Unless you are a veteran in the plant world, chances are that you have heard that succulents are some of the best plants to take care of. But be it as it may, even the hardest of plants may sometimes appear like they want to give up on you!
You are not alone in having had a succulent wither away in spite of your best endeavours. If you’re just starting your plant journey, learning the basics of how to care for an indoor plant can make caring for succulents much easier.
The good news?
Care advice on succulents is simple to follow, and once you have the rope,s then you will have a healthy and happy plant within a short time.
In this article, we will discuss the fundamentals of how to take care of succulents without making the usual mistakes that amateurs usually make. And there is nothing to panic about it, just step by step, and you will become a juicy pro in no time!
Why Are Succulents such Great starter Plants?
We are now going to discuss the reasons why succulents are described as the ideal plants for an amateur gardener. Succulents are generally drought-tolerant plants that are available in different shapes and colors. They are maintenance-free, flexible, and have the ability to grow where other plants may not do well.
The reason?
A thick, fleshy leaf can retain water in succulents, and therefore, succulents are a lot less dependent on regular watering. They are also able to endure a variety of light and temperature conditions, and that is why they are excellent house or office plants.
General Errors in Caring for Succulents.
It is quite possible that one or more of these errors are the cause of your problems with keeping succulents alive. You want to go through them, so you don’t need to make them!
Overwatering Succulents
Most likely, the most common error novices commit in terms of succulent care is overwatering. Dry conditions are adapted to with the use of succulents whose thick leaves are meant to store water.
An excess of water, in particular when the soil does not drain, will lead to root rot that is usually fatal to your plant.
Hint: When the surface of the soil is dry to the touch (usually the first inch or so), then only water. During winter, when the succulents are in the dormant state, water is further reduced. Everything is better than nothing.
No Use of Well-Draining Soil
Succulents require well-draining soil in order to grow. Ordinary potting soil has a tendency to hold moisture, which is not recommended for succulents. The water will not accumulate in the bottom, and this will also cause the roots rot due to soil that is not draining.
You can purchase a cactus and succulent mix, or you can mix the sand, perlite, or pumice with the regular potting soil. This aids in developing a combination that facilitates water to drain effectively.
Not Giving Enough Light
In order to grow well and strong, succulents require sufficient light. In the event that you have been keeping your succulent in a dark corner, it may not have adequate sunlight. The majority of succulents prefer bright light with indirect light, and thus they are best placed close to a south or west window. If you’re unsure about lighting needs, understanding why do plants need sunlight can help you create the right environment.
The lack of natural light may be compensated for by a grow light. Don’t keep your succulent in the sun too long, however, as this may burn the leaves.
How to Take Care of Succulents: The Essentials
So that we are not doing what should not be done, now we are going to discuss the basics of how to properly care for succulents.
How to Water Succulents
As noted, the watering of succulents is a balancing process. It is all a matter of the drench and dry technique, i.e., water it heavily, but then allow the soil to dry out first before watering again.
Here is a simple rule: water when the ground feels dry to the touch, and never forget to drain the pot by having holes in it so that the excessive water gets out. When the soil is wet, the roots of your succulent do not receive all the oxygen they require, and therefore, they may rot. This same principle applies to other indoor plants, especially when learning how to care for indoor plants properly.
During watering, ensure that you water the soil, but do not keep the plant underwater. Strain the pot into an empty saucer in case there is extra water in it.
Optimal Lightning Environment of Succulents
Healthy succulents cannot do without light. They are fond of bright and indirect light, but they are also able to adjust to slightly low-light conditions. And all you need to do is to remember that the more light they have, the healthier and stronger they will be.
The succulents usually thrive well in regions that receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. When your plant begins to appear leggy (long, stretched-out stems), it may be time to confirm that the plant is in need of more light.
Turn the succulent every now and then to allow every side to get sufficient light.
Choosing the Right Pot
When it comes to the succulent, the right pot will ensure the difference. A pot with drainage holes should always be taken. You can also explore stylish and functional painted terracotta pots to enhance both drainage and decor.This makes sure that when any extra water is standing, it is able to drain out so that the roots are not immersed in stagnant water.
Hint: Succulents can be used in terracotta pots as there is better circulation of air, and moisture can be removed.
More Care Advice to Succulents
Since we have discussed the fundamentals, now is the time to discuss some of the additional tips that will make your succulent happy and healthy.
Temperature Preferences
The succulents like warm environments. The majority of succulents reproduce in the range of 60 F to 80 F (15 C -27 C). Although they can withstand some heat, they cannot withstand cold climates. Do not expose them to cold drafts or air conditioners, particularly in winter.
Your house is cooler: most of your succulents should be planted in a warm room or even close to one of the heaters (although not on the heater).
Fertilizing Succulents
Although the succulents do not require excessive feeding, it is possible to provide the plants with a few portions of fertilizer throughout the growing period (during spring and summer). Apply a liquid fertilizer (balanced and diluted) once every 4-6 weeks. If you’re unsure about feeding schedules, understanding fertilizer vs plant food differences can prevent overfeeding mistakes. One should not vegetate during winter when the succulents are in dormancy.
Fertilizer should always be diluted to a quarter of the prescribed amount so as not to overfeed.
Culling and Weeding of Succulents
Succulents do not need much pruning; however, you need to prune dead or damaged leaves of your plant to make it look tidy and healthy. Cut off all brown or shriveled leaves at the base with sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Helpful hint: After some time, clean the leaves with a wet cloth to make sure that they are not dusty. This will assist in ensuring that your plant takes in more light and in avoiding the problem of pests.
How to Check whether your Succulent Is Healthy
You can easily know when your succulent is doing well when you are aware of the indications. Using healthy succulents, it is typical to have:
- Plump, firm leaves
- A compact, neat shape
- Bright color (most often a shade of green, but there are also some with shades of red or purple).
- Steady growth
When your succulent begins to appear shriveled, pale, or leggy, then it might be an indication of poor care, be it overwatering, lack of adequate light, or that more water is needed.
Conclusion
Caring for succulents does not necessarily have to be complex. With the fundamentals of watering of yucca, correct light, and the correct selection of the soil and the pot, you will see that there is no trouble in keeping these drought-tolerant plants healthy! If you enjoy low-maintenance plants, you may also like exploring desert plants growing tips for more resilient options.
All you need to do with your succulent is to pay some attention to its needs, and it will thrive and make your area look bright. Therefore, do not hesitate and begin your juicy adventure, and see your plant grow!
FAQs
Do succulents need full sun?
Succulents grow well in full sun conditions.
How often should you water a succulent?
Monitor the soil moisture to ensure it dries between waterings. Outdoor Succulents: In warm, dry climates, water every 5 to 7 days. In cooler or more humid conditions, water every 2 to 3 weeks.
Do you water succulents from the top or the bottom?
Bottom watering typically proves superior for most succulent varieties due to its ability to encourage deeper root development and reduce surface moisture issues. This method involves placing your potted succulent in a tray of water, allowing the plant to absorb moisture through drainage holes at its own pace.
