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How to care for Potted Succulent Plants

potted succulents

plant meter

potted succulents

succulent plants

these succulents have a bloom

potted succulents in flower

Succulent plants are easy to grow indoors and come in pretty shades of silver, green, rose, and cream. There are hundreds of varieties with varying leaf shapes. With proper care, many will reward you with interesting flowers and will live for years. A sunny windowsill, pot garden, or hanging basket can display your collection of succulent plants.

Water sparingly. A general rule of thumb is to water once a month for most of the year and twice a month during the active growing season in late spring/early summer. Much of this depends on your home’s growing conditions. If the humidity is low or they are in a very small pot, they may need to be watered more frequently. If your succulent is dropping leaves adjust your watering schedule. A plant water meter is a great tool that can take the guesswork out of when to water.

Water your succulents by placing the pots in a pan of water. Leave them for about ½ hour or until the topsoil feels slightly damp. The plant will draw water up through the roots and avoiding disfiguring water spots on the leaves. Allow the pot to drain and return to their display position. Never let a pot sit in water for extended periods. Root rot is the number one cause of plant failure.

Choose a location that gets sunlight, but beware of hot mid-day sun that can burn the leaves. If the leaves are bleaching or turning brown they may be getting too much sun.

Succulent plants do best in normal room temperatures of 65-75 degrees during the day and as low as 50 degrees during the winter rest period. Good air circulation is important, but avoid a draft.

Rotate the succulent plants one fourth turn every day to keep the plant growth even. As you turn the plant, you will soon learn how heavy the plant feels when it is dry vs. when you have watered which will aid you in developing the watering schedule.

Remove broken or dried up leaves. This will keep your succulent plants looking fresh and help avoid soil gnats, which feed on decaying material.

Avoid touching the leaves of the felted or flour dusted succulent plant varieties. The microscopic hairs provide the color on new leaves and can easily rub off. Some varieties have leaves that will fall off with the slightest bump; place where pets or people can enjoy without brushing by.

Use a cactus blend potting soil. Succulents require a well-drained soil that allows the roots to breath. You can make your own by mixing 1/3 humus, 1/3 perlite, and 1/3 sand. Place jagged pottery chips or gravel on the bottom to promote drainage. Succulent plants should only be repotted when their roots come out the bottom of the pot. Water before repotting and wait a week or two before watering again. Place a thin layer of pea gravel or crushed volcanic rock on the top of the soil mix.

Succulents can be placed outdoors for the summer. Choose a spot that is shaded during the middle of the day. Check carefully for insects such as whitefly, mealy bug, or thrips before bringing back inside.

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