How To Care for Succulents and Keep Them Healthy

Part of the pleasure and satisfaction you get from growing a plant is its modest requirements. Succulents not only add life to your green space but are also super easy to take care of. There are, however, a few aspects that you need to be mindful of and that’s why we’re here today. So, whether you received a Jade plant as a gift or you picked up Haworthia Retusa from the nursery, here’s how you can keep your succulent plant happy and healthy:

     1. Make Sure They’re Getting Enough Sunlight

Newly planted succulents can get burnt in sunlight so you may have to go a little easy on them before you expose them to full sunlight. On the other hand, succulents do love about six hours of sunlight per day on average. 

Don’t forget to rotate your succulents once in a while to make sure the opposite end is also getting enough sunlight. It’s just that usually, our plants tend to keep sitting in the same exact spot day after day, providing enough sunlight to only one side.

     2. Water Them Properly

Spring and summer are the seasons of growth for plants and that’s when they normally thrive. This is exactly also the time when they require more energy. In other words, this is the time when succulents drink up much more water. You may be able to get away without watering them all day during the fall and winter but during the summer? They’ll need to be watered daily — multiple times a day at times.

A rule of thumb is to test the top of the soil — if the first two inches are dry, you need to grab your watering can. While you’re at it, remember that overwatering is a thing. It can kill your succulents. You must wait for the soil to dry up a bit before you decide to water your plant. 

     3. Occasional Fertilization Is Good

While succulents don’t really rely on fertilizers to thrive, giving them a dose occasionally can yield good tidings. We advise giving them little feedings, especially during the summer and spring. Make sure to be gentle with them and don’t over-fertilize as that may cause them to grow quickly and become weak in the process. 

     4. Use the Right Pot

If you’re keeping your succulents outdoors, you’ll need a hole at the bottom of your planters for drainage. It’ll allow you to get rid of the moisture, allowing the roots and soil to dry easily and prevent rot. 

     5. Inspect Your Plant

Succulents are prone to pest threats, not just on the outside but also on the inside. You need to keep an eye open for mealy bugs, gnats, and other insects to ensure they’re free of them and thriving. More often than not, these insects are an indication that your succulent is overwatered or over-fertilized. Some of the bugs and insects can even lay eggs and damage your plants over time.

When you’re buying a succulent, make sure to check it thoroughly for any signs of damage. 

     6. Don’t Forget About Your Indoor Succulents

Lastly, make sure to take care of your indoor succulents in particular. Indoor planters don’t have a drainage hole, so you’ll need well-draining soil instead. It’ll be coarser and will promote better airflow, allowing evaporation to take care of the drainage part. You may also add pumice and perlite to improve aeration in your plants.

As long as you’re taking care of these six things, your plants will thrive happily and healthily.