Succulent Plant Care: 5 Things You Need To Do ASAP
What’s not to love about succulents? These hardy, drought-tolerant plants make it easy to create a beautiful oasis inside your home. Plus, most don’t need much maintenance, making them a great option for beginners. While they are low-maintenance, they still require a few basics to ensure they thrive.
In this post, we’ll share five tips for succulent plant care so they can live their longest and healthiest lives. We’ll cover the basics like soil, light, and water, as well as more advanced tips like fertilizer and pest control. Read on to find out what you need to know to make sure your succulents stay healthy and happy.
Soil Maintenance
The soil you use for your succulent pots will also play an important role in the plant’s health and overall longevity. Succulents require well-draining soil that is slightly acidic or neutral in pH. Sand, gravel, and perlite are all great additions to potting mixes for succulents as they help improve drainage further.
Fertilizer
To make sure your succulents stay healthy and vibrant, it is important to feed them periodically with fertilizer. It is best to use a balanced fertilizer that has both macro and micronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A good-quality fertilizer will ensure that your plant receives more balanced nutrition.
Watering Needs
Succulents typically do not need to be watered often and should only be watered once a week. Succulents are very susceptible to overwatering and need just enough water to get by without sogginess or rot setting in. Before watering again, wait until the soil has completely dried out from the previous watering session, as this will give you an indication of how frequently you need to water your plants. Be aware that this frequency may change depending on seasonality or your climate’s temperature and humidity levels.
When watering your succulent, make sure to use enough water so that some of it runs out of the drainage holes in the pot. This will ensure that the plant is receiving enough moisture. Always use room temperature water when watering your succulent. Chlorinated tap water can harm the plant if used too often, so try to use distilled or rainwater whenever possible.
Sunlight Exposure
Succulents need direct sunlight for at least four hours a day during the summer months and at least three hours a day during the winter months. For best results, give your succulents as much sunlight as possible without burning them. Place them near windows or outdoors with filtered sunlight exposure to obtain maximum light.
Temperature Management
Different types of succulents have different temperature requirements based on their native habitats and climate preferences, so it’s important to research these before deciding on a particular variety for your garden or home. In general, most succulents are happiest at room temperature.
Keep temperatures consistent by avoiding drastic changes, as this can cause stress on the plants and reduce their longevity. Cold drafts should be avoided, as they can cause damage. It’s important to make sure your succulent isn’t subjected to extremely high temperatures, as this can kill the plant quickly due to dehydration and heat stress.
Conclusion
Succulent plants are one of the most popular houseplants for beginners and green thumbs alike. They are relatively low-maintenance, but it’s still important to properly care for them to ensure they thrive. To do so, you need to pay attention to a few essential things. With a little bit of effort and attention, your succulents can survive and even thrive in your home. Just remember to be mindful, and your succulents will thank you for it.