So you bought a succulent garden from us, NOW WHAT? Firstly, what is a succulent? They are basically a cacti and have cacti like feelings. Succulents hold water in their leaves, stems or roots giving them that thick, fleshy look. Here are 5 tips for you to grow succulents and NOT a graveyard.
WATERING:
Succulents generally need less water than most house plants. Water your succulents once a month in the winter and once a week during the other seasons. This is just a good starting point, you need to pay close attention to your succulents. If they are looking crusty after say day five, or still moist after day nine then adjust your watering schedule accordingly. The number one killer of succulents is over watering. The soil should completely dry out between waterings. If your leaves become too soft, or are rotting right off, you are watering too much. Stop it. Also, they prefer rain water or distilled water at room temperature. Cold water can shock their roots causing them to hate you and die.
LIGHT:
Succulents enjoy bright, indirect sunlight. They are not looking for a jersey shore tan. If your plant is turning light green and begins to grow tall and towards the light then place plant in a brighter spot. If it turns brown or looks sunburnt, guess what? It needs more shade. Succulents when happy and thriving will 'blush' and turn redish. True story.
TEMPERATURE:
Even though they technically are from the desert they actually are quite cold tolerant ( as low as 4 degrees).. They prefer t-shirt weather, about 20-25 degrees. Succulents are smart, they sleep all winter so don't expect a growth spurt.
SOIL:
Do not use regular potting soil. It is far too moist, succulents require cacti soil (dryer soil). Also, your finishing touches make a difference as well. Decorative moss on the top to hide the soil is too moist and could rot your succulents socks right off. I find rocks or sand work much better.
FERTILIZER:
Too much fertilizer can kill your succulent! Use a low nitrogen fertilizer at about 1/2 to 1/4 the recommended amount. It's not completely necessary for you to even use fertilizer really, I just ran out of tips and 5 is a better number than 4.
Ok , that's your basic guide to succulents! Good luck!
