If you’ve ever felt the pang of guilt as yet another succulent withers away on your watch, you are far from alone. These lovely plants may look easy-breezy, but they have their own set of quirks that can make them a bit tricky to keep alive. As someone who’s been through the ups and downs of succulent care, I’m here to share some essential tips to help you turn your plant parenting skills around.
In this guide, we’ll explore 17 foolproof tips to ensure your succulents not only survive but thrive. From understanding their unique watering needs to choosing the right soil and light conditions, these tips will arm you with all the knowledge you need. So, if you’re ready to transform your succulents from sad to spectacular, grab your watering can and let’s dive in!
Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a newbie (or anything in between) just trying to keep that first succulent alive, these tips will help you master the art of succulent care. Get ready to say goodbye to wilted leaves and hello to a thriving, beautiful collection of these resilient plants. Let’s make your home a succulent paradise!
17 Tips to Keep Succulent Plants Alive!
How to keep your succulent plant alive and thriving:
1. Provide Plenty of Light
Succulents love sunlight! Ideally, they need about 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day. If you notice your succulent stretching out or looking “leggy,” it’s a sign it needs more light. Move it to a sunnier spot, but avoid intense midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.
2. Use Well-Draining Soil
Proper soil is crucial for succulent health. Use a cactus or succulent-specific potting mix that ensures excellent drainage. You can also mix regular potting soil with sand or perlite to improve aeration and prevent root rot.
3. Choose the Right Container
The container you use for your succulents should have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Without proper drainage, water can accumulate at the bottom, leading to root rot. Terra cotta pots are a great option because they wick away excess moisture.
Want to learn more about the pros and cons of terracotta plants? Then check out this article next: The Pros and Cons of Using Terracotta Pots
4. Water Sparingly
Succulents are drought-tolerant and don’t need frequent watering. Water them thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common mistake and can be fatal to succulents.
If you find yourself overwatering back off quickly! If the roots start to rot from overwatering there is basically nothing that can save them from that sad end.
5. Watering Technique
When watering, soak the soil thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause rot. Water less in the winter months when succulents go dormant.
If you can’t tell, I hate and am constant fear of root rot but with the right actions it can totally be avoided.
6. Maintain Optimal Temperature
Succulents thrive in warm temperatures and generally do well in the range of 60-80°F (15-27°C). Protect them from freezing temperatures, as frost can damage or kill your plants. If you live in a colder climate, bring outdoor succulents inside during the winter.
7. Fertilize Sparingly
Succulents don’t need a lot of fertilizer. Feed them lightly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Over-fertilizing can cause leggy growth and reduce their resilience. Nervous about fertilizing carefully? Honestly then skip out on fertilizing! They may not grow as fast without it but they will stay alive.
8. Prune and Propagate
Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and health of your succulents. Remove dead or damaged leaves and stems. You can also propagate new plants from cuttings—just let the cut ends callous over before planting them in soil.
9. Watch for Pests
Keep an eye out for common pests like mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. If you spot any, treat your plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regularly inspect your plants to catch infestations early.
Spot a pest? Let’s identify it: The 5 Most Likely Pests To Be On Your House Plants
10. Ensure Good Air Circulation
Good air circulation helps prevent fungal infections and keeps succulents healthy. Avoid crowding your plants and ensure they have space to breathe. This is especially important for indoor succulents.
11. Avoid Overcrowding
While it’s tempting to create a lush succulent arrangement, overcrowding can limit airflow and increase the risk of disease. Give each plant enough space to grow and thrive. They aren’t plants that love to be near other plants so just keep that in mind.
12. Adapt to Seasonal Changes
Adjust your care routine based on the season. Succulents typically need less water in the winter when they’re dormant and more during the growing season. Be mindful of temperature changes and adjust accordingly.
13. Rotate Your Plants
If your succulents are indoors, rotate them periodically to ensure all sides receive equal light. This prevents them from leaning towards the light source and promotes even growth.
Note- try to do this with all house plants not just succulents for your house plants health.
14. Clean the Leaves
Dust can accumulate on succulent leaves, reducing their ability to photosynthesize. Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use a soft brush to keep them clean and shiny.
15. Know Your Succulent
Different succulents have different needs. Research the specific care requirements for your type of succulent to ensure you’re providing the best care possible. Some may need more light or less water than others.
16. Use the Right Water
If possible, use rainwater or distilled water for your succulents. Tap water can contain minerals and chemicals that may build up in the soil and harm your plants over time.
17. Be Patient
Succulents grow slowly, so patience is key. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate growth. With the right care, your succulents will thrive and reward you with their beautiful, resilient presence.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a succulent whisperer. Happy planting, and may your succulents thrive better than they ever have!
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