Choosing the best plants for starting a succulent garden is the most fun when beginning the process, but in order to keep succulents looking their best, care and maintenance become super important. Here are my 5 tips for growing succulents.
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5 Tips for Growing Succulents
One. || An airy soil is ideal for succulents because it needs to be fast draining. The plant itself will hold all the moisture it needs and a pot that holds a lot of water will lead to root-rot. There are varieties of soil made especially for cacti and succulents but making a DIY version is as easy as gathering potting soil, sand, and pumice or perlite. Gravel and charcoal can also be used to help with drainage. Start with a pot that has proper drainage. Add a layer of tiny rocks and then, on top of that, a thin layer of activated charcoal. The charcoal acts as a filter.
Two. || Choose a pot that is half as wide as the height of the plant. Best choices are clay pots with drainage holes. For cacti, I use ceramic pots, as well. I purchased a carbide glass drill bit to make my own drainage holes when necessary.
Three. || It’s important to remember that different species have different light and water requirements. This is especially important when planting multiple varieties in one pot. For instance, succulents like aloe don’t like to be in full sunlight. Too much light often washes out the plants or they shrivel faster.
Four. || Succulents like to dry out fairly thoroughly between waterings. Again, watering schedules will vary depending on location, humidity, and variety. During long periods of rain, it might be necessary to move pots and plants inside or under cover. Knowing when to water and just how much takes time and observance.
Five. || The key to taking good care is to observe and react. If succulent leaves are dropping or turning transparent, most likely it’s because of overwatering. Leaves that change color and wash-out, probably are getting too much sun. So, while succulents and cacti, are easy and less time consuming, they do require a bit of attention.
Beware
Collecting succulents and cacti can be a bit addictive and as your collection of succy babies grows, it might be helpful to put together a succulent baby book of sorts. Or, alternatively, a garden journal, to keep track of important information. In mine, I list species, watering and light requirements, and I even add pictures so that I can track growth. It’s a fun way to track my progress and see just how far my gardening skills have grown.
Becoming a succulent whisperer doesn’t happen overnight but with these 5 tips for growing succulents and a little dirt, a little light and water, and a whole lot of love, you can grow into it.
Catch my Friday Five Live episode about Succulent Tips and Repotting:
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I sure needed this! I received a beautiful pot of succulents last Mother’s Day that is only a shadow of its original glory. I’m going to report it according to your instructions. Thanks.
I’m so glad you find it helpful, Dorothy. I love collecting succulents. The maintenance, not so much-lol.
Where can I get a lot of varies of succulent plants? Few different home depts have some plants.
Believe it or not, I get most of mine at Walmart but a lot of nurseries do have succulents-they’re usually a little more pricey.