How to Keep Succulents and Care for Them to Ensure They Thrive

Succulents

In recent years, succulents have grown in popularity rapidly, starting from the early 2000s. They’ve become a mainstay in interiors and home gardens ever since, and that’s perfectly understandable given how low-maintenance in nature they are and how affordable it is to purchase them. So, succulents became trendy among young people and are now widely regarded as a great plant for beginners and great for home decor.

Succulents Are Durable Plants That Can Withstand a Lot

Allowing succulents to dry up and die does happen to some people, but fortunately, these plants are generally easy to care for and have very few specific requirements that have to be met. Here are some of the fundamentals of succulent care that’ll allow enthusiasts to keep the plants healthy and plump:

Succulents Need Plenty of Light But Are Also Rather Forgiving

Succulents getting light near the window Succulents are a rather diverse group of plants that have thick, fleshy leaves and water-storing stems. Most of them are native to hot, arid climates but can be grown almost anywhere. They crave a good amount of UV rays, meaning more than six hours of sunlight, so they should be placed in a window facing south or west. The right amount of light can vary depending on the type of succulents, but as a general rule, succulents can handle more shade in hotter, dryer climates and benefit from more sun in cooler climates. Apparently, succulents that grow in low-light conditions sometimes flatten and stretch to get more sun. So, if a succulent is leaning toward the sun, rotating it each month should help it stand up straight.

Proper Soil and the Right Fertilizer Will Boost All Succulents

A person planting succulents in soil Succulents like well-draining, porous soil that has a loose and grainy texture. This ensures that they won’t be sitting in water for extended periods. If the soil is not draining well, the watering should be done less regularly to keep the plants from getting root rot or completely drying out. The best way to achieve that is to allow the soil to dry sufficiently before watering again. Also, the soil can use certain fertilizers, but that’s not necessary. Most succulents obtain all the nutrients they need from regular soil. Periodic fertilizing could be helpful if the plant is actively growing.

Water, Temperature, and Humidity Should All Be Monitored

Succulents are low-maintenance because they need almost no water. The frequency of watering depends on the species and growing conditions, but the soil should be left to dry out completely in between, meaning it should be bone-dry and crumbly. When it comes to the temperature, warm with lower humidity is the preferred choice in general. Because succulents have adapted to desert extremes, they can handle both hot and cold conditions.

Watering Succulents There are several most common types of succulents, including Cactaceae, aloe, agave, and echeveria. Succulents and cacti are often considered different plants, but that’s wrong because all cacti are succulents. However, not all succulents are cacti. Aloe plants, which are native to Madagascar, the Arabian peninsula, and Africa, are not cacti. They’re known for producing the famous skin-soothing gel, but only a few of over 300 species have the medicinal properties to make it. Agave plants look a lot like aloe but are larger, spinier, and bloom only once in their lifetime. Echeveria plants are rose-shaped with thick, waxy leaves found in Mexico, Central America, and South America and are often propagated for their colorful flowers and leaves.