Succulent Plant Care – How To Care For Your Succulents
Succulent Plant Care – How To Care For Your Succulents

There are a number of different things you need to be mindful of in order to maintain the health and happiness of your succulents. Overwatering, repotting, and placing your succulents in an area with a lot of direct and indirect light are a few ways you might accomplish this. You can also keep an eye out for symptoms of stress in your plants.


Low-light succulents

Succulents that require little maintenance can grow in low light conditions. They do, however, need a well draining potting mix and indirect light. Some succulents can function equally as well in dim light as they can in full sun. There are several options available.

This low-light succulent, known as the String of Pearls, can withstand a range of light intensities. It has narrow stems and tiny, rounded leaves.

This succulent also referred to as mother-in-tongue, law's is simple to maintain. It may be able to tolerate some direct sunshine, depending on the species.

Burro's Tail: This succulent has a protracted trailing shape and requires low light. It can withstand drought and thrives in a window. The leaves that are hanging have a delicate feel.

Jade Plant: This houseplant is well-liked as a gift. It is said to bring luck.

Echeverias are another excellent choice for low light. Their leaves have a wide range of colors and forms. They can grow to a height of two feet and thrive in a variety of soil types.

Hoyas: Hoyas require little maintenance. They thrive in a peat or pine bark potting medium and replicate the epiphytic habit. Their roots may decay if you water them too frequently.

Another low light succulent you may keep indoors is the mistletoe cactus. They are South American natives. Their thick leaves contain tiny white dots and no needles.

Some plants may perform better in low light if they have darker foliage. More chloroplasts are often found in the leaves. They will receive the exposure they require if you keep them next to a window.

More low-light succulents can be found in our easy-care plant guide.
Location of direct and indirect lighting

Succulents need a site with adequate direct to indirect light ratios in order to thrive. Plants and their offspring can burn in direct sunlight. The advantages of sunlight are provided by indirect light, but without the burns.

Most rooms with windows have indirect lighting. Plants, for instance, will benefit from bright indirect light if they are placed in front of a bright window. The window itself, gauzy drapes, or window film may offer the indirect lighting.

Your plants will receive strong indirect light that is filtered by their leaves rather than direct sunlight. It's a brilliant approach that's frequently utilized to give your houseplants the best illumination possible.

There are a few ways to figure out how much light your plants are getting, including using a light meter. These are affordable and simple to use. The meter will be able to inform you whether your plants are getting even the smallest amount of sunshine.

Costs for light meters range from $20 to $30. More science-based than others are some of them. Prior to making a purchase, you should ascertain which one you will require.

Near a window is one of the greatest places for succulents to receive indirect light. The majority of plants favor direct, strong light. This is so that they can build a defense against burns.

Artificial lights are another source of indirect light. The precise effects of direct light, however, cannot be replicated. You still need to provide your plants with enough light.

Some plants, like ferns, can survive with just mild, indirect light. Others, like snake plants, need the most direct light that is possible.

Succulents will experience a healthy growth cycle if they are planted in an area with direct to indirect light.


Overwatering

Overwatering succulents is one of the most frequent mistakes people make. This can be quite damaging to your plant and there are a number of reasons why it occurs. The main issue is that the roots become very damp. This ailment can cause rotting and other issues if left untreated. Overwatering is fortunately not as difficult as it may seem, and if you know how to recognize the symptoms, you can rescue your plant.

You must initially look for the plant's telltale signs of dehydration. Gradually, the water will start to drain from it. Additionally, the leaves will be dry and shriveled. Fortunately, the majority of leaves will eventually return to being green and healthy.

Second, check for any indications of root rot on your succulent. Fungus grows in too saturated soil and causes rotting roots. When you do, you can carefully lift the succulent to look at the roots.

Finally, you'll need to perform the necessary upkeep. Although succulents don't need much care, you should keep them trimmed and hydrated. You might want to think about adding some fertilizer to your plant to help it grow.

Make sure you get the right quantity of light while you're at it. Ideal is a window with sunlight.

However, without a source of water, your succulent won't survive over the long haul. You can try it even if you don't have access to natural water by buying one of the many watering cans on the market.

The best approach for a succulent plant is to follow a straightforward watering routine. Use the proper potting mixture, and keep the soil from being too damp.
Stress indicators in succulents

You can find symptoms of stress in succulents if you look attentively. Your succulents may require further care if they are droopy, shriveled, or under-watered. Since succulents are simple to maintain, it's crucial to be aware of the typical indications of stress so you can act appropriately to alleviate the problem.

Numerous things, such as overwatering, a change in light or temperature, or pests, can induce stress. While you can complete all of these tasks at once, it's a good idea to acclimate your succulents to the new environment gradually.

Stresses can alter a plant's color as well as its appearance. The leaves may start out faintly yellow, but they might eventually turn green or crimson. This is a typical environment adjustment. A succulent's color usually changes more the more sunlight it receives.

Rot is another sign of stress. If a piece of your succulent is rotting, you should clip it off and replant the section. While some of the decaying plants will eventually recover, others will keep rotting.

If succulents are overwatered, some of them will wilt and lose their leaves. Wait until the soil has dried out before watering your succulents again if you have overwatered them.

If you observe that some succulents are beginning to shrink, you should try cooling the succulent's tip. Try re-potting the succulent as well.

Depending on the sort of succulent you are growing, it may be ideal to gradually switch it to the desired light while allowing it to recover. The majority of sedums and crassulas will stress beautifully. However, it can be difficult for aloes and agaves to recover from cold weather.


Repotting

Repotting succulents is essential because it provides them with new soil and promotes extended life. Any pot will work for repotting succulents, and the procedure is simple. To do it properly, you must, however, make sure you take the proper procedures.

You must first inspect your plant for indications of root rot. If you have overwatered it, this may have happened. If you do, it is advised that you give your succulents a few of weeks off.

As an alternative, consider trying to remove a sizable portion of the plant. If so, you might also need to get rid of the roots.

Once the succulent has been removed, you should select a pot that is 10% bigger than the one it arrived in. Additionally, the new pot needs to have an excellent drainage hole. A mesh pad should be used to cover the opening as well.

The following step is to add a layer of dirt to the bottom of your selected pot. Use a soil mix that is permeable. A nice option for this is to use chicken grit.

The drainage hole should then have a layer of rock chips added to it. These assist in preventing the earth from filling the hole.

The last step is to put your succulent in the new pot. You can either do this by shaking or tilting your plant sideways, depending on its size.

The soil must be checked for dryness last. Additionally, you don't want to overwater it during repotting. In actuality, overwatering your succulent might result in root rot.

These pointers ought to have made it easier for you to begin repotting your succulents. You will discover that the process is straightforward and satisfying whether you want to handle it yourself or hire a professional.