Have you heard that succulents are the simplest plants to maintain, but yours keep dying? Sprout Anywhere is here to show you how to properly care for succulents once and for all. Although you don’t need to be a master gardener to keep your succulents alive and well, there are a few frequent mistakes people make when caring for a succulent, and we’re here to help you separate reality from fiction. Avoid any more gardening mishaps by reading this concise yet comprehensive guide to succulent care.
Cure and clip.
Succulents have the incredible capacity to develop from as little as a leaf. Succulents, unlike most houseplants, propagate or grow from an offshoot of the parent plant. Although most succulents can grow from a clean leaf clipping, a branch with several leaves has the best chance of growing.
Once you have your succulent clippings, the following step is to let them cure. Most people miss this step, resulting in wet, rotting succulents. Because succulents are drought-tolerant plants, they should not be overwatered, especially when first potted. Allow your succulent plant to dry in shady sunlight for three days to avoid this. This will allow the clipping to callous over, preventing it from rotting once planted. After your cuttings have cured, you can begin the potting process.
Potting correctly.
Another common mistake individuals make when caring for their succulents is failing to properly pot them. Succulents, unlike many houseplants, do not thrive on regular soil. Look for soil that expressly mentions cactus or succulents while shopping. This type of soil will allow water to drain through, preventing your succulent from rotting.
Make your own succulent-friendly potting soil at home if you enjoy DIY hobbies. Mix one part Perlite, two parts coarse sand, and three parts peat moss. It is critical to utilize coarse sand rather than fine sand to ensure that it is mixed in with the rest of the soil.
DIY Succulent Soil
After your soil is finished and your cuttings have cured, you should give your succulents time to form the first roots. This procedure takes three to four weeks, but it will benefit your succulents in the long run. Place your cuttings in a dry, shaded spot to accomplish this. You don’t want to expose them to direct sunlight, as this will cause sunburn. Allow the succulents to sit for three to four weeks, or until little roots grow on the base of the succulent mix clippings. Don’t be disheartened if not all of your clippings develop roots. This is frequent; nevertheless, you can still plant them because the dirt may aid in the roots process.
After that, you’re ready to plant your succulents in soil. Pour your succulent-approved soil into a pot or container with good drainage (preferably one with drainage holes to avoid drowning your plants). Place your snip gently into the earth, deep enough to allow it to stand straight, and that’s all there is to it!
When Should You Water?
Because succulents are well-known for their drought tolerance, many people wonder, “How frequently do you water succulents?” The key is not to drown these tough guys. Succulents’ claim to fame is that you can’t kill them since, unlike most plants, they can grow even if you don’t water them for a few weeks.
Unfortunately, there is no magic number or timetable for establishing how frequently you should water your succulent. You should check on your succulent once a week, but it is not assured that it will require water each time. The idea is to water your succulent only when the soil is completely dry. This will be determined by the temperature, the amount of water your plant received the previous time, and the amount of sunlight it receives. The general rule is to inspect the soil and only water when it is absolutely dry.
Take in some (indirect) sunlight.
The amount of sunlight that your succulent plant receives is the final factor that influences its success. Because succulents are popular indoor and outdoor plants, one frequently asked question is, “Do succulents require sun?” People frequently believe that because succulents resemble cacti, they would thrive in desert-like settings with high temperatures, however, not all succulents require direct sunshine. Succulents thrive best in a mix of direct and indirect sunshine, while some varieties can thrive inside without ever seeing the sun. To avoid baking your succulents, keep a close eye on their direct sun exposure. In reality, much like people, succulents and their colors can benefit or be harmed by light.
Succulents should be rotated frequently.
Succulents prefer direct sunlight, but if yours is resting in the same position day after day, it’s possible that only one side is getting enough. Langton and Ray recommend rotating the plant on a regular basis. Because succulents slant toward the sun, turning them will help plants stand erect. (Leaning may also indicate that they require more sunlight.)
Directly water the soil.
Soak the soil in water until it streams out of the drainage holes while watering your succulents. (Use less water if your container lacks drainage holes.) Watering succulents with a spray bottle might result in brittle roots and rotting leaves. You can also submerge pots in water and allow the water to drain through the drainage hole. Remove the soil from the pan once the top layer is damp.
Succulents should be kept clean.
“Inevitably, dust will accumulate on the surface of your indoor plants, which can hinder their growth,” write Langton and Ray. Gently wipe the leaves and spines clean with a wet towel (use a soft paintbrush to get at hard-to-reach spots).
Select a Drainable Container.
Succulents dislike sitting in damp soil, therefore drainage is essential to prevent rot. To allow excess water to escape, your container should feature a drainage hole. Beginners should use terra-cotta pots.
Plant Succulents in Good Soil.
Succulents require draining soil, therefore standard potting soil or dirt from your yard will not suffice. Use cactus soil or potting soil mixed with sand, pumice, or perlite. Succulent roots are quite delicate, so be cautious while repotting.
Remove all bugs.
Pests should not be a problem with indoor succulents, but you may encounter bugs on occasion. Gnats are drawn to succulents planted on soil that is too damp and lacks sufficient drainage. Spray the soil with 70% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of eggs and larvae. Mealybugs are another problem that succulent owners must contend with. Mealybugs are commonly caused by overwatering and overfertilization. Remove diseased succulents from other succulents and spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Succulents should be fertilized in the summer.
Succulents don’t require much fertilizer, but you can give them light feedings during the growing season in the spring and summer. Overfertilization might cause your succulent to develop too quickly and become weak.
Conclusion
Overall, succulent care is a simple, low-maintenance chore. Succulents vary in a variety of shapes, colors, textures, and sizes, but most species require the same basic care. With this tutorial, you now have all of the knowledge you need to know about succulent care. You will have a garden full of happy and healthy plants if you follow these simple procedures! Always remember, “Water when dry, never when wet!” Overwatering is one of the most damaging things you can do to your lovely succulents.
