Growing succulents is an excellent way to try your hand at gardening -- whether indoors or out -- or to expand your plant knowledge if you already have houseplants or a garden. They are one of the easiest plants to care for because of their thick, fleshy leaves that hold water but still have some basic needs.
Keep reading to learn some tips on how to care for your succulents, helping to ensure growing success!
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1. Repot plants
If you've bought your succulent from a nursery or garden center, chances are it came in a plastic pot. Transplant it into a similar sized, unglazed clay or terra cot pot. The soil in these pots will dry out more quickly, a trait that is beneficial for succulents.
2. Provide lots of sunlight
Originally from the desert, your succulent will do best in a hot, sunny window so that it can get as much sunlight as possible. During the shorter days of winter it may be necessary to supplement with growing lights. Succulents and Sunshine has great tips on how to choose the right type.
3. Fast draining soil
Succulents do not like to hang out with their roots damp. Use either a specifically formulated potting mix made for succulents or add sand, vermiculite, or perlite to normal potting soil to lighten in and make it drain quicker.
4. Don't overwater
Unlike other houseplants, succulents do best if they are slightly neglected in terms of watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely before giving your plant water.
5. Fertilize lightly
Most succulents will grow perfectly fine if you feed them early in their growing season (this is typically spring) and let them be the rest of the time. If you do choose to fertilizer again, do so at about half the recommended rate on the fertilizer label.
6. No overcrowding
To help maximize sun exposure when growing indoors, make sure to put plenty of space between plants. Grouping them too close together also reduces air circulation around the foliage, increasing the chance of fungal problems or disease.
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7. Green inside, colored outside
According to Apartment Therapy, green succulents do better indoors and colored ones outside. Brightly colored succulent plants need a tremendous amount of sunlight to maintain their bold colors. When they don't receive enough sun they will start to fade back to green. So if you are growing succulents inside it's best to stick to green varieties; if you are growing plant outdoors choose colored varieties.
