How to Grow Succulents: A Step-by-Step Guide

Succulents are popular for their striking appearance, vibrant colors, and low maintenance. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, growing succulents is rewarding and easy. At our online succulent store, we'll walk you through every step to ensure your succulents thrive. Follow this simple guide to growing succulents and create a stunning display for your home or garden.

Why choose succulents?

Succulents are drought-tolerant plants that store water in their thick leaves, stems, or roots, making them perfect for busy plant lovers or those in dry climates. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to create a unique arrangement that fits any style.

Before you begin, have the following supplies on hand:

Succulents:

Choose healthy, harmless succulents from our store, such as edelweiss, Sedum, or hawthorn.

Planters or Containers:

Of course, if your plants are planted in the ground, this information won't apply. Ideally, any container you choose to grow your succulents in should have drainage holes, but this is unnecessary. A drainage hole is a small hole in the bottom of the pot that allows excess water to drain out of the soil. This opening also allows oxygen to circulate freely through the soil, reducing drying time and improving root health.

Succulent Potting Soil Mixture:

Soil mixtures are key ingredients in growing beautiful and healthy succulents. Succulent soil mixtures are different from regular garden soil mixtures.

You can purchase soil mixtures for succulents and add some soil amendments (such as perlite or pumice).

You can also create your succulent potting mix by mixing organic matter (e.g., peat moss, coir fiber, compost) with inorganic matter (e.g., perlite, pumice, chicken sand, crushed granite).

Well-drained, loose, breathable soil is essential to prevent succulent root rot.

Small trowel or spoon:

Used for scooping, digging, moving or lifting soil, etc., to smoothly handle the plant base without injuring tender leaves. Meet your planting and transplanting needs.

Options:

Gravel, pebbles, moss, or other decorative toppers are optional but provide the perfect look and prevent soil from splashing onto the leaves when watering.

Step-by-step guide to growing succulents

Step 1: Prepare the pot and soil mixture.

Prepare the pot by placing a small mesh or coffee filter over the drainage hole to prevent soil from spilling while allowing water to drain.

Fill the pot 3/4 full with soil mix or homemade soil mix. If moving the succulent to a larger pot, make sure the pot is about 5cm wider than the diameter of the succulent. This will provide ample space for the succulents to grow and stabilize.

Step 2: Prepare the succulents to be planted.

Remove the succulent from the pot and gently loosen the roots. You can gently pivot the roots from the bottom to loosen and detach them from the soil. This step is like giving the roots a good stretch.

Stretching and elongating the roots will allow them to stabilize in a larger pot and adapt to the new soil. This is the perfect time to remove dead roots and pull out dead leaves around the base of the plant. Be sure to brush off any excess old soil as well!

Step 3: Planting Succulents

Dig a shallow hole in the new soil and place the succulent in it. Then, cover the roots with more potting soil and tamp to stabilize the plant.

Add enough soil to cover the plant's roots, but do not cover any leaves or allow them to rest on the soil's surface! Leave about a half inch of space below the pot's rim for watering.

This can lead to leaf rot as they absorb too much water from the soil.

Step 4: Water sparingly

After planting, wait 2-3 days before watering to allow the roots to settle and heal any minor damage. When ready, water gently until the soil is moist but not soggy. In the future, water only when the soil is arid - usually every 1-2 weeks, depending on the climate.

Step 5: Putting the finishing touches.

After the plant has stabilized, you can add decorative elements such as colorful stones, pebbles, or figurines to add some personal flair to your newly potted succulent. These accents not only add visual interest but also help stabilize the soil surface.

If you add something on top, ensure the material drains well so water can seep into the soil below!

Step6: Place in a suitable location

Succulents thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. A south- or west-facing windowsill is ideal for indoor succulents. Choose a partially shaded area to avoid strong midday sunlight if growing outdoors. Ensure air circulation to prevent fungal problems.

Tips for caring for healthy succulents

Watering

Overwatering is the leading cause of succulent death. Always check that the soil is dry before watering again.

Temperature and Humidity

Light Most succulents need 6 hours of sunlight per day. If succulents begin to stretch (wilt), move them to a place with more light.

Temperature Succulents prefer temperatures of 60-80°F (15-27°C). If planted outdoors, they should be protected from frost.

Average indoor humidity is ideal for succulents, but avoid more humid environments such as bathrooms.

Fertilizing

Apply a diluted low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) sparingly once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Succulents grow most vigorously in spring and summer.

Growth slows in the fall, and winter is a time of rest and recuperation. During the winter, fertilizer may be applied sparingly or not at all. During the warmer months, fertilize 3-4 times.

Standard houseplant fertilizers can be used, but remember that these plants can easily be over-fertilized. Generally, the fertilizer should be moderate or about half the amount applied to regular houseplants.

Check regularly for pests.

Succulents may be hardy, but they still need your careful attention. Check them regularly for aphids, red spiders, and mealybugs, which can use your precious plants as food.

Aphids are usually the least aggressive pests and can be blown off with a high-pressure hose - it may take a few weeks of repeated blowing to get rid of them completely. Red spiders and mealybugs, on the other hand, can quickly wreak havoc.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using pots that don't drain: If they don't, too much water can lead to root rot.

Overwatering: stick to the "soak and dry" method to mimic their natural environment in the desert.

Overcrowded plants give each succulent enough room to grow and plenty of light.

Get creative with your succulents.

Succulents are very versatile. For a modern look, try planting them in unique containers such as teacups, driftwood, or vertical wall planters. Planting a mix of different varieties of succulents can create striking textures and color contrasts. Visit our online store for inspiration and a great selection of succulents to start your collection.

Growing succulents is fun and rewarding. You'll soon have a thriving succulent garden with the right materials and a little care. Browse our hand-picked selection of succulents and supplies in our online store, and let us help you realize your dreams. Happy planting.