Succulent care: Tips for growing hardy and decorative plants

Succulents have become popular as indoor plants because of their various shapes and need for little care. They are indoor and outdoor plants that are able to adapt to any environment, giving them a great chance to survive. Krom ekhtur has more than 60 families, such as cacti (Cactaceae), stonecrops (Crassulaceae), fig marigolds (Aizoaceae), and spurges (Euphorbiaceae). Although species may vary, succulents generally have similar care guidelines.

The term ‘succulent’ does not mean that they are edible but refers to their thick leaves and stems, which hold water. These unique attributes allow them to thrive in regions with low rainfall and are highly drought-resistant. Occasional heavy rain showers are beneficial because they must be watered twice a week during active growth, provided the soil is well drained and dries out quickly.

While most succulents are non-toxic, there are some varieties that can threaten people and pets. Kalanchoe contains toxic compounds known as bufadienolides, which are harmful to people, dogs, and cats if ingested. Euphorbia’s sap can irritate your skin, and the Jade Plant is toxic to humans and pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. In the same vein, the String of Pearls plant can be poisonous to people or animals if ingested.

With special soils and planting rigs, there have never been so many gardening products that can make it easier to grow — or start — a collection, especially when it comes to growing succulents.

History of Succulents

Succulents are thought to have evolved in several zones of the planet: Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Being able to flourish at high elevations also made them a staple of indigenous cultures, especially in Africa and South America, where they were used for practical as well as medicinal uses. The Aloe vera plant, for example, has been used for centuries for its health benefits, especially in ancient Egypt, where people called it the “plant of immortality.”

They were exposed in the Western world by the European aristocratic society, who were collectors of plants in the nineteenth century (Victorian era). Their singular look, coupled with ease of care, has made them such a favourite with gardeners and collectors.

Botanical Description

Succulents are a type of plant with the unique ability to store water in a number of different places, most often in their leaves, roots, or stems. This adaptation has allowed them to survive in many climates, from deserts to semi-arid conditions with very little water.

The leaves of succulents are usually thick and fleshy. The leaves may be flat, have a round shape, or have a cylindrical shape. The arrangement of leaves in succulents is alternate, opposite, whorled, and rosette. The leaves may also be waxy or coated in fine hairs to reduce water loss.

The stem is the major water-storing organ in most succulents. Cacti, for instance, have thick, fleshy stems that store water and spikes, not leaves. Shallow spreading roots of succulents are able to quickly absorb rainwater captured by light showers. In some succulents, the roots are tuberous and also serve to store water.

Essential Care Tips to Thrive Succulent

Although succulents are often heralded as “no-care” plants, that’s not entirely true, but they do usually require less attention than many others. Finally, the only things that don’t require any care at all are plants that aren’t real. Although succulents are tough plants, they do require certain conditions to prosper. Below are a few care tips for succulents:

• Light

Succulents love bright light, which is a necessity for their growth. Succulents should be positioned near a bright window with sufficient sun exposure to thrive indoors. South or east-facing windows are ideal since they provide plenty of light to the plants.

If natural lighting is not enough, full-spectrum fluorescent or LED growlights can be used for additional lighting of these plants. Also, occasionally turn them so that they grow straight and not off to one side. A majority of outdoor-grown succulents will need 6 hours of direct sun exposure each day.

But when you do take indoor succulents outside, use caution, because succulents need to adapt to strong sunlight, and do so slowly. The best way to transition them to full sun is slowly allowing them to adapt, think of when you go from indoors to outdoors in the sun, getting full on it, it hurts, and it is the same with the plants, you are shocking them. More than 6 hours of direct sun and even mature plants which have already acclimated to outdoor sun may actually see advantages in doing the same.

• Soil

Keep the roots of succulents from rotting by planting them in well-draining soil. The right soil mix is essential to keeping them healthy, whether grown in a container or in the ground. For potted succulents, it is best to use soils specifically made for them.

Another option is to mix half potting soil and half coarse sand or coarse horticultural sand. The important thing is that the soil doesn’t hold water, which can give the roots root rot. Outdoors, succulents thrive on dry, well-draining soil. If the soil in a garden is too heavy or holds too much moisture, it can be changed with the addition of materials like crushed gravel or very coarse sand to modify its drainage and make it more porous.

Some succulents prefer slightly acidic soils, whereas others can perform well even in alkaline conditions. But getting the drainage right is a lot more important than how acidic the compost is if you want to do well with them. When succulent plants are establishing, or at any other stage, they will only grow if there is water at their base.

• Water

Succulent watering is a delicate balance you need to strike to keep your plants happy. During the summer, water succulents once a week. Yet as winter sets in and days shorten, they require water just once a month. The frequency of watering should be adjusted according to the amount of sunlight the plant receives. In general, this stems from underwatering and means the plant could use some more water.

If you want to water succulents correctly, water deeply and let the water drain out. For container succulents, empty any water from the saucers so the roots don’t sit in stagnant water that can lead to rot. It is key to let the soil dry out completely between watering, as succulents thrive in arid conditions. The most definitive test to see if your plant needs water is sticking a wooden chopstick in the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.

• Temperature & Humidity 

Succulents are especially prone to the effects of cold, as these plants absolutely loathe sudden temperature fluctuations. Most succulents will die in frost and need to be brought indoors for the winter. Nonetheless, there are some cold-tolerant varieties, including sedums, sempervivums, and agave. Succulents can be outdoor plants, though, if the temperature is above 40º F.

Root rot can develop in the winter from both cold soil and cool soil that remains too moist. Thus, succulents must be cultivated in well-drained areas. Plants can be grown in pots or in raised beds with good drainage to avoid waterlogging, especially in areas of high rainfall.

• Fertilizer

Succulents grow well with regular fertilizing during the period of active growth. To help them thrive, fertilize the sansevieria with watered-down liquid houseplant fertilizer about once a month throughout the spring and summer. To prevent overfeeding, which can damage plants, mix the fertilizer at half strength.

Succulents do not need fertilizers during the winter months; they are dormant and are not actively growing. But it is crucial to make sure that indoor succulents get plenty of bright light during this period; that’s the root of their overall well-being.

Techniques To Grow Succulent Fast

Here are some essential practices to use while growing succulents:

Pruning

Even slow-growing succulents benefit from pruning. Regular pruning will keep the plant in shape and encourage new, healthy growth. Use clean shears to selectively cut away dead or damaged leaves and pads. It is equally beneficial to remove long, leggy, or deformed sections when one prefers an even fuller, compactly constructed specimen. Don gardening gloves when pruning euphorbia with irritating sap to avoid injury. Regular pruning is helpful in maintaining the health of succulents and keeping them lively..

Propagation

Potting

Choosing the right pot is essential to the overall health of succulents. These plants should be planted in a medium that drains moisture well when making selections for succulent potting. Terracotta or stone are better choices for pots, as they allow water to drain more easily.

On the other side, terracotta and stone do let out excess water, unlike plastic and glazed pots. So you avoid root rot, which is a common issue when growing succulents. In order not to hold too much water, the new plant pot should not be much bigger than the old one.

To pot a succulent, fill the new container about two-thirds of the way with a fast-draining succulent potting mix. Mud the pot just as the old container was on a level with the succulent. This keeps the base of the plant above the surface of the soil and the leaves from touching the potting mix. Fill in around the plant with more potting mix, anchoring it in place without burying the leaves.

Repotting

Succulents will require repotting if their roots are discovered to stick out of the drainage hole or if they stop absorbing water efficiently. Firstly, please choose a pot that's a bit bigger than the current one, and also take out the plant from its former pot without damaging its roots.

Have fresh, well-drained potting soil for the new pot ready to use. Position the succulent in the new pot so it doesn’t rest any deeper than it did before. Then add more soil around it, and gently push it down to pack it in.

Types of Succulents

Due to the rise in popularity of succulents, the different options of these cool plants can easily be found at most home and garden centers these days. Here are some popular types of succulents that are both decorative and easy to care :

• Burn Plant (Aloe Vera)

Aloe vera is recognizable by its spiky leaves and habit. It’s the gel inside of its leaves that is used as a remedy for burns and cuts, so this is just a useful plant that’s also nice to look at.

• Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)

The Jade Plant is probably the most well-known and recognisable among houseplant enthusiasts. It is slow-growing and can tolerate some temperature changes, which also makes it particularly low-maintenance.

• Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)

These rosette-shaped succulents are versatile and can be grown indoors and outdoors. They grow in full sun or shade and are tolerant in many conditions..

• Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)

Echeverias are characterized by their lovely rosettes and vividly colored foliage.

• Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana)

This drought-resistant succulent produces oval or scalloped leaves and flowers in bright clusters of white, pink, red, yellow, or orange.

How to Grow Succulents from Seed?

Sow seeds of succulents – Another strategy to increase the number of this plant. Here are a few steps to help make it successful:

• You should use fresh soil to start with, because young succulents are susceptible to germs. The soil can be sterilized from within half an hour in an oven heated to 300°F (150°C) or about ten minutes in a microwave, which will kill all of the living contaminants. Let it cool before using.
• Mix enough potting mix, in a seed tray, to fill the container by mixing equal parts fresh potting soil and coarse sand together.
• Ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
• Place one or two seeds in each of the sections of the tray. Gently push them down against the soil, but do not cover them because they need light to germinate.
• Keep the tray under a clear cover/glass, or wrap a plastic wrap around it to keep it moist.
• Ideally, place the tray in a location that receives indirect sunlight all day and is around 70°F (21°C).
• Just be certain the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged. Taper off the watering; you don't want to overwater as the seedlings establish root systems.

Pests & Diseases

Most succulents are hardy but are susceptible to a few common issues. Here’s a deep dive into these pests and how to deal with them:

• Mealybugs

This pest, which is white, is to be found on the plant as a tiny ball of cotton wool and it absorbs the sap. This can weaken the plant and turn its leaves yellow. To kill mealybugs, either spray them with isopropyl alcohol (multiple times with varying frequency depending on where they are and the infestation level) or gently rub them off with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

• Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats don’t hurt succulents; their larvae, which eat roots, do. This is particularly harmful to young seedlings. To control fungus gnats, let the soil get completely dry between waterings, as they multiply most readily in that kind of environment.

• Spider Mites

These little buggers suck plant sap and infest leaves in the process, causing potential harm. Drying air helps them flourish, so high humidity could keep them at bay. Spray hard to knock spider mites off the flowers and leave none missed.

• Leggy or Pale Plant

If a succulent looks stretched out and the color of its leaves is washed out, that usually means it needs more sunlight. If these plants are not given enough direct sun, they will reach for the light and can become spindly and tall. To correct this condition, place the plant closer to a sunny window if indoors, or to a brighter location if outside. Snip off sections that have grown too strong to make it a more compact shape and look fresh again.

• Mushy Leaves or Stems

Paleness and sogginess of the succulent leaves and stems, in many cases, show about root rot due to overwatering. So that happens, it’s not just your succulents. If you notice yellowing leaves, dropping leaves, or wilting, then this indicates the tree needs more water.

Here also, if you have some rotten roots and leaves, take them off and then dry the plant in the cool air. Afterward, the plant should be replanted into fresh, dry soil. Let the plant dry out for a few more days before watering again, and possibly give it more sun exposure.

• Brown or Bleached Foliage

As the sun dries out the plant, the leaves may become discolored by scorching heat. Brown or bleached spots on the leaves are a sign of sunburn, while crispy leaves may indicate too little watering.

Plants require a form of shade if they are to survive the hottest part of the day. In addition, the water must remain constant for all this time. This item should only be used outside in moderate sun during heat waves or on particularly sunny days.

• Wrinkled Leaves and Stems

Wrinkles are often a sign of water shortages, and if you have plenty of water supplies, they develop on the stem edges instead of looking juicy. Test the depth of penetration of the soil with a finger or stick to make sure it is not too dry. If the soil is dry, give it a good watering and water again frequently during watering activities. Do not overwater: Overwatering can bring about the same symptoms.

The Bottom Line

Succulents are a great addition to any home or office environment! Gardeners can propagate them by giving them the right light, water, soil, and temperature care to keep them thriving.

These hardy plants require regular pruning, good potting, and control of pests. Succulents started from seed or propagated from cuttings can last for a very long time if they are well taken care of.

Growcycle offers many gardening products, including specialized soil for growing succulents and stylish pots, to enable home gardeners to achieve their ultimate goals with succulents.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.