Succulents have been popular with house plant lovers for quite a while. What’s not to love? They’re beautiful, interesting, and come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Still, it seems like a lot of plant enthusiasts have a love/hate relationship with these green gems. When I profess my love for succulents, I usually get at least one or two, “I always kill my succulents” or “I just can’t grow those”. Succulents are actually simple to care for if you follow a few basic guidelines. Read these tips on How To Care For Succulents and start growing healthy plants right now:
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6 Easy Tips on How to Care for Succulents:
- Succulents need enough light: In general, succulents like to have plenty of sunshine and/or direct light. There are some varieties that do well with indirect light or even shade. Always be careful to keep newly potted succulents out of direct sunshine. Introduce them into it gradually.
- Rotate potted succulents: No matter where a succulent planter is placed, it is likely getting the majority of light only on one side. Succulents will start leaning toward the side that is getting more light. This makes for a lopsided plant. Rotate potted succulents often to keep this from happening.
- Treat for pests: Just like any other plant, whether it’s an outdoor or indoor plant, succulents attract pests and bugs from time to time. Succulents are known to attract Mealybugs and Gnats. Treat as soon as possible before the whole plant becomes infested.
- Use the proper potting soil: Succulents don’t do well in waterlogged soil. To help keep this from happening, don’t plant succulents in regular potting soil or backyard dirt. Plant them in soil specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. This soil is easily available anywhere you purchase succulents. Be careful with a succulent’s roots when repotting as they are delicate and fragile.
- Use the proper container: Because succulents don’t do well in waterlogged soil, choose a container with a drainage hole. Excess water will escape and not have a chance to damage your succulents. Terra-cotta planters are a good choice for succulents.
- Do not overwater succulents: The number one cause of succulent death is probably overwatering. Succulents do not need to be watered often. Always let succulent soil dry out between waterings. Depending on the climate you live in, this could be every couple of weeks. I keep track of when I water my plants in the calendar app on my phone so that I’m not tempted to overwater my succulents and cacti.
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Succulents supposedly don’t do well in cold weather, so if you live in a cold climate these plants should be brought indoors for the winter. I don’t have any experience with this situation since I live in Florida and pretty much leave all my plants outdoors on my porches year-round. I do know I love my succulents so much that I wouldn’t take any chances with leaving them outside in bad weather. If you love your succulents just as much, follow this guide on How To Care For Succulents and you’ll keep you lovely green gems healthy and thriving.
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Do you love succulents? What is your favorite? Please share any tips you have for healthy succulents.
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Lisa is a mother of three lovely young women and is a new grandmother to a baby boy! She has been married to her high school sweetheart for more than thirty years. Lisa is originally from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, but has lived in the Tampa Bay area since 1984. Running a small business for over 25 years and raising a family has made for a busy, busy life with many ups and downs; it’s definitely been an adventure.
Lisa’s always involved in one project or another whether it’s work related or serving her community. She also recently went back to school to finish her bachelor’s degree in American Studies. Lisa tries to make every day a good day—that means learning something new, practicing kindness, and enjoying the present moment.
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