Succulents are generally easy to take care of. These types of plants are low-maintenance versatile plants. Whether you’re a beginner at gardening or an experienced grower with a green thumb, you are going to enjoy growing a few of these in your garden or inside your house. In fact, if you’re planning to take it to the next level and start your own business, then you would definitely to learn a lot about its care so you can sell to your customers with confidence.
First Things First: Pest Control
One of the main concerns in considering succulents is pests. Succulents are as susceptible to pests as other ornamentals. Most insect sprays and portable 12-volt spray units are safe to use on succulents, but you should still know which option works best.
For one, diluting chemical sprays per the manufacturer’s recommendation can help make the insecticide less toxic to your plants. Diluted sprays such as acephate, pyrethroids, dinotefuran, and dimethoate can protect your plants for a short time. In addition, inspecting your plants thoroughly before buying them is a good pest prevention practice. Keep them properly fertilized and watered because healthier plants have stronger chances against garden pests. Other options include organic insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caring for Indoor Succulents
- Place your plant in a pot that drains. Succulents are used to warm temperatures and little moisture. Wet soil is not something they will thrive in. Overwatering or overexposure to moisture can lead to your plant’s withering and eventual death. A pot that drains well prevents overwatering from occurring.
- Use only succulent soil or soil that drains very well. Soil that drains water well also prevents overwatering.
- Give it plenty of sunlight. Succulents enjoy getting plenty of sunlight. Make sure to give them at least half a day’s worth of sunlight exposure.
- Water properly and not frequently. Overwatering kills them. Just misting them leaves them dry. Water them heavily at least once a week to keep them hydrated.
- Keep the temperature warm. They thrive in 70 to 80 degree-temperatures during summer and 50 to 60 during winter.
Caring for Outdoor Succulents
- Pick a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. An area where there’s plenty of natural sunlight is ideal for your succulents.
- Make sure you have the right kind of soil. If for some reason, the soil doesn’t drain well, you may reinforce it with sand and gravel to bring drainage capability up.
- If there is a need to water, always water the plant at the base to prevent leaves from drying up. Water the plant until the soil is moist. Wait for the soil to dry up before the next watering.
- Take them indoors during cold climates. These plants come from hot and dry climates. Take them indoors because they do not fare well in the cold.
Growing a Succulent
If you plan to propagate your succulents, follow these steps:
- Remove a leaf below the main flowering stem.
- Let the leaf dry in a dry area.
- Plant the leaf when it becomes calloused.
- Put the right soil in a container that has good drainage.
- Place the plant on top of the soil.
- Water the plant carefully, about once a week.
- Remove the parent leaf as the roots appear.
- The plant will then take root giving you a new succulent.
Regardless of where you place them, whether indoor or outdoor, having succulents around the house will surely add a touch of coziness and warmth to your (or your customer’s) abode. Happy gardening!
