How To Take Care Of Your Succulents

Watering

Only do watering when the soil in pots is completely dry. This is the most important in growing plants. Keep watering succulents too often can cause root rot.

Pouring water on the soil. Soak the soil thoroughly until the water reach the bottom and coming out the drainage hole. Keep checking the soil to have the best watering schedule.

In spring and summer, succulents thriving rapidly, so they will need more water for making new stems and leaves. If you are growing succulents in the places that are high in humidity, you may not need to do watering as the moisture in the air is good enough for your succulent to absorb.

Rainwater is the best for watering. In case of using tap water, wait for few days when the chlorine is evaporated (chlorine in tap water may cause root burning)

Drainage

Succulent roots need to dry out quickly before you water them as its root are very sensitive with moisture. Therefore, you need to give them a good drainage. Drainage holes can help your plant avoiding waterlogged.

You need at least one hole at bottom of the pot.

Lighting

Lighting is important to all plants in order to thrive.

In average, succulents need about 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The number will be 14 hours with indoor growing light.

Succulents in low light will grow taller than normal (the stem stretching with space between leaves) and will lose its colors.

Soil

Soil needs to be well-draining for growing succulents.

You can make your own by using Potting soil, Coarse sand and Perlite (ratio: 3 Potting soil: 3 Coarse: 1.5 Perlite), or you can just buy the soil mix for cacti & succulent in any garden store.

Do not use dirt from your backyard.

Temperature

Ideal temperature for succulents is 40-80F (4-26C).

In summer, not all succulents can handle intense heat from the sun, so try to find a shade for your succulents. In winter, if the temperature is lower than 40F (4C), bring your succulents to indoor to save them (don’t forget the watering and lighting theory)

Fertilizers

Fertilizers are food for plants. Fertilizers provide nutrient for succulents to develop root, stem, leaves and flowers. Using fertilizers when you want to give more care for your plants.

There are many fertilizers brands, and you can easily find them at garden stores or online market. You should read the instructions before use any fertilizers.

Bug

Indoor succulents sometimes will have mealy bugs. Mealy bugs like to eat your succulents.

You can use rubbing alcohol (isopropanol or isopropyl), although it is only very effective when it doesn’t contain additives. On the other hand, many gardeners claim that ethanol (grain alcohol) is more effective at killing insect pests.

PRO TIP: Make your own insecticidal spray by mixing equal parts of 70 percent strength alcoholand water. If you’re using 95 percent strength alcohol, mix 1 ½ parts water to 1 part alcohol. Always test on a leaf or two for up to 5 hours. If no leaf burn happens, repeat after a week until all insects are gone.

Source: www.yourindoorherbs.com

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