How to grow succulents
In a nutshell, a succulent is a plant capable of withstanding long periods of drought. Succulents survive these tough conditions by storing moisture in their leaves and stems. You can grow succulents in garden beds or pots, and they’re ultra low-maintenance. So, here’s what you need to know for growing success.
What soil?
In your garden beds, you’ll achieve best results from your succulents when they’re planted in free-draining soil. For containers, buy a specially prepared potting mix, often sold as succulent and cacti mix. The inclusion of gritty sand in the potting mix or garden beds is essential, as succulents won’t tolerate wet feet and will rot quickly without it.
Feed me!
A good feed of nutrients during the growing and flowering seasons will be appreciated! You can buy this in granular form, or as a soluble powder to be added to your watering can. General-purpose fertilisers containing nitrogen and potash, as well as trace elements such as iron, magnesium, manganese, boron and copper, are suitable.
Go potty
If planting your selection of succulents in containers, almost any pot, tub or trough will do the trick! Just make sure you allow enough room to cater for the roots of the plants, and for sufficient drainage. Repotting is only ever required when the roots start to burst out the base of the pot or become obvious on the surface of the soil. This is a job best done in spring.
Light, sun, action…
Almost all succulents thrive in full-sun hot spots or in bright light. Again, check the plant label for best growing conditions or aim to replicate the area from where the healthy-looking cutting was taken.
This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens.
