best indoor plants always. However, this does not mean that you shouldn’t be growing them!

By following a few simple steps, you can take better care of your indoor succulent collection.

Read on to know how to grow these beautiful, cute, and healthy succulents under a roof.

How To Care For Succulents?

Choose The Right Succulent

All succulents are not ideal for indoor growing. However, picking the succulents that require less light or shade will make a big difference in the success of your indoor succulent growth.
Succulents are bright colored such as red, purple, and orange. They do not grow well under the roof because they need direct sunlight or more light.

The best ones to choose are those that are naturally green in color, for example, Haworthia and Gasteria varieties.

Enough Light

Succulents like light and require about six hours of sun per day, depending on the succulent type. New succulents can parch in direct sunlight; hence, you must moderately disclose them to complete sunlight or provide shade with drapes.

It depends on the layout of your house. They grow in minimal sunlight doesn’t mean they grow well in the absence of it. Some varieties require more sunlight than the rest. Like succulents with bright colors are not the best ones to try indoors as they need some direct sun and don’t make a great indoor plant. So to begin with, the green ones are much better.

Again these indoor succulents also need some 6 hours of sunlight and they can’t be under house arrest all the time. So they must be allowed to stay in the sun even if it’s not direct sunlight for their survival. If you think it’s too tricky, maybe you can consider placing them near a bright window. This might serve their purpose of sunlight besides adding beauty to your window.

You can either place the succulents near a window that gets light for the entire day or near the brightest window or brightest area of your office or home.

Rotate Frequently

Succulents like direct sunlight; however, you are placing the succulents in the same place every day, only one side may get enough light. Since the succulents lean towards the sun, Langton and Ray suggest to rotate these terrarium plants very often since rotating them will help them stand up straight.

Water According to the Season

One of the major issue faced by the growers keep the succulents alive under the roof is Watering. Similar to human beings, succulents also need more energy when they are in the growing stage. During summer and springtime, these plants blossom and drink more water when compared to during the winter and fall. After testing the soil, Langton and Ray has suggested to water the soil when the top measuring 1.25 inches becomes dry. Excessive watering can kill the succulent very quickly, hence ensure to leave the soil dry while watering.

Water the Soil Directly

While watering the succulents, it is always recommended to soak the soil until the water drains out of the drainage holes or place the pots in a pan of water. Let the water absorb through the drainage holes. Do not use a spray bottle to water these plants since glazing over can cause delicate roots and musty leaves. Remove the pan of water, once the top of the soil is soggy.

Keep Succulents Clean

Unavoidably these indoor plants will moderately pick dirt on the leaves, and this hinders their growth, hence clean the surface of the leaves gently with a wet cloth.

Choose a Container with Drainage

It is essential to have a container with a drainage hole because succulents should not be kept in sodden soil. The drainage holes prevent rot and allow the excess water to escape.

For new growers, it is better to use Terra-cotta pots.

There are plenty of fancy options available for pots these days, which are beautiful to look at with various designs coming in multiple ranges. But glass containers have to be avoided because there wouldn’t be any let out for water. Not just for succulents, but for every plant, there must be an option to drain out water. Without which then plant sulking in the soggy soil is going to be killed as breathability is essential.

Plant them in Right Soil

Since these indoor plants need drained soil, the usual pot soil or dust from the backyard is not suitable. Hence, use the most suitable soil with the necessary inclusions added. Roots of the succulents are very delicate; thus, be careful while replanting.

Get Rid of Bugs

If you are following a proper healthy way of maintaining the succulents, then pests should not be an issue. However, at times you may have to tackle with Gnats. Whenever the soil stays too wet without proper drainage, then Gnats are seen. These can be avoided by allowing the soil to dry while watering and by using a well drainage soil mix.

Another bug that attacks these indoor plants are mealybugs. These are while little creatures that hold onto succulents with might and main. The most common causes of these mealybugs are excessive watering and over-fertilization. To get rid of mealybugs, it is better to move the infected plants away from the other succulents and spray 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Once you see bugs on your dear succulent you don’t have to be petrified and that’s not the end.

Fertilize Succulents in Summer

It is always better to be careful not to fertilize excessively since over-fertilizing makes these indoor plants very weak and subtle. However, succulents do not require many fertilizers but can be given minimal intake during the spring and summertime

Conclusion

Hope the above-listed tips will help you to take better care of your indoor succulents healthily and beautifully. Ensure that you do not let things get too stressful since succulent gardening is supposed to be a lot of fun and beneficial.

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Succulents…they are all the rage right now! Not that I care what’s all the rage normally, but I LOVE succulents right now…although I do believe we called them hens and chicks when I was a kid. Don’t you remember your grandma having a pot with all kinds of holes in it with little plants sticking out…those were the old school hens and chicks or succulents…who knew? Anyhow…I love them so much that they are currently living in every room in our home and also on our patio. I’ve always had a green thumb, but wanted to make sure that I was caring for them correctly, so I thought I would share a few tips on how to grow and care for succulents.

1. Plant succulents in well draining soil made for cacti and succulents. If you can’t find that kind of soil mix, simply mix some perlite with regular potting soil.

2. Don’t over water succulents. They like it relatively dry, so only water them when your soil is getting on the dry side.

3. Water succulents a little more frequently in the spring and summer…bottom line, just be sure to check the soil often.

4. Be sure they are planted in a well draining pot. If they are planted in a container with no drainage, they will rot.

5. If you want to plant them in a non draining container, just be sure they have plenty of room at the bottom of the container for drainage. For the mason jar planters above, I filled the bottom of each jar with stones before planting them.

6. Place them in a sunny spot, but not direct sunlight…their leaves may burn if they are left in direct sunlight.

Follow these steps, and hopefully your succulents will flourish like mine have!

As you can see above, I have them everywhere…on my office desk, my daughter Kate planted a Succulent Fairy Garden (we will be sharing that soon!), and some Mason Jar Succulent Planters that I recently shared! They are so stinking cute…I just want them everywhere!

Also, check out my post on How To Grow Seeds in 3 Days.

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Adding greenery to your homes has some amazing benefits. They clean toxins and increase oxygen and humidity levels indoors. They also reduce stress, boost creativity, concentration and are great mood boosters.

Indoor plants add some hints of summer throughout the year, but can sometimes be difficult to maintain. Don’t you generally kill a couple of indoor plants, either through overwatering or not providing enough sunlight? Everyone has at some point.

Thankfully, succulents are a hardy option for indoor greenery. Cacti are the most famous of the succulents, but they include a host of other plants which are grown especially for their eye-catching colorful foliage. With succulents demanding almost little to no care and being pretty low maintenance, they survive all indoor conditions easily.

Succulents are found in dry arid conditions and have adapted to flourish in those conditions. Their fleshy leaves, thick stems, and enlarged roots are all special adaptations to hoard water in desert conditions. In winter, many houseplants don’t survive because of the low relative humidity, but succulent with their adaptations thrive in these conditions without side effects.

Managing Indoor Succulents

So, what happens when humidity levels rise inside your home, how do you manage the well-being of the succulents? Although hardy plants, some background information is helpful when taking care of indoor succulents.

Most of you are inclined to water the succulents excessively. Though well-meaning, this can have an adverse effect on the plants in a humid climate. With their special thick waxy leaves, succulents are naturally equipped to absorb moisture out of the surrounding air effortlessly.

• • So, if you’re growing succulents indoors in humid conditions, you’ll be better off watering them only once a week. Ensure that the soil is completely dried off before watering them again. This will prevent the plants from rotting and keep them healthy. Another hack for thriving and healthy succulents is to water them with lukewarm water, mimicking warm desert rain. This helps them absorb water better.
  • Second, keep the plants next to a window to provide ventilation and movement of moisture-laden air. It is vital you keep the airflow going as this will prevent the plant from taking up excess water. If you have watered your succulents recently and it’s raining outside, move them to a drier area of the house.
  • Excess humidity can lead to fungal problems in succulents which can lead to your plant losing leaves and even dying. So, another effective way is by using a dehumidifier that removes humidity from the air keeping your home dry and fresh and in turn your succulents.
  • Succulents don’t do well in standing wet soaking soil. Their roots and stems are adapted to extract moisture from arid soil and store it for long periods of time. So, make sure the potting medium you use for your succulents is porous and loose enough to allow proper run-off for the water. Remember humidity and wet soil are bad for your succulents. Glass bowls or pots are a strict no for succulents as they don’t allow excess water run-off.

So make sure before you plant one, you have all the means of taking care of it.

Succulents have always been a favorite for the plant-challenged because they require little water. But they’re also lookers, with sculptural forms and irresistible personalities. Here’s a rookie’s guide to succulents, from the owners of one very groovy Ohio succulent nursery.

At Groovy Plants Ranch in Marengo, Ohio, Jared and Liz Hughes stock about 350 varieties of succulents and 20,000 plants, an extraordinary collection that lures visitors from neighboring states. Here are their tips for keeping your succulents happy and healthy. To read more about the ranch, click here.

Talk the Talk

Hardy A hardy plant is one that can survive below-freezing temperatures. Some succulents are hardy to 20 degrees below zero!

Tender A tender plant, on the other hand, doesn’t tolerate cold well. It will look sad (or, ahem, dead) after a frost.

Propagation This means making baby plants! Agaves, aloes and hens-and-chicks grow “pups” that can be cut (with any roots) and replanted. For sedums, echeverias or jade, snap a leaf off at the stem. Let dry a couple of days, then lay in soil. Then leave them be. Some won’t take root-that’s nature-but if they do, mist lightly to nurture growth.

Keep Your Plants Happy

Water Succulents store water in their leaves and stems. They like aridity. Avoid soggy areas in the garden; for container planting, drainage holes are a must. Water only when soil is completely dry. Usually one soak every one to two weeks is plenty.

Sun Most succulents are sun-lovers that want to bask for at least six hours daily. But if sun is scarce in your yard or home, don’t fret: Some daintier sedums welcome afternoon shade. Snake plant, a popular houseplant, thrives in indirect light.

Soil Succulents prefer dry, gritty soil. If planting in the ground, amend soil with pumice (especially if your yard is full of clay). For containers, ordinary potting mix works, but a cactus-specific blend is best.

Hardiness Hardy succulents like yuccas and hens-and-chicks actually require a cold dormancy, so they don’t make good houseplants. Tender ones, such as echeverias and jade plants, are happy outdoors in summer-and may even put on a lot of growth-but they must come inside to spend winter as houseplants.

Stock the Toolbox

Tongs Use metal barbecue tongs for lifting and placing the thorniest plants to avoid ruining pairs of gloves from cacti prickles.

Fertilizer They can handle tough conditions, but succulents do need nutrients, especially in pots. Try a liquid format; for best results, choose one targeted for cacti.

Moisture Meter Take the guesswork out of watering (especially in high, out-of-reach containers) with a gauge that measures moisture levels deep below the surface. Most cost less than $20.

Plant a Mixed Container

Prep Clay pots wick moisture from the roots, and trusty, affordable terra-cotta plays nicely off succulents’ desert aesthetic. Shallow bowls are ideal. Don’t try to fool a plant by putting gravel in the bottom of a pot with no drainage holes, he warns: “It’s still a swimming pool, and succulents will rot.”

Plant For a classic design, choose three plant varieties. It’s fine to mix hardy and tender plants, but that will create some end-of-summer work. Select one large succulent as the statement plant. Add a second, smaller plant in a contrasting color and shape. Fill gaps with sedum, allowing some to tumble over the rim.

Finish After planting, top-dress the container with a layer of rocks to cover the soil. Water thoroughly. Put the container in a sunny spot on a deck, porch or patio, or within a garden planting. In late fall, transplant hardy succulents into the ground and bring potted tender succulents indoors.

Keep Li’l Succulents as Houseplants

Prep Direct light is important, so a south-facing window is best. If they don’t get enough sun, succulents will etiolate-stretch toward the light and get gangly. If you choose to transplant your new baby, keep the pot within 2 inches of the size of the pot it came in.

Plant One of the treats of shopping at a nursery like Groovy Plants is finding specimens you won’t see at big-box stores. Aeonium ‘Kiwi’ (1) adds a pop of chartreuse and pink to containers; it’s a prolific off-setter, so expect lots of rosettes. Echeverias are snapshot-perfect rosette succulents that come in a rainbow of hues and shapes; ‘Perle von Nurnburg’ (2) has purple leaves, while E. shaviana ‘Truffles’ (3) has a ruffled cabbage look. For hanging baskets, consider Echinopsis chamaecereus (4), an easy grower that produces orange flowers. Senecios are Instagram darlings with strings of pearl, icicle or hook-shape leaves. Groovy Plants in Ohio is one of the few nurseries in the country selling the rare ‘String of Dolphins’ (5).

Maintain Water biweekly, when pots are thoroughly dry (or even less in winter). Remove flowers after blooming to preserve the plant’s energy. Prune or take cuttings of larger, unruly plants. If echeverias get leggy, decapitate the top portion and replant it.

Build a Rock Garden

Prep Choose a well-drained south-facing slope, a pocket garden around a patio or a sunny corner of an existing border. After preparing the ground, place boulders in a rough border. Build up a shallow mound of soil in the center. Nestle in a few river rocks or small boulders.

Plant Anchor the design with one or more statement specimens, such as spiky yuccas or agaves. Here, Agave americana ‘Mediopicta alba’ (1) and ‘Variegata’ (2) offer dramatic variegated leaves.

Fill Tuck smaller plants among the rocks, mixing textures, shapes and colors. “This is a Picasso,” says Jared Hughes of Groovy Plants. “Not a formal garden.” Hens-and-chicks are a must. (Tellingly, their Latin name Sempervivum roughly means “long-living.”) The variety ‘Cobweb’ (3) has delicate white webbing in the rosettes. A little less familiar, Orostachys are extremely cold-hardy Asian succulents that eagerly self-seed and pop up elsewhere in the garden. O. iwarenge (4) has long tendrils that collect water and look striking after a rainfall. Sedums, also known as stonecrops, creep along the ground or cascade over ledges and are great for filling gaps. Groovy Plants has about 20 different sedums in this garden, including purple SunSparkler (5), which flowers in late summer.

Accent Don’t limit yourself to succulents. For color, height and textural variety, mix in heat-loving perennials like coneflowers and blanket flowers (6).

Finish After planting, top-dress the area with pea gravel or crushed granite to keep the plants’ crowns dry and help control weeds. Water thoroughly once; after that, most plants will subsist on normal Midwest rainfall. If you’ve included any tender succulents, they’ll need to over-winter in pots indoors.

Have you heard that succulents are the easiest plants to care for, yet somehow yours keep dying? Never fear—The Succulent Source is here to teach you how to take care of succulents once and for all. Although you do not have to be a master gardener to keep your succulents alive and well, there are a handful common mistakes that people make when caring for a succulent, and we are here to help you set fact from fiction. Avoid any further gardening casualties by diving into our quick, yet comprehensive guide to succulent care.

Clip and Cure

Succulents have the amazing ability to grow from something as small as a leaf. Unlike your typical houseplant, succulents propagate, or grow from an offshoot of the parent plant. Although most succulents can grow from a clean clipping of a leaf, your best chance of growth is when a branch with multiple leaves is clipped.

Once you have your clippings, the next step is let the succulent clippings cure. This is the step that most people skip, leading to waterlogged, rotting succulents. Because succulents are drought tolerant plants, they cannot be oversaturated with water, especially when they are first potted. Avoid this by letting your succulent plant sit in indirect sunlight for three days while drying . This will give the clipping time to callous over so that it does not rot once it is planted. After your clippings have cured, you are ready to move to the potting phase.

Proper Potting

Another major mistake that people make when caring for their succulents is that they do not properly pot them. Unlike many houseplants, succulents do not do well in traditional soil. When shopping for soil, look for one that specifically mentions cacti or succulents. This type of soil will help water drain through so that your succulent does not rot.

If you love DIY projects, try making your own succulent-friendly potting soil at home. Do this by combining one part Perlite, two parts coarse sand, and three parts peat moss. It is important to use coarse sand and not fine sand so that it stays mixed in with the rest of the soil.

After your soil is complete and your cuttings have cured, you want to give your succulents time to form the beginnings of their roots. This process takes around three to four weeks, but will help your succulents in the long run. Do this by placing your clippings in a dry and shaded area. You do not want to put them in direct light where they will get sunburned. Let the succulents sit out for three to four weeks until you see tiny roots forming on the base of your succulent mix clippings. Do not be discouraged if not all of your clippings grow roots. This is common, you can still plant them as the soil may help activate the rooting process.

After this, you are now ready to pot your succulents in to the soil. Select a pot or container that has good drainage ability (ideally one with drainage holes so that you do not drown your plants), and pour in your succulent-approved soil. Gently place your clipping into the soil deep enough for it to sit upright, and that is all there is to it!

When to Water

Succulents are widely known for being drought tolerant, so many people wonder, “how often do you water succulents?” The trick is not to over-water these tough guys. The reason that succulents’ claim to fame is that you cannot kill them is because unlike most plants, when you forget to water them for a few weeks they can still thrive.

Unfortunately, there is no magic number or schedule when determining how often you should be watering your succulent. You should check on your succulent once a week, but it is not guaranteed that it will need water every time you check. The key is to only water your succulent when the soil is dry. This will be dependent on the temperature, the amount of water your plant got last time, and the amount of sun it is getting. The rule of thumb is to simply check the soil and only water once it is completely dry.

Soak up some (indirect) Sun

The final element that impacts the success of your succulent plant is the amount of sunlight it gets. Because succulents are both popular indoor and outdoor plants, a common question is, “do succulents need sun?” People often assume since succulents look similar to cacti that they will flourish in desert-like conditions with high temperatures, but not all succulents need direct sunlight. Succulents generally do best with a combination of direct and indirect sunlight, while some types can thrive indoors without ever seeing the sun. It’s very important to monitor their direct sun exposure to avoid baking your succulents. In fact, succulents and their coloring, just like people, can either benefit or be harmed by the sun.

All in all, succulent care is an easy, low-maintenance task. Succulents come in many shapes, colors, textures, and sizes, but you can use the same basic care methods on most varieties. With this guide, you now have all of the information you need to know how to care for your succulents. By following these simple steps, you will have a garden full of happy and healthy plants! And always remember, “Water when dry, and never water if wet!” Over watering is one of the most harmful to your beautiful succulents.

By Sarah Nixon via Chatelaine

April 11, 2018

TWC Canada

Beautiful succulents — plants such as cactus with thick leaves that thrive in dry conditions — can grow well indoors. And, once you’ve mastered the basics, they’re pretty easy to care for.

Pots

First step: transplanting your succulent from its plastic container into a pretty pot. Get yourself some pre-mixed potting soil meant for succulents or cacti. (They need a quick-draining soil.) It’s very important to also choose a pot that has drainage — terrariums, as pretty as they are, will not look good for long — such as a terracotta pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta is porous, so it will help the soil drain more quickly and provide extra oxygen to the roots. Choose a pot not much wider than your succulent (or succulents).

Water

The quickest way to kill a succulent is by over-watering it, which causes root rot. In the summer, when they are in their growing period, they do need regular water (about every two or three weeks) depending on the size of the pot and their conditions. In the winter months, the plants go dormant and their water needs go way down. Watering every month or two is fine, as succulents prefer a thorough, infrequent soaking. When you do water, let the water run right through the pot and out the drainage hole. The soil should dry out between waterings, but if the leaves shrivel it means you need to grab your watering can.

Light

Keep your succulents in a bright window — east, west or south facing are best. If you have an outdoor space, gradually acclimatize them to the sun in the summer by putting them in a shady spot and then gradually introducing them to more direct light over several days. They don’t mind cool weather, but bring them inside before frost hits. If you keep them outside, be sure not to keep the pot in a saucer as rain water will accumulate, leaving the soil too moist.

Propagation

Many succulents are easy to propagate. There are a few ways to do this: remove a leaf, keeping the base where it joins the stem intact. Let the cut end callus over for a few days until it feels dry (so it doesn’t rot) and them place on the potting mix. A new baby will grow from the broken end. When the mother leaf has shriveled, and you can see the baby’s roots, gently plant in the mix.

Here are some varieties that are suited to indoor growing:

Agave
Aloe Vera
Jade Plant
Echeveria Glauca
Echeveria Elegans
Zebra Cactus
Burrows Tail

This story originally appeared on Chatelaine .

Succulent care tips for beautiful container plants

Succulents are beautiful and easy to care for, it’s no surprise why they’re one of the most popular plants from Instagram accounts to fashion blogs. They thrive in situations that just happen to be low maintenance, making them increasingly popular for container gardening. And let’s face it, some of them are just adorable.

Low maintenance doesn’t mean no-maintenance, however.

David Reed, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulture specialist and associate dean for graduate programs and faculty development in the Department of Horticultural Sciences, College Station, gives tips and tricks for making sure your succulents live a long and healthy life.

How to water succulents

Succulents come from desert conditions and hold water in their fleshy leaves, making it easy to overwater your succulent plants if they aren’t in the right conditions. Drainage is really important.

“Before anything, you need to have a hole in the bottom of the pot to let the water drain.” Reed said. “For succulents, you cannot use a saucer to collect the extra water because it will just keep the bottom soil moist.”

A lot of succulents can experience root rot when sitting in moist soil for too long. “After you water, you need to drain out the excess water,” he said. “However, when you do water, water until you see some coming out of the bottom hole to avoid salt build up, since most water isn’t good quality.”

Since succulents need less water, it can be tricky to know exactly how much water to give. So, Reed has a suggestion.

“You want to put your finger in the soil and see if the soil is dry. Not dry like toast, but dry like a piece of fresh bread,” Reed said. “When you can feel that there is moisture but no wetness, that’s when it’s time to water. Letting the soil dry out completely can damage the root system.”

How much sun does a succulent need?

Succulents make great indoor container plants. And it’s a great way to get your green thumb, however, succulents need a bit more than light from your window.

“Succulents are dry plants. These plants grow in desert-like environments with tons of sun every day and dry weather conditions,” Reed said “They need to be in the absolute brightest light, or your absolute brightest window.”

One of the reasons succulents are so popular is because they are so forgiving. They are slow to die and slow to grow. “You can probably get away with putting them by a dark window or in a bathroom window,” said Reed. “But only because succulents are very slow to die. They would do best out on a patio.”

How to get your succulent to grow faster

Succulents are slow growing plants that need patience to see them shine. However, there are some ways to accelerate that process.

“Fertilize it,” stressed Reed. “Any good soluble fertilizer that you can find at garden centers will do just fine. For succulents, you should probably use it at the half rate they recommend, maybe every two months.”

Fertilizing potted plants can be tricky sometimes, but Reed gives tips for how to make it easier. “Dissolve it in some water and pour that fertilized water onto the plant,” said Reed.

For some faster growing plants, you might need to change to bigger pots. “I’ve seen a lot of succulents stay in one pot for long periods of time,” he said. “They can handle and thrive in a tight root system.”

Following these fertilizing steps along with the right light and water care helps support a healthy growing succulent.

Succulents are some of the easiest plants to care for, which is why they are a popular choice especially for those who do not possess a green thumb. Succulents are very hardy, require very little maintenance and can grow just about anywhere. However there are certain things you can do to ensure that they look their best all year round. If you’re just starting out, listed below you will find the top care tips for beginners to help your succulent thrive!

1. Sun

How much light do succulents need?

Depending on the type of succulent you have, the level of sunlight required may vary. A lot of succulents need a decent amount of sunlight to look their best, however there are a few that perform very well in partial shade too.

Most echeveria tend to perform their best when they are in full sun (that’s at least 4 hours of direct sun each day). Succulents such as the Agave are able to thrive well in part shade conditions.

2. Soil

What type of soil is best for succulents?

The most important thing to remember when caring for your succulents is to use well draining soil. Generally a bag of Succulent & Cacti Potting Mix from Bunnings is a good choice. You can ensure proper draining by mixing in 1/3 of coarse sand.

Although succulents do not like to be overwatered, it is important to ensure that you do not allow the soil to completely dry out either as this can potentially cause fine hair roots to desiccate.

Additional Resources:

3. Water

How much water do succulents need?

Different types of succulents can sustain different levels of neglect when it comes to watering. The amount of water required will depend on the type of succulent. This can also vary depending on the season, but it is important to ensure that you never let your succulent sit in very damp soil for too long as the roots are not able to handle excess water and as a result this can lead to root rot.

How often do succulents need to be watered?

Generally the plumper the succulent, the more water it is able to store and the less water it needs. During the summer succulents are a lot more thirsty so I tend to water them every couple of days to weekly, and during winter I water them once every two or three weeks.

Additional Resources:

4. Fertilisation

Do succulents need to be fertilised?

Like any other plant, succulents need the proper nutrients to grow and flourish. If your succulents live in planters, then this is especially important as over time watering can flush out a lot of the nutrients from the soil. Be careful not to over-fertilise your succulent. Fertilisers will show an NPK reading on the label (nitrogen:phosphorus:potassium) and choose one with a low nitrogen reading, such as the African Violet fertiliser. Bunnings also sell a brand called Osmocote with a range specifically for succulents.

When is the best time to fertilise succulents?

The best time to fertilise your succulent is at the beginning of their growing season. Avoid fertilising succulents outside of this season while they are dormant, as this can lead to root rot.

5. Pests

There are different methods of protection against succulent pests. Listed below are a few common pests and some pest control tips:

Aphids:

This is the most common and persistent type of pest that forms in groups and sucks sap from plant tissue resulting in wilting, growth distortion and bud drop. Aphid feeding activity is often followed by outbreaks of sooty mould. There are suitable sprays available to control aphid pest issues.

Slugs and Snails:

These pests can particularly be an issue during the wetter seasons in Australia or after a period of heavy downfall. Slugs and Snails can be very destructive of plants with soft, fleshy growth. To avoid an issue with this pest you can buy snail pellets from your local Bunnings store.

Birds:

On a few occasions I’ve lost or seen extensive damage to some of my succulents from birds. It is devastating when this happens. Recently I lost a large number of succulents to some sulfur crested cockatoos who absolutely ripped my collection to shreds. The bird pest sprays did not work, neither did the shiny silver scare tape or the fake owl and rubber snake. I’ve read that sulfur crested cockatoos tend to stick around until they have completely exhausted a food source, and then they move on so your best bet is to keep your succulents protected until the cockatoos have moved on.

Bird damage on a Graptopetalum Pentadrum

6. Planters

How to choose the best pot for succulents

With such a large variety of succulents to choose from, selecting the right pot for your succulent can be really challenging. The most important thing to remember is to choose a well-draining pot. Succulents have shallow growing roots, so they can even grow well in a bonsai pot, planter bowl or dish. However it’s best to allow at least 2cm of soil between the roots and the edges of the pot to ensure that your succulent has room to grow.

Another consideration for choosing a planter is that often a well draining pot will mean that soil leaks through the drainage holes, leaving unsightly marks on your floor. To avoid this from happening you can either buy a dish to go underneath the pot, use a planter tray or alternatively you can buy a pot filter which is essentially a liner that you can place inside your pot to act as a liner and prevent soil from leaking out and staining your floor or deck.

Choosing Which Succulents To Grow

This will depend on the environmental conditions of where you are located, as well as how much time and effort you are willing to put into maintenance. Some easy succulents to start off with include: Aeonium Haworthii, Agave Attenuata, Cotyledon Orbiculata, Kalanchoe Tormentosa, Sedum Burrito, all of which are readily available from your local Bunnings store. Some of the less common types of succulents, particularly various types of Echeverias can sometimes be harder to find in Sydney and you may have to visit a private nursery.

Planning to become a plant mom or dad? Succulents are a great way to start. TODAY Home spoke to experts with mega green thumbs to find out the best practices for growing and nourishing succulents.

From understanding how much sun and water they need to learning how to re-pot them, these tools and strategies will hopefully extend the life of your succulent.

How much sun do succulents need?

One of the largest — and most rampant — misconceptions about succulents it that they’re made for sterile, windowless offices. This couldn’t be further from the truth, according to Meredith Boldt, owner of Houseplant Designs. All plants — even succulents — need sunlight, she explains. Most need an estimated three hours daily.

“East windows are wonderful for many types of plants because they provide that early morning bright sun that won’t scorch your plants. If you receive nice light from a southern or western exposure, you’ll want to make sure your leaves aren’t getting brown spots,” Boldt said.

When this happens, Boldt advised keeping them a few feet away to save them from scorching.

If you don’t have the gift of natural vitamin D, choose plants that thrive in lower-light conditions, like aloe, kalanchoe, jade, string of hearts and pearls, Haworthia, Sansevieria (snake plant) and ZZ plant, advised Boldt.

“These will still need a good amount of light to thrive, but can be placed a little farther away from windows,” she added.

How long do succulents take to grow?

No two succulents grow at the same rate and most of the time, they’re slow to sprout. You can expect to wait at least a few months to see progress. If you aren’t seeing any change, that usually means your succulent needs to be moved, has too much (or too little) water or its roots do not have space to sprout. Seasonality also plays a factor.

“Plants will go dormant during the winter and not show a lot of outward growing progress. During the spring and summer, use a well-balanced fertilizer each month with your watering routine to help feed your plant the extra nutrients it needs to grow up big and strong,” Boldt said.

How to plant a succulent

When planting succulents, it’s important to follow a few instructions to ensure their health. Boldt explained how to get started:

• Start with a pot that is 1 to 2 inches larger than the grow pot the plant comes in. Use a clay pot with good drainage, since clay will wick away excess moisture instead of retaining it (unlike plastic or glazed ceramic pots).
• Use a bag of cactus or succulent soil mix from your local plant shop, since it’s specifically designed for this particular sprout. Add a handful of soil and gently roll it between your hands to loosen up the roots.
• Fill in any spaces with soil and tamp down gently. Avoid touching your succulent too much as they aren’t a big fan of human contact.
• Add just enough water to wet the soil and let the magic begin.

Only plant succulents between spring and fall, as this is their growing season when conditions are best for their needs, according to Martha Mendoza-Backen, owner of A Succulent Day.

How can you propagate succulents?

One of the coolest benefits of being a succulent parent is creating new plants out of it. Also known as propagating, growing cuttings can take a few tries to get it right. Follow these steps:

• When you see a “baby” sprouting, twist off the leaf and place it on top of dry, succulent soil in a new pot. In the case of Snake Plants, you may see plantlets growing beside their mother plant. To separate them, use a clean, sharp knife. Leave them alone long enough to callus over and resist watering.
• Place the pot in indirect light, and watch as roots start to grow within a few weeks. Once you see roots, you can water sparingly until the plant is established in a new pot.
• Then, care as usual.

© Getty Images Succulent plants (Getty Images)

What are the best tips for growing succulents?

Now that you have potted your succulent, it’s time to create a game plan for tending to its requirements. To give the most life to your green baby, follow these tips:

Don’t overwater.

Or as Boldt puts it: Don’t love your plant to death.

“A lot of people panic when they see any outward sign of distress and immediately think it needs water,” she explained. “Overwatering plants is the No. 1 reason why they perish.”

A sign your plants are being underwatered is shriveled-up or wrinkled leaves. When this happens, give it a good drink, or create a manageable schedule of checking the soil each week or two. When in doubt, run through what could be wrong: pot type, soil, light or water. Most of the time, they have enough water, but it needs a pick-me-up of the others.

Use a soil moisture meter.

If you can’t quite read a plant’s mind (we feel ya), take out the guesswork with a soil-moisture meter. These look like a meat thermometer and are placed in a pot where they reach the roots, explained Lauren Janney, the founder and CEO of The Inspired Garden. Most have a scale from dry to moist, so when it hits one, it’s time to water.

“Succulents are very resilient,” she said. “They get shipped across the country bare root with no soil and can handle about seven to 10 days before planting.”

Don’t treat them all the same.

Even though succulents tend to look alike, they don’t all have the same needs, and should be treated accordingly.

“Check with your local plant shop to see what type of plant will do well in your home or use online resources before purchasing any houseplant so you can ensure that it will thrive,” Boldt explained. “It’s best to see the plant as an investment and to make sure you have the ideal growing conditions in your home before purchasing.”

As an example, Mendoza-Backen recommended looking at colors. Succulents that have bright colors will do best in direct light environments, while a cactus isn’t as picky. Choose what’s right for your space — and not just what’s prettiest.

Look out for pests.

Bugs within your plants happen more than we realize, according to Mendoza-Backen. Most often, she sees white, cottony-looking insects called “mealy” bugs. When they attack the new growth of succulent, they multiply and kill the bloom.

“I advise to always inspect your succulents for mealy bugs, and at the first sight of them, take steps to treat it,” she explained.

The best solution? A simple spray bottle of rubbing alcohol that will defeat the bug attack, without damaging succulents. You can also swap out the soil for an extra measure.

Be patient.

If you want a plant that changes all the time, succulents aren’t your best bet. In general, succulents are slow and steady, and it takes a while to see change. In fact, the “highest” growers are Echeverias and Howorthia, which grow 6 and 4 inches, respectively, in a year, according to Janney. The beauty of a succulent is in its longevity, so as long as you’re patient and diligent, you can bet your garden buddy will be around for years to come.

If you been asking yourself how to care for succulents in winter here I tell you all about it.

Succulents are considered low maintenance plants.

Its leaves and stems are able to retain water, which makes them suitable for growing in arid and dry areas; for this reason, its extravagant shapes, and textures.

They are the ideal home plants to grow indoors throughout the year.

Most succulent plants and cacti become inactive when winter begins. They stop growing when temperatures and light fall.

It is no secret that most succulents do not withstand cold very well, much less frost.

That is why the question arises: What to do with succulents in winter?

How to care for succulents in winter

Feed them one last time at the end of the summer. Succulents will only need dilute fertilizer while they are actively growing. Once they stop growing, they must stop feeding during the year and go dormant, which happens when the temperature and light decrease. An excess of fertilizer causes succulents to develop weak leaves, which makes them prone to rot.

Place the dormant succulents in an area that receives 3 to 4 hours of light daily. In the winter they will need less light than when they keep growing during the summer. This way they will survive with indirect light.

Maintain room temperature between 10 and 13 degrees Celsius (50 to 55 Fahrenheit) in the winter. Many succulents, such as Aeoniums do not tolerate lower temperatures.

Pour water on top of the succulent container until the bottom drains. During the winter they should be watered more deeply but less frequently. Latent plants do not need as much water as when they are actively growing. Water every month or every two months.

Check the leaves every time, so that aphids or flake insects do not besiege them, they look like small cotton balls. Check well under the sheets. If succulent is infected, apart from the other plants. Spray, with a spray bottle, a mixture of 3 parts of alcohol and one of water, on the succulent to kill pests. Repeat the procedure until the pests have been completely exterminated. Keep infected succulents isolated for a couple of weeks, preventing insects from surviving the first spray.

Save leaf cuttings

If you are worried that your succulents will die in winter, do the following.

Many succulents are propagated by leaf cutting.

Peel off some leaves from the mother plant and place them on a tray with some dirt for cacti and succulents.

It is not necessary to bury them. Just place them on the surface.

Don’t water it until you see that the leaves are taking root.

You can then use a spray bottle to moisten the substrate when you think it is relevant.

Place the tray in a bright and warm place inside the home, but out of direct light.

Within a few weeks, the original leaf will eventually die, leaving only the new plant.

Benefits of having a succulent during winter

1. They Can Brighten A Home in Any Climate

Succulents make such popular houseplants because of their hardiness and ability to grow in a wide variety of climates.

In nature, one can find these plants growing in virtually any clime: from seaside cliffs and humid jungles to bone-dry deserts and frigid mountains.

In homes, they thrive in room temperature environments.

They will not only add green to your living space any time of the year, but they will also bloom in season, thereby splashing the canvas of your home with color.

2. They Can Help to Purify the Air

The article “Plants Clean Air and Water for Indoor Environments” describes NASA research using plants in a BioHome.

This research suggests that succulents can remove many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.

Plants emit water vapor, and that in turn generates a pumping action that pulls contaminated air down to the roots of the plant.

The succulent converts these contaminates to plant food, thereby purifying the air of your home.

3. They Improve the Humidity of Your Home

Because plants release water, they can enhance the humidity of your house.

Increased moisture, in turn, can improve common health complaints including:

• A sore throat
• Common colds
• Dry cough
• Dry, itchy skin

4. They Can Add Fresh Oxygen to Your Environment

Unlike most plants, succulents do not release carbon dioxide at night. Instead, they continue to produce oxygen.

This continuous burst of oxygen freshens the air in your house and improves your breathing – assuming, of course, you aren’t allergic to the plants.

It’s a good idea to position plants in rooms where you feel you need an extra breath of fresh air, such as the bathrooms or even your kitchen.

5. They Can Improve Your Focus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 11 percent of American children have ADHD.

Many adults and children also have less severe issues with attention.

But as Richard Louv describes in his 2005 book Last Child in the Woods, which introduced the concept of Nature Deficit Disorder, regular exposure to nature – even in the form of houseplants – can help children to focus better.

6. They Can Increase Pain Tolerance

It may sound preposterous to suggest that the mere presence of a plant can curb your pain, but the idea has gained some support from horticultural therapy research conducted by the University of Kansas.

This research found that patients seemed to need less pain medication when they had plants in their hospital rooms.

7. They Enhance Memory

Psychology research conducted by the University of Michigan reveals many cognitive benefits to interacting with nature, whether that means walking in a park, growing plants in your house, or even just looking at photographs of flora.

In fact, memory retention was shown to improve as much as twenty percent after subjects spent an hour in nature.

Improved memory retention leads to enhanced work and school performance, so it’s a great idea to place succulents in your study or library, your home office, or in any room where your children typically do their homework.

Related Articles

Succulents encompass a large range of plants, but they all feature fleshy leaves and stems that store water so they can survive extended dry periods. Well-known varieties include euphorbia, crassula and aloe. Most succulents can withstand temperatures from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In wet climates, succulents require planting in well-drained areas, such as on slopes or in sandy soil. You can also grow succulents as potted plants and bring them indoors during the rainy season or to protect them from winter frost.

Plant or place succulents in an area that receives about four hours of direct sun. In regions where temperatures can rise above 80 F, provide some afternoon shade. Keep indoor succulents near a window that receives filtered all-day sun.

Water outdoor succulents during extended dry periods, especially if the leaves begin to look puckered. Provide approximately 1 inch of water or enough to moisten the soil. Water potted succulents when the soil dries completely. Drench the soil and allow it drain into a drip tray. Promptly empty the drip tray.

Fertilize potted succulents in spring with a soluble fertilizer formulated for cacti and succulents. Use the amount listed on the fertilizer packet. Outdoor succulents don’t usually need fertilizing.

Cut off any dead or rotting leaves with a clean knife. Dead leaves can harbor bacterial and fungal diseases.

Bring outdoor potted succulents inside if frost is expected. Move pots to a protected area during prolonged periods of rainfall. Cover outdoor succulents with a lightweight frost blanket in the event of a freeze.

In many areas, you’ll want to grow your outdoor succulents in pots. For instance, container grown succulents can be easily out of rainy areas if a huge rainstorm is expected. Growing succulents in pots also makes sense if you want to bring them indoors for winter. When bringing them back out in spring, it is simple to move these potted succulent plants into varying degrees of sunlight as you acclimate them to the outside. And succulents are well suited to the confines of a potted environment, even unusual containers, provided that adequate care is given.

How to Care for Succulents in Containers

When you’re growing succulents in pots, they will need to be watered more often than those growing in the ground. However, since these plants need little watering in the first place, container gardening with succulents is a good choice, especially for those who tend to forget to water.

Grow potted succulent plants in fast draining soil. Pots with good drainage holes, preferably large holes or more than one, are the best choice for container gardening with succulents. Breathable terracotta or clay containers don’t hold as much water as do glass or ceramic pots.

Succulent roots can rot quickly if they remain wet for any extended time, so grow them in a soil mixture that allows the water to move on out of the pot. Shallow containers for potted succulent plants drain more quickly.

Careful watering of container grown succulents will vary from season to season. Almost no water is needed when plants are inside during winter. When they move outside in spring and growth starts, however, watering needs can become weekly.

During the heat of summer, provide afternoon shade for those that might sunburn and water more often, if needed. Succulents growing in containers need less water as temperatures cool in autumn. Always make sure the soil is dry before watering these plants.

Additional Care for Container Gardening with Succulents

Research the potted succulent plants you grow before planting if you know their names. Many will likely be of the Crassula genus.

Try to pot succulents with similar light requirements together and provide the recommended lighting. Most succulents need at least six hours of sun per day, which is full sun. Almost all prefer morning sun to be included in those hours.

Some succulents need bright light, but not full sun. Some require partial shade, so please research before you put a succulent plant outside in full sun. These plants stretch out if they’re not getting enough light.

Fertilize succulent plants lightly. Use a low nitrogen fertilizer or a weak compost tea. Most experienced succulent growers say you should only fertilize once in the spring season.

While pests are rare on succulent plants, most can be treated with 70% alcohol. Spray or use a swab on the delicate leaves. Repeat the process until you no longer see the offending pest.

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You will get to know a lot of interesting facts about succulents & cacti and how to care for different types of succulents.

Easy-to-care succulents

Woolly Senecio

Covered in fine white hairs, the Senecio haworthii appears “woolly”—but you might not guess that it also produces pretty yellow blooms.

Pinwheel Desert Rose

Unlike many succulent houseplants, the Aeonium arboreum does not like hot weather, and may go dormant if temperatures rise above the 80’s.

Tillandsia stricta

This succulent scientific name (Tillandsia stricta) translates to ‘erect,’ demonstrating the upright habit of this plant. There are also other colloquial names; Upright Air Plant, Strict Tillandsia, and Erect Tillandsia.

The best succulents

Aloe Aristata ‘Lace Aloe’

Also known as Torch Plant, this type of aloe is very common among the outdoor succulents. Stemless clump of toothed leaves is covered with white spots.

Burro’s Tail or Burrito (Sedum morganianum)

The Burro’s Tail also has a habit of producing long, trailing stems up to 4 feet long! This makes it a wonderful container plant and produces a full, overflowing container.

Lipstick Echeveria

If you want a bold pop of color amongst all your greenery, add lipstick echeveria (Echeveria agavoides) to your plant roster.

Exclusive succulents care tips

Keep Succulents Clean

Inevitably, your indoor plants will gradually pick up dust on their surface, which can inhibit their growth. Wipe off the leaves and spines gently with a damp cloth (use a soft paintbrush to get at hard-to-reach spots).

Succulents need food, too

Succulents do often grow in low-nutrient environments, but fertilizer is still essential to their care. Pro-tip: For succulents, once-yearly feeding is enough.

Ideal climate

Succulents thrive in temperate climates, but they will grow outdoors in almost any region at some point in the year.

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Growing cacti and succulents can be rewarding, but the correct conditions must be created to produce the most satisfying growth. Our professional gardener will explain to you how to care for different cacti and succulents.

Get the latest from TODAY

Planning to become a plant mom or dad? Succulents are a great way to start. TODAY Home spoke to experts with mega green thumbs to find out the best practices for growing and nourishing succulents.

From understanding how much sun and water they need to learning how to re-pot them, these tools and strategies will hopefully extend the life of your succulent.

How much sun do succulents need?

One of the largest — and most rampant — misconceptions about succulents it that they’re made for sterile, windowless offices. This couldn’t be further from the truth, according to Meredith Boldt, owner of Houseplant Designs. All plants — even succulents — need sunlight, she explains. Most need an estimated three hours daily.

“East windows are wonderful for many types of plants because they provide that early morning bright sun that won’t scorch your plants. If you receive nice light from a southern or western exposure, you’ll want to make sure your leaves aren’t getting brown spots,” Boldt said.

When this happens, Boldt advised keeping them a few feet away to save them from scorching.

If you don’t have the gift of natural vitamin D, choose plants that thrive in lower-light conditions, like aloe, kalanchoe, jade, string of hearts and pearls, Haworthia, Sansevieria (snake plant) and ZZ plant, advised Boldt.

“These will still need a good amount of light to thrive, but can be placed a little farther away from windows,” she added.

How long do succulents take to grow?

No two succulents grow at the same rate and most of the time, they’re slow to sprout. You can expect to wait at least a few months to see progress. If you aren’t seeing any change, that usually means your succulent needs to be moved, has too much (or too little) water or its roots do not have space to sprout. Seasonality also plays a factor.

“Plants will go dormant during the winter and not show a lot of outward growing progress. During the spring and summer, use a well-balanced fertilizer each month with your watering routine to help feed your plant the extra nutrients it needs to grow up big and strong,” Boldt said.

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How to plant a succulent

When planting succulents, it’s important to follow a few instructions to ensure their health. Boldt explained how to get started:

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• Start with a pot that is 1 to 2 inches larger than the grow pot the plant comes in. Use a clay pot with good drainage, since clay will wick away excess moisture instead of retaining it (unlike plastic or glazed ceramic pots).
• Use a bag of cactus or succulent soil mix from your local plant shop, since it’s specifically designed for this particular sprout. Add a handful of soil and gently roll it between your hands to loosen up the roots.
• Fill in any spaces with soil and tamp down gently. Avoid touching your succulent too much as they aren’t a big fan of human contact.
• Add just enough water to wet the soil and let the magic begin.

Only plant succulents between spring and fall, as this is their growing season when conditions are best for their needs, according to Martha Mendoza-Backen, owner of A Succulent Day.

How can you propagate succulents?

One of the coolest benefits of being a succulent parent is creating new plants out of it. Also known as propagating, growing cuttings can take a few tries to get it right. Follow these steps:

• When you see a “baby” sprouting, twist off the leaf and place it on top of dry, succulent soil in a new pot. In the case of Snake Plants, you may see plantlets growing beside their mother plant. To separate them, use a clean, sharp knife. Leave them alone long enough to callus over and resist watering.
• Place the pot in indirect light, and watch as roots start to grow within a few weeks. Once you see roots, you can water sparingly until the plant is established in a new pot.
• Then, care as usual.

What are the best tips for growing succulents?

Now that you have potted your succulent, it’s time to create a game plan for tending to its requirements. To give the most life to your green baby, follow these tips:

Don’t overwater.

Or as Boldt puts it: Don’t love your plant to death.

“A lot of people panic when they see any outward sign of distress and immediately think it needs water,” she explained. “Overwatering plants is the No. 1 reason why they perish.”

A sign your plants are being underwatered is shriveled-up or wrinkled leaves. When this happens, give it a good drink, or create a manageable schedule of checking the soil each week or two. When in doubt, run through what could be wrong: pot type, soil, light or water. Most of the time, they have enough water, but it needs a pick-me-up of the others.

Use a soil moisture meter.

If you can’t quite read a plant’s mind (we feel ya), take out the guesswork with a soil-moisture meter. These look like a meat thermometer and are placed in a pot where they reach the roots, explained Lauren Janney, the founder and CEO of The Inspired Garden. Most have a scale from dry to moist, so when it hits one, it’s time to water.

“Succulents are very resilient,” she said. “They get shipped across the country bare root with no soil and can handle about seven to 10 days before planting.”

Don’t treat them all the same.

Even though succulents tend to look alike, they don’t all have the same needs, and should be treated accordingly.

“Check with your local plant shop to see what type of plant will do well in your home or use online resources before purchasing any houseplant so you can ensure that it will thrive,” Boldt explained. “It’s best to see the plant as an investment and to make sure you have the ideal growing conditions in your home before purchasing.”

As an example, Mendoza-Backen recommended looking at colors. Succulents that have bright colors will do best in direct light environments, while a cactus isn’t as picky. Choose what’s right for your space — and not just what’s prettiest.

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Look out for pests.

Bugs within your plants happen more than we realize, according to Mendoza-Backen. Most often, she sees white, cottony-looking insects called “mealy” bugs. When they attack the new growth of succulent, they multiply and kill the bloom.

“I advise to always inspect your succulents for mealy bugs, and at the first sight of them, take steps to treat it,” she explained.

The best solution? A simple spray bottle of rubbing alcohol that will defeat the bug attack, without damaging succulents. You can also swap out the soil for an extra measure.

Be patient.

If you want a plant that changes all the time, succulents aren’t your best bet. In general, succulents are slow and steady, and it takes a while to see change. In fact, the “highest” growers are Echeverias and Howorthia, which grow 6 and 4 inches, respectively, in a year, according to Janney. The beauty of a succulent is in its longevity, so as long as you’re patient and diligent, you can bet your garden buddy will be around for years to come.