If you are someone who loves plants, but doesn’t have a lot of time to care for them, succulents may be the perfect option for you. Succulents are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. In this blog post, we’ll provide a detailed guide on how to care for succulents. We’ll cover everything from watering and light requirements to pests and diseases that can affect these plants. So if you’re interested in adding some succulents to your home or garden, keep reading!
How to Water Succulents
Watering is one of the most important aspects of succulent care. These plants store water in their leaves, so they don’t need to be watered as often as other plants. In general, succulents should be watered about once a week. However, you’ll need to adjust this based on the conditions in your home or garden.
If the succulents are in a sunny location, they‘ll need to be watered more often than if they are in a shady spot. Additionally, succulents that are in pots will need to be watered more often than those that are planted in the ground.
During winter months, you will probably need to water your succulents less often—every other week. This is because the cooler temperatures and lower humidity will cause the plants to go into a dormant state and they won’t need as much water.
Overwatering is one of the most common problems people have with succulents. If you notice that your plants are starting to wilt or their leaves are turning yellow, this is a sign that they are getting too much water. Be sure to check the soil before watering and only give the plants as much water as they need.
How Much Sun Do Succulents Need
Light is another important factor to consider when caring for succulents. These plants need plenty of sunlight to thrive. Therefore, if they are outdoors, they should be placed in a location where they’ll receive at least six hours of full sun each day.
Indoors, succulents will need to be placed near a south-facing window. If they are not getting enough light, the plants will become etiolated, which means they will stretch out and become leggy.
On the other hand, if you live in a hot climate and your succulents are getting too much sun, they may start to fade or their leaves may begin to scorch. In this case, you will need to move them to a location with more shade.
Also, some succulent varieties don’t need as much light as others. For example, sansevierias and haworthias are great options for your indoor garden.
Finally, don’t forget to rotate your succulents every few weeks so that all of the leaves get an equal amount of light. This will help the plants to grow evenly and prevent them from becoming lopsided.
Ideal Temperature
Succulents can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they prefer warm conditions. They will do well in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Kind of Soil Is Suitable for Succulents
Succulents need well-draining soil so that their roots don’t become waterlogged. If the roots are allowed to sit in water, they will rot and the plant will die.
There are a number of commercial succulent potting mixes available, or you can make your own mix by combining one part potting soil, one part sand, and one part perlite.
Be sure to never use garden soil or topsoil for succulents, as these soils are often too dense and don’t allow the water to drain properly.
How to Fertilize Succulents
Succulents do not need a lot of fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually be harmful to these plants. If you do choose to fertilize your succulents, use a cactus or succulent fertilizer that has a low nitrogen content.
Apply the fertilizer to the soil once every two months during the growing season. If you’re using manure tea, you may fertilize your succulents once a month. However, it might be enough to fertilize them only once in spring time.
How to Repot Succulents
Succulents will need to be repotted every one to two years. This is because succulents grow quickly and their roots will begin to outgrow the pot. When repotting, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Picking the right container is important when repotting succulents. Be sure to use a pot that has drainage holes in the bottom. If you are growing succulents in a container that doesn’t have drainage holes, you will need to fill the bottom of the pot with rocks or gravel. This will help to keep the soil from becoming waterlogged.
Terracotta pots are a good choice for growing succulents, as they allow the soil to breathe and help to keep the roots from becoming too wet. On the other hand, glass containers are not a good option for succulents, as they do not allow the soil to dry out properly.
How to Keep Succulents Clean
Succulents need to be kept clean. Remove any dead leaves or flowers from the plant. Also, wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth since dust can also accumulate on them. This will help to keep your succulent looking its best.
Pests and Diseases
Succulents are generally pretty tough plants and aren’t affected by many pests or diseases. However, there are a few things to watch out for.
One of the most common pests that affects succulents is mealybugs. These small, white insects feed on the sap of the plants and can cause them to become weakened and stressed. If you notice mealybugs on your succulents, you will need to treat them with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Aphids and spider mites can also infest succulents. If you notice any of these pests on your plants, take action immediately. There are a number of insecticides available that can be used to treat succulent pests, but you can also use some of the natural solutions.
Gnats are another common problem with succulents. These tiny insects are attracted to the moist soil and can quickly damage a plant. To get rid of gnats, you should spray both the succulent and the soil with 70% isopropyl alcohol. This will kill the adult gnats and their larvae.
There are also a few diseases that can affect succulents, such as root rot and fungal diseases. For example, succulents can get infected by powdery mildew, which is a type of fungus. This disease often occurs in humid or wet conditions, causing powdery white spots on your succulents.
If you notice any signs of disease on your plants, take action immediately to treat the plant. Often, the best way to treat a diseased succulent is to remove it from the pot or flower bed and discard it.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an interesting and low-maintenance plant to add to your home or front yard garden, succulents are a great option. With a little bit of care, they can thrive in a variety of environments and add some visual interest to any space.
We hope our tips have given you the information you need to get started with succulent care. Have fun experimenting and finding the perfect spot for your new plants!
FAQ
How often should you water a succulent?
Watering a succulent is one of the most important aspects of caring for them. How often you water your succulents will depend on how much sun they are getting, how big they are, and the type of soil you have.
Generally speaking, if your succulents are in direct sunlight, they will need to be watered more often than if they are in a shady spot. The best way to tell if your succulent needs water is to check the soil. If it is dry, then it’s time to water. If the soil is still moist, then you can wait a few more days before watering again.
Do succulents need direct sunlight indoors?
Most succulents need at least four hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. If you are growing your succulents indoors, make sure they are in a spot where they can get plenty of light. If they are not getting enough light, they will start to stretch and become leggy.
Where should I put succulents?
Succulents can be grown indoors or outdoors, but it is important to place them in the right spot depending on the climate. If you are growing your succulents in a hot and sunny climate, it is best to place your succulents in a spot where they will get some sun, but not too much. If you are living in a colder climate, they will need to be placed in a spot where they will get plenty of sun. They should also be placed in a spot where they will not be exposed to too much wind.
Do succulents clean the air?
Succulents are often used as air purifiers because they help to remove toxins from the air. It’s interesting that NASA research has shown that succulents can remove up to 87% of VOC (volatile organic compounds) from the air. This makes them a great addition to any home, office, or workspace.
What is the easiest succulent to grow indoors?
One of the easiest succulents to grow indoors is the snake plant. Snake plants are tolerant of low light and infrequent watering, making them perfect for beginners. They also have a unique look that can add interest to any space. If you are looking for a succulent that is easy to care for and looks great, the snake plant is a good option.
What type of soil should I use for succulents?
The best type of soil to use for succulents is a sandy, loamy soil that is high in organic matter. You can also buy pre-made succulent soil from your local garden center. If you are using potting mix or garden soil, make sure to add some extra perlite or sand to improve drainage.
Can succulents be planted in pots without drainage holes?
No, succulents should not be planted in pots without drainage holes. Succulents need well-draining soil so that their roots do not become waterlogged and rot. If you are using a pot without drainage holes, you can place a layer of gravel or small stones in the bottom of the pot to help improve drainage.
Are succulents hard to take care of?
No, succulents are not hard to take care of. As long as you water them properly and place them in the right spot, they will thrive. If you are new to gardening, succulents are a great plant to start with because they are low maintenance. For more information on how to care for succulents, read our detailed guide above.
