Succulents 101

Planting Succulents​

Planting Succulents In-Ground​

Plant in spring or summer. Succulents are sensitive to moisture. To plant in-ground, select an area that gets direct sunlight most of the day. Use a succulent-specific soil because these plants are sensitive to moisture. Prepare the site to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Make sure the area of succulent-specific soil will give the roots enough room to grow. Once the soil is spread, dig a planting hole large enough for the roots to fit comfortably. After inserting the roots into the hole, add more soil to cover the roots. Ensure the leaves are left uncovered to prevent the plant from rotting. Then, gently firm the soil around the roots to avoid air pockets. Water a succulent at the time of planting.​

Using a Container to Plant a Succulent​

Indoor succulents can be planted anytime. To plant in a pot, remove as much of the original soil as possible without damaging the roots. Fill the pot almost to the top with succulent soil but leave enough room for the roots to fit comfortably. After inserting the roots into the soil, add more soil to cover the roots. Never cover the leaves of a succulent to prevent the plant from rotting. Once the succulent is planted, gently firm the soil around the roots to avoid air pockets. Don’t forget to add water to the new plant.​

The Importance of Using Succulent-Specific Soil​

Succulents have gained popularity because of their resiliency, but you should still provide them with an environment that helps them grow. They do not enjoy moisture, so purchasing a succulent-specific soil mixture can go a long way in helping the plant thrive. A succulent-specific composition will help water drain through the soil. If you do not wish to purchase succulent soil, you can create your own! ​

Propagating Succulents​

Did you know that you can grow more succulents using the succulents you already own? There are several methods for propagating succulents. One way is to remove a leaf from an existing plant. Alternatives are to cut off the top of the plant or cut off a new offshoot. Make sure to get all the way down to a stem! You will need to dry out the cutting or leaf, so that it does not drown when watered. A good rule of thumb for drying is 1-3 days or until the cutting or leaf end starts to scab over. It is okay if it starts to shrivel up. Once the succulent piece is dry, set up a watering pattern that keeps the succulent wet but does not drown it. To ensure the succulent lives long enough to plant it permanently, you should keep it on wet soil or use water propagation.​

Feeding Succulents​

Succulents require nutrition, as do all plants, but they grow slowly. With succulents, a little (plant food) goes a long way. Still, proper feeding will help to strengthen the plant. Feeding is best done when the plant is active. That is most likely in spring or fall. Liquid products are popular for feeding succulents, but a slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote has the advantage of controlling the level of nutrition in the soil without the surges that go with liquids. Osmocote releases its menu of nutrients in harmony with the plant’s uptake of food from the soil, irrespective of when the plant is watered. ​

Watering Succulents​

Watering Succulents In-Ground​

As a general rule, it’s better to under-water than to over-water succulents. Once every 2+ weeks is about right, although the variety, size and age of the plant and the type and quality of the soil are factors to consider. Assuming good drainage, soak the area around the plant until the soil darkens and appears wet; then stop! You can always add water at another time, if appropriate, but it is very difficult to remove when there is too much. Apply the trial and error method. If leaves are discolored or squishy or show black spots, chance are it is getting too much water.​

Watering Succulents In Containers​

Use containers with holes in the bottom. Holes enable proper drainage. Moist soil in the pot’s lower section encourages roots to grow down instead of up or sideways. Don’t forget to place a saucer under the pot to collect excess water. It’s best to water succulents infrequently. Wait until the soil is dry! When you do water, saturate the soil to the point where water starts to accumulate in the saucer. Once the water has drained through to the saucer, empty it – succulents do not like wet feet!    ​

Succulents and Light​

Succulents need direct sunlight, at least 3 hours/day. Morning sun is best. Place indoor plants near a window. Rotate the pot every couple of weeks in order to expose the ‘inside’ leaves to the sun. An easy way to remember to rotate is to follow the schedule for watering.  ​