Succulents Care for Beginners

Succulents are plants with fleshy, thickened leaves and swelling stems that store water. The term "succulent" comes from the Latin word succus, which means sap or juice. Succulents can survive on limited water resources, like mist and dew, making them drought resistant. Numerous varieties and cultivars of succulents belong to several plant families, and the majority of people associate mini succulents with Cactaceae, the cactus family. (Keep in mind that while all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti.)

How to Grow Succulents Indoors

Due to their capacity to hold water, succulents can thrive in dry, warm climates and don't mind some carelessness. Potted succulents are well-adapted to indoor gardening and suitable for those who want low-maintenance indoor plants. If you're selecting succulents for the first time, follow these succulent care tips to maintain your new plants successfully.

 

Choose a succulent that is suitable for indoor use

 

Many succulents thrive in bright sunlight; however, if you have a shaded corner in your house, you should choose low light-tolerant plants, such as “Mother-in-Law's Tongue”. If you plan to plant the little succulents in a hanging planter, one that trails like a string of bananas is an excellent choice. Always check the plant labels on your plants to determine the amount of sunlight required, the size, and the spread of the succulents.

 

Create a well-draining potting medium 

 

Nurseries place their succulents into rich soil and hold excessive moisture, which is why you'll need to change the pot of your mini succulent the moment you get it home. Begin by using a coarse potting mix that has adequate drainage and aeration. You can purchase a specialized mix of succulents and cactus at the local nursery or choose an African violet mix. To increase drainage and avoid compaction, add pumice or perlite to the cactus mix or African violet blend (up to 50 percent of the total mix, based on the particular succulent's requirements for moisture). Always moisten the mix before using it to ensure it's equally moist.

 

Select the container 

 

If you are repotting, choose containers with drainage holes 2 inches bigger than the container used in the nursery. Beware of the glass container (such as mason jars or terrariums) for a long-term solution to potting because they don't let roots breathe and could cause root rot over time. Fill the bottom 1/3 of your container with pre-moistened potting mix, then put your plant inside. Backfill with a second potting mix that has been pre-moistened.

Place the potted succulent in bright sunlight

 

Most succulents need at least six hours of sunshine every day, so make sure to position them next to the east or south of a window. Your succulents may spindle or stretch towards the sun if they don't receive enough sun.

Allow the potting mix to dry between the waterings

 

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when they have mini succulents is overwatering the plants. It's better to water them more often, but less frequently. Soak the potting mix completely (while ensuring the water drains through the drainage hole correctly) but let the mixture dry a little before your next irrigation. If the potting mix remains constantly wet, the plant may eventually cease to exist.

 

Fertilise your succulents at least one time every year

 

The plants most benefit from fertiliser during spring (when the days become longer, and new growth starts) and then again in the late summer months. Utilise a balanced, all-purpose water-soluble fertiliser (such as 10-10-10 or 8-8-8) reduced to half of the strength recommended in the instructions on the bottle. There's no need to fertilise succulents during winter when they are semi-dormant. They do not require the nutrient boost since they're not actively growing.

Wrapping Up

 

So, now that you are familiar with succulents and their caring, it is time to buy some succulents for your home. Sara's Garden is your one-stop online shop offering a wide variety of potted succulents, mini succulents, little succulents and more. You can also get customised plants and pots for gifting and corporate events.