Succulents have become very popular recently, and many people are clamoring to buy them. But many don’t know how to properly care for them. Just like any other plants, succulents require the right care to thrive and grow. But what is a succulent? A succulent is a water-storing plant, usually with thick and fleshy leaves. Succulents aren’t like other plants, and if you try to care for them like you would care for other plants, the succulent will most likely start to die.
The first step in taking care of a succulent is finding the right type of soil and pot to plant your new friend in. The best pots for succulents are terracotta or ceramic, because these materials are breathable, allowing for water drainage and air circulation. If you can’t find a ceramic or terracotta pot, don’t worry: a pot with reasonably sized holes in the bottom will do.
Next up is soil. Depending on where you plan to grow your succulent, different types of soil are better than others. For indoor plants, the best soil to use consists of one part pine bark fines, one part turface (an absorptive rock), and one part crushed granite. For outdoor succulents, use a mixture of one part coconut coir (the crushed husk of a coconut), and one part pumice. If this isn’t attainable for you, you can also use a mixture of potting soil and coarse sand in a one to one ratio.
The final step in taking care of your succulents is watering. Succulents can’t take too much water at a time or else their roots will absorb too much water and rot. This is the reason your pot and soil have to be good at draining water. The best way to water your succulents is with the “soak and dry” method. Completely soak your succulent and then wait for the soil to completely dry out before watering again. When watering, try and water the soil around the succulent, and not on the top of the succulent. There isn’t a set timeline for watering, but you should water at least once every two weeks. If you’re not sure if you should water your succulent, it is better to hold off on watering until you’re sure the plant needs watering because if you over water it, you’ll find that your succulent will start to rot and die.
The last thing to do in your succulent journey is display your thriving succulents around your house and garden!
Written By ~ Alice
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