It’s natural to be concerned that as a novice gardener, you’ll destroy all of your plants. Choosing the right plant is the key to success with low-maintenance plants like succulents.
To grow, most succulents need full light and to be outside. If you want an indoor plant, there are succulent kinds that can endure shade and flourish indoors. Succulents in the Haworthia family, for example, prefer filtered light over direct sunshine. Other succulents, such as Senecio String of Pearls and Donkey Tail, thrive in the shade.
Even if you’re growing them inside, be sure to place them on a window sill where they’ll get at least 4-6 hours of sunshine. Hardy succulents such as Sempervivum or Cactus are excellent choices if you plan to cultivate succulents outdoors.
Sempervivum is one of the most cold-hardy plants, surviving temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. They also have a lot of color changes after being cold-stressed. Cactus, on the other hand, is renowned for being a low-maintenance plant, despite not being as hardy as Sempervivum.
When and How To Water Your Succulent Plants
It is critical to water succulents correctly
Because succulents are different from regular plants. They live largely in deserts, they have developed the capacity to retain water in their leaves and have a great heat tolerance.
As a result, succulents do not require as much water as other plants. The timing and method of watering are, however, crucial.
When To Water Your Succulent Plant
When You will use a moisture meter or just insert a chopstick up the drainage hole to check. It’s not time to water again if the grime on the chopstick feels damp. It might be once a week or around once 10-14 days, depending on weather and temperature.
How to water succulent plants
Do not water the succulent’s leaves; instead, irrigate the soil. It could be OK if you live in a dry, sunny environment. It would, however, result in rotting leaves in humid situations. Also, every time you water your succulent, make sure to soak it thoroughly. Check to check whether water is leaking from the drainage hole to verify if the volume of water is correct.
Choose a pot with drainage holes that is breathable
You may choose from a variety of pots to grow your succulent in. They should, however, be breathable and have a decent drainage hole. Succulents dislike sitting in water for lengthy periods of time because it causes their roots to absorb too much water and decay.
If you’re new to succulent gardening, use a pot with a drainage hole. Without drainage, a terrarium or container is a no-no. For novices, a terra cotta pot is frequently advised. Terra cotta, which is made of porous clay, keeps soils cool and dries quickly, especially in sunny areas.
Succulents and Cactus Plants in Soil Mix
This cannot be emphasized enough: Do not use a regular soil mix for your succulents. Normal soil retains water and minerals well, whereas succulents require well-drained soil. Your succulents are susceptible to root rot if the soil holds too much water.
Requirements for lighting and temperature
Morning sunshine is required for succulents for at least 4-6 hours. Although some succulents are heat resistant, many do not appreciate direct sunlight. When your succulents are exposed to too much sunshine, they will get sunburned or discolored. When it becomes too hot, transfer them to a southeast window sill, where they will receive a fair quantity of filtered sunshine.
Succulents can endure shade, but they don’t like to stay in places where there isn’t enough light. It’s a clue that your succulent needs more sunshine if you notice it expanding out or the distance between the leaves growing. You might want to use a grow light to give your succulent adequate light to stay compact.
Succulents like temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you reside in a colder climate, bring your succulent indoors when the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can keep your plants healthy and happy by keeping them neat and tidy. Pests and insects love dead or rotting foliage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Succulent Plants
Can succulents be kept in tiny containers?
If succulent plants are purchased in tiny grow pots, they should be repotted into small ornamental pots after 6-12 months. Succulents that stay tiny and compact are the finest to cultivate for a lengthy period of time.
Indoors, where do you store succulents?
You should place succulents near a south- or east-facing window so they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. If your succulents don’t receive enough sun, they may become spindly or extend toward the light. Dry the potting mix completely between waterings.
Is it necessary to mist succulents?
Succulents that are fully developed dislike being misted. Because they grow in arid locations, misting them changes the humidity surrounding the plant. This can also result in decay. Mist your propagation babies to delicately moisten their sensitive roots.
What’s the best place to cultivate succulents?
Succulents thrive in full light and well-drained soil. Their thick leaves are intended to retain water, allowing them to withstand droughts. The majority like somewhat acidic soil. Succulents struggle to thrive in thick, poorly drained soils.
Is standard potting soil suitable for succulents?
Is standard potting soil suitable for succulents? Succulents may probably be grown in normal potting soil. It may be enough, especially if you have a habit of forgetting to water for lengthy periods of time or if your plants are little. Make sure the soil is totally dry between waterings, otherwise the plants may rot.