Caring for Succulents
10 Expert Tips for Caring for Your Succulent
Whether you're new to succulents or a seasoned plant lover, we can all learn how to better care for these little houseplants. We'll share the best care tips to help your succulents grow and thrive.
1. Watering succulents
It’s best to water the mini plants thoroughly all at once. In their natural habitat, they often get drenched during heavy downpours. Afterward, make sure no water remains in the pot, as this is bad for the roots. Then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. This is about once a month during the summer and once every two months during the winter. Just like with all other plants, rainwater is recommended over tap water for cacti and succulents. Tap water contains too much lime, which is not good for the plant’s health. Also, always make sure the water is at room temperature. During the summer months, the plant requires more water than during its winter dormancy. Keep in mind that if the plant is near a heater, it can dry out more quickly.
2. Location
Although these plants aren’t particularly picky about where they’re placed, they thrive best in a bright spot, such as a windowsill. Their natural habitat also typically gets plenty of sunlight each day. But don’t leave them in direct sunlight behind a window all day long. Just like other plants, these can get sunburned.
3. Fertilization
Succulents also benefit from a little extra fertilizer every now and then. Special fertilizer has been developed specifically for these plants. Adding a capful of fertilizer to the water every now and then works wonders for these little plants!
4. Nutrition
Succulents aren’t exactly fast-growing plants, but fresh soil does them a world of good. Be sure to always use soil that’s specially formulated for cacti and succulents. Right after repotting, the plant doesn’t need any extra fertilizer. For the first few weeks, it will get all the nutrients it needs from the new soil. The best time to repot a succulent is in the spring (March/April). Choose a pot that is just slightly larger than the current one. Never repot a succulent while it is in bloom.
5. Not enough water
Although succulents have a reputation for needing very little water, that’s not entirely true. In the summer—the growing season for succulents—these plants do need to be watered regularly. Water them once a week, preferably with rainwater. Be sure to let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
6. Too much water
If succulents are overwatered, root rot can develop. If in doubt, always water them less than you might initially think. A handy trick is to submerge the plant in its inner pot and then let it drain thoroughly, ensuring no water remains in the pot. Afterward, make sure the soil is completely dry before watering again.
7. Too many plants in a pot that’s too small
Since this plant lives off the air, it’s important that it gets plenty of fresh air (adequate ventilation). So make sure you don’t place the plants in a closed ecosystem.
8. Make sure you have the right soil
Mini Succulent Giveaway 20
• Small thank-you gifts: 20 mini succulents
• Ceramic pots Ø6cm ↥approx. 10cm
• Personalized cards Ø65mm
Succulents require a different potting mix than “regular” houseplants. Succulents are native to climates with poor, well-draining soil. Regular potting mix is therefore not suitable for succulents. Always plant them in a special cactus and succulent mix.
9. A location that is too dark
Succulents love sunlight. In their natural habitat, they’re always found in sunny spots. If they’re kept indoors in a spot that’s too dark, you’ll notice it in their growth pattern. The succulents will then start to form long, thin shoots reaching toward the light. If this happens, move the plant to a brighter spot.
10. Propagating succulents
Here’s how to propagate succulents: Always use a clean knife when propagating succulents. You can propagate a succulent using just a single leaf. The leaf can be easily removed from the mother plant by gently twisting it off or cutting it. To start with a slightly larger plant, you can also cut off a piece of stem with a clean knife. Let the cut dry before placing it back in the soil. Then plant the cutting in new soil, specially formulated for cacti and succulents. Do not place the pot in direct sunlight, but do place it in a bright spot. Do not water the new plant until the cutting has rooted.
Some succulents, such as aloe vera, cannot be propagated this way. These plants naturally produce small offshoots next to the mother plant. These can be planted separately in a pot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Succulents
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Succulents love light. Lots of light. In their natural habitats, they can get up to 12 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Succulents require very little water. Watering them once a month is sufficient. In the summer, it is advisable to water them once every two weeks. Since succulents are naturally accustomed to dry conditions, frequent watering is unnecessary.
Cacti and succulents need very little water: water them occasionally in the summer, and let the soil dry out almost completely in between. In the winter, you only need to water them a little every 4 weeks. Check on them regularly.
Succulents need very little water: give them a good soaking every now and then in the summer, and then let the soil dry out almost completely. In the winter, it’s enough to water them a little every 4 weeks. Check on them regularly.