Succulents are an exotic and eye-catching way to beautify your garden, whether used to create a colorful rock garden, a dramatic container arrangement, or even a work of art to hang on an outdoor wall. Succulents are also tough and resilient, preferring neglect rather than constant attention.
1. Light
Many novice succulent growers assume that the sunniest location in the garden is the best site for their plants, but not all succulents like to bask in the sun all day. “The preferences are extremely variable among the thousands of varieties of succulents. Some like shade, some filtered light, some sun, and some blasting sun. As a generalization, most like at least two to three hours of sun or filtered sun a day,”
2. Plant Succulents in the Right Soil
Once you’ve chosen the appropriate containers, it’s time to fill it with the right potting mix that will ensure your plants get the nutrients they need. Succulents need well-draining soil, so regular potting soil—or dirt from your yard—won’t do. Generally, soil that drains best is porous
3. Succulents (even cacti) like water
Contrary to common belief, you won’t kill your succulents by watering them regularly, especially during the active growing season. The key is to wait for the soil to become dry between waterings so that the roots can breathe. “Depending on weather, time of year, pot size, and soil conditions in the garden, this can be as often as every several days to as little as every two to three weeks during cool or low-light seasons. I’ve seen many succulents go for several months without water and still survive,”
4. Get Rid of Bugs
Pests shouldn’t be a problem for indoor succulents, but occasionally you may have to deal with bugs. Gnats are attracted to succulents that are planted in soil that is too wet and doesn’t have proper drainage. To ensure you don’t experience a full-on infestation, get rid of eggs and larvae by spraying the soil with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol.
Mealybugs are another pest succulent owners have to deal with. Overwatering and overfertilizing are the common causes of mealybugs. In this case, move infected plants away from other succulents and spray with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol.
5. Manure
Most succulents need almost no manure. Watering with even manure once per month during the developing season will be all they need.
6. Don’t be afraid to prune
Never be reluctant to prune or shape succulents if they become unruly, especially when several plants are grouped together. This will help keep one variety from overpowering another.
Also regularly remove any dry or dead leaves at the base and perimeter of the plant. Succulents naturally lose these lower and outer leaves as they grow and mature. Removing the shriveled foliage will not only improve the appearance of your plants, it will also encourage new growth and promote air circulation.
7. Winter care
Succulents that are planted in the nursery and set up, for the most part, needn’t bother with winter cover. Cold regions normally have a snow cover for assurance. In regions that are cold however have no snow cover, you can utilize resin branches to softly mulch for the colder time of year, yet this is generally excessive
