Succulents have taken the gardening world by storm. These diverse and eye-catching plants have become the darlings of home décor magazines and Pinterest boards. With hundreds of varieties available in a rainbow of colors, it’s no wonder succulents have become so popular. But how do you ensure your succulents stay happy and healthy? Fear not! We have gathered expert tips from West Coast Gardens, where over 40 varieties of succulents are grown, to help you care for your succulent beauties.
Let your succulents bask in the sun!
Succulents are at their best when exposed to long days of direct sunlight. If you want to see brilliant colors and vibrant growth, make sure your succulents receive at least 6 hours of direct light every day. While they can tolerate shade, the intensity of their colors won’t be as striking. If you notice your succulent growing lanky with a long stem and ample space between the leaves, it’s a sign that it’s not getting enough light. Consider using artificial lights to supplement their light requirements.
Water with care…
Summer
Succulents prefer thorough watering, but less frequently. They like to dry out between waterings and dislike having their roots constantly wet. This applies to both indoor and outdoor succulents. Avoid ineffective misting, as it can encourage unhealthy bacteria. Instead, water deeply, ensuring the soil is saturated, to provide your succulents with a good long drink.
Winter
During the winter months, succulents go into a dormant phase with little to no signs of growth. Overwatering during this period can cause severe damage to your plants and lead to their demise. Before watering, always check that the soil has minimal moisture. As the days get longer, typically around the middle or end of February, you’ll notice your succulents becoming active again. This signals the time to start watering more regularly.
Year-round tips
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The best time to water any plant is in the morning so that it has ample time to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day sets in. If you encounter difficulties saturating the soil due to the presence of rocks or excessive silt, use a small tool to break up the surface, allowing water to penetrate. If you notice your plant’s leaves starting to shrivel, it’s a sign that you’re not watering frequently or thoroughly enough. While you won’t lose the entire plant, you may need to remove a few leaves.
Keep succulents cozy in winter
Most sun-loving succulents cannot tolerate temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius. Use nighttime temperatures as a guide for when to place or plant non-hardy succulents outdoors. A good rule of thumb is to wait for consistent nighttime temperatures of 10 degrees Celsius before exposing your plants. This way, they won’t get stressed out or freeze overnight. In late summer and early fall, pay close attention to nighttime temperatures to determine when to bring your succulents indoors for the winter. Never leave them outside during a frost.
Give succulents the perfect home!
To ensure your succulent roots don’t remain consistently soggy, use soil that drains well. You can purchase special cactus and succulent potting soil that has the ideal mix of ingredients to help your plants thrive. Alternatively, you can create your own mixture using 40% peat, 20% coir, 20% perlite, and 20% coarse washed sand. To give your succulent arrangement a natural look, topdress the exposed soil with small stones, sand, wood, or other natural accents. This will prevent soil erosion and water evaporation after watering.
Choose pots with good drainage or only water when the soil is dry. Shallow clay or concrete bowls, as well as standard pots with holes in the bottom, are all suitable for succulents. Additionally, these slow-growing plants look great in small glass terrariums. If you’re unsure about planting in pots without drainage, check out our helpful video guide.
Easy on the fertilizer
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When it comes to fertilizing succulents, simplicity is key. You can use regular indoor plant fertilizer in your weekly waterings during their active growing months (June to August). Alternatively, opt for specific cactus and succulent fertilizers. However, refrain from using fertilizer during the dormant months from December through mid-February. During this time, clear tap water is sufficient to keep your succulents hydrated and happy.
Wondering which succulents to grow?
With so many varieties to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. Here are a few of our favorite succulent varieties:
- Echeveria: Perle Von Nuremberg, Round Leaf, Nodulosa, Elegans, Topsy Turvy, Blue, and Red Grey.
- Sedum: Nussbaumerianum, Darley Sunshine, Angelina, Fine Gold, Lemon Ball, Adolphii, and Adora Blue.
- Senecio: String of Pearl, Blue Chalk, Sting of Bean.
- Kalanchoe: Tomentosa Panda, Flapjacks, Orgyalis, Mexican Hat, and common flowering types like Calendiva.
- Crassula: Jade, Small Red Carpet, Variegata, Princess Pine, Hobbit, Campfire, and Pagoda.
- Aeonium: Zwartcop, Kiwi, and Sunburst.
- Sempervivium (hardy types zone 3): Forest Frost, Black, Hopewell, Red Rubin, Green Wheel, and Sir William.
If you already have succulent plants and are unsure of their varieties, check out our handy succulent identification guide.
Now that you have a wealth of knowledge on succulent care, it’s time to have fun planting and caring for your succulents! West Coast Gardens also offers a variety of succulent planters, perfect for adding a touch of plant life to your home or office. Visit us in-store to explore our wide selection. Happy gardening!
Source: https://designsofapril.com
Category: Succulent
