Succulent Success

Learning how to grow and sustain plants can be daunting for beginners, especially if they have busy schedules and require low-maintenance options. Succulents are a great choice for those without much of a green thumb who want to try their hand at horticulture. These water-storing species are built to withstand harsh environments and require very little maintenance, making them perfectly durable for your house or garden. Here are some things you need to know about growing and maintaining them.

Characteristics of Succulents

Found in dry climates and reliant on dew or mist for survival, they are characterized by their fleshy leaves and waxy texture. These thick stems and leaves act as water reservoirs, keeping these plants alive through drought and extreme heat. Their care requirements include low water needs, well-draining soil, and bright indirect sunlight. Depending on the species, some may be more resilient than others. For example, cacti are a popular species of succulent characterized by their areoles, small bumps along the skin where hair, spines, or flowers may grow. Cacti are built to withstand extremely arid conditions with high temperatures, making them easy to grow outdoors in warm climates. Ultimately, whether a succulent is better suited to thrive indoors or outdoors depends on the species.

Considerations When Planting

By recreating conditions similar to your plants’ native habitats, you can ensure they will be likely to thrive and even propagate successfully on their own. Cacti are propagated by seeds and offsets while other types of succulents, like Echeveria or jade plants, are often propagated from stem or leaf cuttings. When deciding whether to grow your plants indoors or outdoors, take care to consider which varieties can withstand our Tallahassee climate. Below freezing or harsh and sunny conditions should be reserved for the most durable species. Therefore, it is recommended to house succulents in pots. This way they can be brought inside during especially hot summers or frigid nights and will continue to thrive year-round.

Most succulents prefer two to three hours of sunlight per day. Constant, direct sunlight can cause damage to certain varieties, so it is important to position your plants accordingly based on their species’ particular needs. Many types benefit most from a few hours of indirect light, perhaps on a windowsill or a half-shaded spot outside. Some of the most popular varieties include Echeveria, Aloe vera, Sedum, and Haworthia. There are many varieties of cacti that can survive outdoors. These plants tolerate high heat and direct sunlight and would thrive in our mild winter temperatures. Popular cactus species are golden barrel, bunny ear, and Christmas cactus.

Succulents require soil with a lot of drainage, which helps keep the roots from getting waterlogged. Adding sand, gravel, or pumice to your soil mixture allows water to filter through more easily and makes root rot more avoidable. A 60% nonorganic to 40% organic soil is ideal for keeping your succulents happy. When planting a succulent in a garden outside, be sure not to tuck soil back around the roots once you have placed it in the ground. Leaving an air gap allows for the soil to fill in the gaps as the plant grows and encourages better root formation near the soil surface.

Watering & Maintenance

Again, succulents do not require as much water as other plant varieties. The best way to guarantee they are not being overwatered is to wait for their soil to become dry between watering. This allows the roots to breathe. They should not be sitting in wet soil constantly. Factors like pot size, weather, and the time of year will determine how quickly your soil will become dry. Another detail to keep in mind is that the condition of your succulents’ leaves is a good indicator of whether they are receiving the right amount of water. Thirsty succulents will often have wilted and dull leaves without shine while overwatered ones will appear mushy and yellowed with stem or root rot.

All succulents need regular fertilizing, as their shallow roots cannot seek out nutrient sources from the soil. For non-potted plants, fertilizer should be applied within a couple of weeks of planting and reapplied two to three times a year. Potted succulents should be given fertilizer monthly for ideal growth.

Final Tips

Succulents have risen in popularity recently and can often be found at any of our local nurseries. Before choosing a species, assess your climate, decide whether you want an indoor or outdoor plant, and research which species would suit your care abilities best. Soil drainage, sunlight exposure, and winter protection are some more important considerations when it comes to taking care of your plants. Overall, these low-maintenance species are a perfect starting point for inexperienced growers and can act as stepping stones for starting a flourishing collection of plants or a drought-resistant garden.