Succulents are all the rage right now, and with good reason!
Succulents are all the rage right now, and with good reason!
They're quirky, pretty, and super easy to take care of. Because of their hardy nature as desert-plants, they make great gifts for anyone to enjoy. They thrive well indoors or outside in the garden.
Let's learn more about them and take a look at how to take care of succulents!
What are Succulents?
Succulents are adored by many for their quirky shapes, sizes, and colors.
Succulents are small plants with thickened, fleshy leaves and beefy stems that both store water. They're the camels of plants!
These husky guys are able to survive on limited water sources, making them great for forgetful owners. They're hardened for desert conditions, after all! Succulents only need a little daily dew or mist, which can be found commonly in most atmosphere environments.
Succulents encompass a wide variety of species, from cacti to aloe vera to tiny jade plants. Indoor or outdoors, they make great additions to any garden decor!
Once you have your full arrangement of succulents set up, be sure to share some photos with friends!
Best Succulents to Grow
- Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum)
- Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi)
- Christmas kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
- Crown of thorns (Eurphorbia milii)
- Hens-and-chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)
- Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
- Panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
- Pebble plant or living stone (Lithops)
- Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)
- Ring of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
- Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- String of bananas (Senecio radicans)
- Sunburn plant (Aloe vera)
- Zebra cactus (Haworthia fasciata)
How to Take Care of Succulents
Like we said before, succulents are very hardy plants. Still, they're going to need some support from you to continue healthy growth throughout the year.
Let's take a look, starting at the very beginning!
Select Appropriate Species
Most species of succulents are hardy, meaning they can adapt to most environmental conditions. There are some exotic varieties, however, that will require more attention than most other succulents.
Still, most succulents thrive off of direct sunlight. If sunlight is an issue for you, there are low light-tolerant species like the snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) that can still flourish in these conditions.
Different species of succulents are better suited for indoor growth vs outdoor, so consider when selecting. Also, if you are considering a hanging planter, a species like the string of bananas (Senecio radicans) that will complement nicely.
Refer to any planting labels to ensure you can provide the necessary growing conditions.
Find Fitting Nourishment
Most nurseries plant a majority of their products in one, temporary soil. Best for business, but not good for your succulent. This soil is too rich in nutrients and holds too much moisture, so repot your succulents as soon as possible.
Succulents thrive best in soil mixtures that are coarse for proper drainage and aeration. Most nurseries will offer a cactus mix that suits succulents, or you can use an African violet mix.
Adding perlite or pumice to your soil mix can greatly improve the drainage quality for your succulents.
Before transferring your new succulent, wet the mixture until it's completely moist, then let it settle for 15 minutes.
Choose the Container
Succulents need a container with a drainage hole.
Depending on the size of the species or the number of succulents in the pot, you'll need a hole anywhere from a 1/2" in size up to 2" in diameter. This is necessary both for drainage and air circulation.
Also, avoid using glass or metal containers. These constrict the air flow in the soil, damaging the viability of the roots. Over time, this can lead to root rot and death.
To plant in a pot, fill the bottom third of the container with the moistened mix. Carefully place the plant(s) inside, then cover the base with another layer of soil.
Place in the Perfect Spot
Depending on the species, you'll need to allocate your succulents in different areas.
Some thrive on 6 hours of sunlight each day, so arrange them accordingly. If indoors, choose a windowsill that's facing south or east to get optimal sunlight. Your succulents will let you know if they need more light if you notice their leaves craning to one side, trying to absorb as much as possible.
Other species prefer less light or indirect light, so plan accordingly.
Spare the Waterings
With succulents, less is more.
Most succulents are going to want desert-like conditions, which means infrequent waterings. It's best to completely saturate the mix (permitting proper draining), and then leave it to dry out before soaking again.
Constantly moist environments will eventually kill the succulent.
Annual Fertilizing
Succulents are semi-dormant during the winter, so they only require fertilizing once a year during the spring.
You'll want to get a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer that's water-soluble. For succulents, you'll want to dilute the mixture some, to about half strength. Succulents aren't looking for the full boost to promote growth, just enough to tide them along.
Trimming and Grooming
Most species of succulents naturally shed their base layer of leaves. Trimming them promotes healthy growth so they can flourish.
It is best to trim your succulents in the early spring, just before new growth amps up. For flowering species, you'll want to trim them while dormant in winter, and then again after blooming.
Remember, most species of succulents are quite forgiving and can tolerate being shaped or neatened up. Plus, those cuttings can be rooted to grow new plants!
Treatment
While known for being hardy under the sun, succulents can get sunburns just like people.
When our skin gets overwhelmed with UV rays it reacts, causing our skin to turn red. This acts as a defense, reducing the damage. Succulents react in a similar way, turning a whitish or brownish discoloration on their leaves.
You can learn more here about how to treat succulent sunburns.
Succulents, Ho!
That's all there is on how to take care of succulents!
They are very hardy plants that possess a lot of pizazz and personality. Whether grown individually or in groups, they're sure to brighten up your home or office.
Let us know if you need any more support with your succulent needs!