Tips to Keep Succulents Looking Picture Perfect

Thanks to the growing number of millennial consumers, succulent sales online saw a rapid rise in popularity during the early 2000s and have been an essential part of home gardens and indoor spaces ever since. Because of their low maintenance requirements, affordable prices, and Instagram-worthy designs, it's easy to understand why succulents have become fashionable with younger people. They're widely considered to be an ideal plant for novices and can also be used as decor for your home. However, if you've accidentally let a succulent dry up and die, you could wonder what went wrong. (And don't fret, you're not the only one. )

Although it's true that succulents are usually easy to maintain (they're one of the "set the plant and leave it" of house plants). However, they have certain requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to flourish. Learn the basics of succulent care to keep your plants well-nourished, plump and beautiful.

Succulents Care

Succulents are a variety of plants with thick, fleshy leaves and stems that store water. Most succulents are indigenous to hot, dry environments; however, they can be cultivated virtually anywhere with proper treatment.

Light

Since succulents come from areas with a lot of sunlight, they are inclined to want an abundance of UV light. At a minimum, most succulents require more than six hours of sunlight per day, so always aim to plant them in a south or west-facing window to get the most optimal results. 

 

However, the amount of light that a plant need will be contingent on the variety and the type of plant, whether you're cultivating it outdoors or indoors, and the climate you reside in. It is a rule of thumb that most succulents will tolerate more shade in the dryer and hotter climates and require more sunlight in cooler climates.

 

The mini succulents that are grown in low light may flatten and expand to gain more sunlight. If you notice that your succulent is leaning towards the sun, consider rotating the plant every month to make them stand straight.

Soil

A well-draining and porous soil with a loose, rough texture is the best for succulents to ensure that they don't sit in water for a long time. If you don't use well-drained soil, you might require adjusting your watering practices to prevent succulents from drying up or developing root rot. If you're growing in heavy soil, be sure it has had the time to dry properly, and if growing in lighter soil like cactus mix or sand, it may be necessary to water your plants a little more frequently.

Water

This is where the low maintenance aspect really comes in. When it comes to watering succulents, "neglect is the best." Although the watering frequency depends on the plant type and growing conditions, most succulents should be allowed to dry completely between waterings. This means that your succulent soil should be dry and crumbly before giving the plant another drink. If your large potted succulent plant’s leaves and stems start to wrinkle and become brown, it's an indication that the plant isn't getting enough water and needs to be watered accordingly.

When in doubt, it's best to stay toward the under-watering option. Succulents are more likely to recover when they're under-watered instead of over-watered.

Temperature and Humidity

Since succulents are native to hot, dry climates, they typically prefer cooler temperatures and less humidity, but this may vary depending on the plant species. Most mini succulents prefer temperatures between 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels ranging between 40 to 60 percent. Since succulents have adapted to extreme desert conditions, they’re quite adept at dealing with cold and hot conditions within reason, noting that humidity is the bigger concern here.

High-humidity environments can result in wilts, rots, and even slow death; However, succulents can withstand high humidity (as high as 70 to 90 percent) as long as they are exposed to plenty of sunlight to keep their leaves and soil dry.

Fertilizer

Succulents generally don't require fertilizer when placed in the ground because they can get all the necessary nutrients from the soil. However, if you're cultivating a potted succulent, then it may be beneficial to periodically fertilize the plant while it's active in its growth.

Wrapping Up

Now that you know how to take proper care of a succulent plant, you must be wondering where to look for succulents online; Sara's Garden is the best online store when it comes to buying succulents in Sydney. From large potted succulents and cheap succulents to mini succulents, you can get everything under a single roof.