Caring for succulents can be a rewarding experience. Succulents are a type of plant that are incredibly easy to care for and can make a great addition to any home. While they may not require a lot of attention, here are some important steps you should take to ensure that your succulents remain healthy and beautiful.
Light & Position
When selecting a position for a succulent, there are several factors to consider, such as light exposure, temperature, and humidity when deciding where the best placement would be for a succulent houseplant.
The first factor to consider is light exposure. To keep succulent houseplants looking their best, they should be placed near to a window that offers plenty of indirect sunlight, such as an east-facing window. If there is not a lot of sunlight available, either grow lights or a fluorescent fixture should be used to provide the succulent plant with enough light for proper growth. Additionally, succulents that are placed in windowsills can be at risk of scorching in direct sunlight, so ensure that the plants have adequate shade when necessary. Succulents can often benefit by having their pot turned every week or so. This allows an even spread of light for the plant and prevent stretching. The second factor to consider is temperature. Succulents generally like warm, dry conditions and do best when placed in a spot that’s around the 15 to 25 degrees Celsius range. Heat is especially important for newly-planted succulents, as this will help them to adjust more quickly to their environments. It is also important to be mindful of cold temperatures, frost can sometimes damage tender succulents such as echeveria, however sempervivms are generally hardier and can withstand most winters in the UK. The third factor to consider is humidity. Succulents do not generally require high levels of humidity, as they tend to prefer arid or semi-arid conditions. However, in extremely dry spaces, like air-conditioned rooms or winter months, monthly misting with a spray bottle can be beneficial to succulents. Overall, ensure that the position you choose for your succulents offers enough light, warmth, and humidity in order to thrive. A window with ample amounts of indirect sunlight is best for providing, temperatures that are around the 15 to 25 degrees Celsius range, and humidity levels should be moderated. By following these tips and providing your succulent houseplant with the necessary care, you should be able to reap the benefits of a healthy and thriving succulents and sempervivums! In Summary: • Bright indirect sunlight is best • Succulents thrive at 15 to 25 degrees Celsius range • Generally require low levels of humidity
Watering
When it comes to watering succulent houseplants, there are certain tips and guidelines to help ensure you’re providing your plants with the correct amount of water. Succulents have become increasingly popular due to their low-maintenance nature, but the rules for watering and caring for these plants still need to be followed to keep them healthy and thriving!
The first important tip for watering succulent houseplants is to allow the soil to dry out before watering. When the soil dries, it means the water has been effectively absorbed and that it’s time for the next watering. To determine if the soil needs to be watered, you can check it by touching it or lightly digging down an cm or two. If the soil is still moist, then you don’t need to water again just yet. If the soil is dry, then it’s time to give the plant a little water.
If possible, when you do decide to water, make sure it is at the right time of day. For succulent plants, the best time of day to water is in the morning. This allows the water to dry out during the day to prevent mildew or mould and gives the plant a chance to drink up the water it needs for the day. For particularly hot days, it may be necessary to water in the evening, but this should be done sparingly.
The next important factor when it comes to watering succulent houseplants is to water with the appropriate amount. This can be done by submerging the pot in a bucket of water (if the plant pot has a drainage hole) until the roots are just below the surface of the water before lifting the pot out. This allows the water to soak into the roots and prevents any oversaturation. Once the water has been absorbed, make sure to discard the excess. It’s also important to not leave the pot in a pool of water, as this could lead to rot or root issues.
Remember! Our glass jar favours don't usually require much water as it is an enclosed pot, meaning more moisture will be retained. These containers are best watered from the top with a hand held spray or slow dripping tap to prevent waterlogging.
Finally, the best way to tell when a succulent plant needs water is to look at its leaves. If the leaves appear thick and plump, then the plant has enough water. If the leaves are beginning to wrinkle and look shrivelled, then it’s time to give the plant some water.
In conclusion, following these simple tips and guidelines when it comes to watering your succulent houseplants will help keep them thriving and healthy. Remember, Sempervivum means 'always alive' in Latin which is reference to how tolerate they are to extreme temperatures and drought. If ever in doubt its better to underwater than overwater!
In Summary:
• Check how the soil feels
• Water in the morning if possible
• How do the leaves look?
• Ever in doubt, less is best!
Pests & Diseases
Succulents are some of the most resilient plants around. As a result, these plants can be incredibly easy to care for; but just like any other living thing, succulents are prone to pests and diseases. If you’re the proud owner of a succulent garden and have noticed some pests or diseases, don’t worry; here are some simple steps that you can take to deal with succulent pests and diseases and keep your beloved plants looking beautiful.
The first step is to properly identify the pest or disease. This is the best way to ensure that the proper treatment is used. Common succulent pests include mealybugs, aphids, scales, snails, slugs and more. Diseases such as root rot, leaf spot, powdery mildew and stem rot are also common in succulents. Be sure to carefully check the succulent plants and make a note of the pest or disease so that the right course of action can be taken.
The next step is to eliminate any pests that have been identified. Mealybugs, aphids, snails and slugs can all be easily removed by hand. Simply pick the affected parts of the plant and dispose of them to stop the spread of the infestation. Additionally, if pests persist especially mealybugs, lightly spraying with a solution of 70% rubbing alcohol 30% water can also help eliminate pests.
If the problem is identified as a disease, making sure the succulent plant has proper drainage is essential. Too much water can cause root rot and other fungi to form, so make sure to use a gritty potting mix and allow the soil to completely dry. If needed the succulent can be taken out of the pot, to prevent any more rotting whilst the soil dries. Additionally, cutting away any wilted leaves or parts of the plant and disposing of them is a great way to prevent the spread of disease and help keep the succulent healthy.
Finally, preventing pests and diseases in the first place is the best way to deal with them. When keeping succulents indoors, be sure to give them the correct growing conditions and check regularly for signs of pests and diseases to keep your beloved plants in great condition. To keep your succulents looking tidy simply remove any dying leaves as they appear from the base of the plant. This can be done by pulling them away either by hand or with tweezers if you prefer.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully deal with succulent pests and diseases and keep your succulents looking lush!
In Summary:
· Succulents are generally tough but sometimes get pests
· Most bugs can be removed by hand
· The right care, is best for prevention!
Soil for Succulents & Sempervivums
Soil can make or break a succulent houseplant’s health and beauty. Selecting the right soil is essential if you want to keep your succulent thriving.
Succulents are essentially desert plants, so they need soil that’s not over-saturated with moisture. A well-draining soil is the ideal environment for succulents. It should be light, airy, and hold a small amount of water without becoming soggy. This can be accomplished by mixing together a soil-based potting mix with sand, perlite, or a combination.
To create the perfect succulent soil blend, start by purchasing a peat free compost, ideally without fertiliser, as succulents prefer low nutrient soils. Then, mix in sand or grit to improve the soil’s drainage and break up any small clumps that may be present in the potting mix. Finally, add a handful of perlite to lighten the texture and increase drainage. The aim is a gritty, free-draining mix about 50% soil and 50% sand or perlite.
When the soil is thoroughly mixed, it’s ready for your succulent. If possible, use a pot with a drainage whole to make sure the container allows excess water to drip away. If not make sure to add extra grit to the mix and include a layer of stones at the base to allow some water to soak away.
Overall, create a soil mix that has great drainage, succulents are always better on the dry side. If you don’t fancy making your own soil mix, we succulent mixes available in our shop, 100% plastic free! With the right soil and healthy dose of care, your succulents are sure to thrive!
In Summary:
· Succulent love free draining soils
· Use a peat compost and plenty of grit
· Include stones at the base, as a soakaway
I enclose a care sheet with every order and if you have any other questions, feel free to message us!
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