Succulent plants are among the easiest plants to grow in indoor or outdoor gardens. The thick and fleshy foliage of these plants makes them a must-have in gardens as they create a striking display. Moreover, these easy to care plants can be grown in multiple locations – in pots or on patios, as a tabletop decoration, or on a windowsill.
These plants come in several varieties featuring different shapes, sizes, colors, and flowering succulents. Growing succulent plants is easy; therefore, these plants are even recommended for beginners. However, you still need to explore the complete care guide for growing succulent plants to grow healthy specimens.
With this extensive guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about growing succulent plants, so without further ado, let’s explore more about growing and caring for succulent plants.
What Are Cacti and Succulents?
These plants are native to dry and arid regions and are able to tolerate some periods of drought. The thick and fleshy leaves of these plants store water. Succulent plants thrive in warm and sunny conditions with low humidity and are perfect for most indoor conditions. However, depending on the variety, the exact care needs and preferences of these plants can vary.
Some succulents and cacti are hardy enough to thrive outdoors. In areas with a dry climates these plants can survive outdoors, but they will still require some winter protection.
Tips for Growing Succulent Plants
Select the right plants
Most succulent plants can be grown in indoor conditions; however, you’ll need to research the right plants that suit your indoor environment. Succulents are hardy plants, but selecting the right plants ensures better growth.
Moreover, choosing the right plants is also influenced by the appearance of the plant. You can choose from the big and bold plants to the small and delicate ones for your garden. Succulent plants come in various shades from green to yellow and darker shades.
Furthermore, location also plays a vital role in choosing the plants. Ideal for indoor locations, succulents can be grown in terrariums, in pots, or as tabletop decorations. In outdoor locations, you can grow these plants in rock gardens or in sunny and dry spots.
Planting
Growing succulents in pots is recommended by most gardeners, as this makes it easy for them to move them in or out as per the seasonal changes. When growing indoors, use a well-draining potting soil that is suitable for succulents and cacti.
Depending on the variety, you can select a permanent location for your plants. While most succulent plants thrive in normal indoor conditions, some tropical plants, such as orchid cacti and Christmas cactus, prefer partial shade and more frequent watering.
Hardy plants can be grown outdoors, but require protection from rain and winter.
Light
Even though succulent plants are native to dry and sunny conditions, these plants are adaptable to semi-shaded locations. These sun-loving plants are ideal for areas that receive the most sun in your home; however, they should be protected from too much sun, especially on hot days and during the warm season.
Harsh sunlight can scorch some succulent plants, affecting their appearance and growth.
Water
Succulents enjoy frequent watering during dry summer weather. However, these plants are highly adaptable to drought-like conditions. Use tepid rainwater, as minerals present in tapwater can damage the compost and result in salt build-up.
Before watering your succulent plants, let the pot dry and then water the plants thoroughly. Touch the soil to check if it is dry enough for re-watering. Do not let the soil dry out completely, especially in the growing season, as it can stress the plant.
In cooler seasons, reduce the amount and frequency of watering. The amount of water and light these plants receive directly affects the colors and appearance of their foliage. Moreover, with the right watering and sunlight, you can even extend the growing period of these plants.
Soil and Feeding
As mentioned before, these plants prefer dry conditions and are also drought-tolerant; therefore, use a well-draining soil mix of coarse sand, grit, or perlite. Change the compost in spring by removing the old compost from the ball and replanting.
Feed your succulent plants once a month during the growing season with a liquid fertilizer that is high in potassium.
Pruning and Propagation
Usually, succulent plants don’t require much pruning. However, you can trim any long stems and leggy growth. This cutting can be used to propagate the plant by following these steps –
- Once you have taken a cutting from your plant, let it dry and form a callus. This process can take either a day or a week, depending on the plant.
- Plant the cutting into a gritty compost and wait for it to root before planting it in a permanent place.
Common Problems with Succulent Plants
These hardy plants usually cause little to no trouble; however, poor conditions and care can lead to a few problems, such as –
- Overwatering and underwatering are common problems with growing succulent plants. Excess water can lead to root rot, stunted growth, and oedema, while lack of watering can cause shrivelling and poor plant appearance.
- Lack of light is another problem with succulent plants, as it can cause weak growth, discoloration, and plant dieback.
- Excess humidity can attract pests and cause brown patches on the foliage, which develop into scabs.
- For outdoor plants, a lack of winter protection can lead to a variety of problems.
FAQs
Are succulents easy to grow?
Succulent plants are very easy to grow as houseplants as long as you have the right conditions for their growth. It is ideal to search for the preferences of the plant you want to grow.
What are the best conditions for succulents?
These plants thrive in sunny and dry conditions with deep watering only when the top few inches of the soil are dry.
What is the lifespan of succulents?
Succulents have a large variety of plants, with some living only 3 years while others thrive till 50 or more.
Are succulents good for pots or in the ground?
Succulents are ideal for pots, as this allows you to move them to a preferred location easily, and they can be brought indoors during harsh winters.
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