Grow them for a compelling architecture of shapes, sizes, textures, and colors.
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Succulents arepopular houseplantsbecause of their variety of unique shapes, and they require little care.
They can be grown indoors or out.
Credit:DuKai photographer/Getty Images
Some grow quickly, such as jade necklace, and others like Haworthia have a slower growth rate.
Most require the same care, no matter the species.
This doesn’t mean you’re free to’t grow them in high-rainfall areas, though.
Garden centers across the country wouldn’t be stacked to the sky with them if that were true.
Plant them indoors or outdoors in spring just as their growing season begins and when temperatures are warm.
While most are non-toxic, some varieties of succulents are toxic to humans and animals.
The only plants that truly fit this description are plastic.
Succulents do need care, albeit little compared to most other plants.
Their first demand is bright lighteven in light shade, they tend to stretch and sulk.
Second, they hate staying wet for long, soplant them in fast-draining soil.
A layer of gravel over the soil surface reduces wetness at the base of the plant.
you’re free to also supplement light with full-spectrum fluorescent or LED lights.
Rotate plants occasionally to keep them from growing lopsided.
In the outdoors, most succulents do well in four to six hours ofdirect sunlighta day.
Move plants to a more protected spot if crispy brown spots appear on the leaves.
Soil
Succulents require sharp drainage to avoid rotting.
Plant them in a container in soil formulated for succulents, or combine halfpotting soilwith half coarse sand.
In the garden, succulents prefer sandy, well-drained soil.
Creating berms also helps rainfall to drain away quickly.
Most succulents do well in slightly acidic soil, but many will survive in alkaline soil, too.
Good drainage is more important than soil pH.
Reduce or increase your watering schedule according to the hours of daylight.
Wrinkled leaves or stems are often a sign of under-watering.
Water deeply and allow the water to run off; remove the saucers when watering containers.
Allow your plant to dry out between waterings.
Temperature And Humidity
Most succulents turn to mush with freezing weather and need to spend winter indoors.
Sedums, sempervivums, and agaves are exceptions.
In a rainy climate, grow succulents in pots or in a raised bed with sharp drainage.
Fertilizer
Succulents benefit from periodic fertilization when they’re activelygrowing in springand summer.
Apply a liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month.
Indoor succulents need no fertilizer during the winter, but they always need bright light.
If you kill one, you’re not alone.
Pruning
Even slow-growing succulents can benefit fromannual pruning.
Trimming helps maintain shape, encourages new growth, and keeps the plant healthy.
Wear gardening gloves to protect the hands when trimming euphorbia varieties, which have toxic sap.
They also may not look like their parent plant.
Let it cool before using.
That’s important to consider when choosing the right pots for yourcontainer garden.
Use a terracotta or stone container with a drainage hole rather than plastic or glazed pots.
Overwintering
Check your species for specific winter care.
Some varieties are cold hardy and dont require extra care.
During winter,some succulents are dormantand require less water.
They still need bright, indirect light.
If they begin to stretch and become leggy, they need more light.
Consider agrow lightto give them an adequate amount.
Common Pests
When it comes to pests and diseases, succulents are among theeasiest plants.
They can be infested with mealybugs, which are cottony-looking insects that feed on sap.
Large plants arent usually harmed, but young seedlings may not survive.
Small brown dots indicate spider mites, which can cause damage by sucking sap from the plants leaves.
Wash spider mites away with a strong spray of water.
Some succulents, like kalanchoe, have very pretty blooms.
Most succulents need a lot of sunlight and a dry climate to produce flowers.
Once a flower emerges, the plant will need more water.
Water when the top two inches of soil are dry to maintain adequate moisture.
Leggy Or Pale Plant
This is an indication that your plant needs more light.
The plants also develop the best color in stronger light.
In the outdoors, move your plant to a slightly brighter location and see if the color improves.
If possible, prune backleggy growth.
This is by far the most common issue that succulents experience.
Symptoms include yellowing leaves, leaves dropping, and shriveling of the plant.
Increase sun exposure if needed.
Brown spots and bleach spots are a result of sunburn.
In hot summer weather, your plant may need protection from the afternoon sun.
see to it you are watering consistently and step up your watering schedule slightly if the weather warrants it.
Wrinkled Leaves And Stems
Most often, this is a sign of underwatering.
Wrinkledleaves can eventually turn yellowor brown and drop off.
Stems may eventually wilt.
The lack of water finally causes roots to shrivel and die.
Unfortunately, overwatering can also cause some of these symptoms, confounding many a gardener.
Check the soil moisture at least two inches below the surface to confirm it isn’t damp or wet.
Then give your plant a good soak and maintain a consistent watering schedule afterward.
Hens and chicks live about five years, while echeveria and Christmas cactus can live for 30.
Some Crassula can live 100 years or more.
Environmental factors like temperature changes and weather can impact the length of the plants lifespan.
From our experience, ready-made gardens will never look better than the day you buy it.
Instead, try matching individual plants to individual pots, varying the size and shape of each.
Then, group the pots together in a display.
The ideal medium for succulents to grow in is soil that is well-draining and mixed with sand.
They cannot grow in only rocks because there is not adequate moisture or nutrients.
Are Succulents Poisonous To Humans?.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
