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How Do I... Care for Succulents?
While it's true that succulents are low-maintenance, they do require a degree of care to stay healthy – here's how
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and garden questions. Here, Angie Thomas, horticultural consultant to Yates, reveals how to keep your succulents thriving.
——-THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED ——–
COMMENT TO WIN!
We have four copies of Angie Thomas’ new book, Yates Top 50 Indoor Plants and How Not to Kill Them! (Harper Collins) worth $35 each to give away. To enter, simply answer this question in the Comments section in 25 words or less.
My dream indoor plant arrangement is…
Competition ends at 5pm AEDT Monday, 14 January 2019. Competition is open to Australian residents only. Click here for full terms and conditions.
——-THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED ——–
——-THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED ——–
COMMENT TO WIN!
We have four copies of Angie Thomas’ new book, Yates Top 50 Indoor Plants and How Not to Kill Them! (Harper Collins) worth $35 each to give away. To enter, simply answer this question in the Comments section in 25 words or less.
My dream indoor plant arrangement is…
Competition ends at 5pm AEDT Monday, 14 January 2019. Competition is open to Australian residents only. Click here for full terms and conditions.
——-THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED ——–
Succulents can be very easy to care for, as long as you grow them in the right location. Most can survive with minimal watering and feeding, yet tend to perform and look much better when fed and watered. Here’s what you need to know.
How much sun and shade do succulents need?
Although most succulents will tolerate full sun, they’ll often look better with half a day of morning sun and protection from the harsh afternoon sun that can burn their leaves. Most succulents are sun-lovers and do better outdoors, but some are suitable for indoors, too. Just be sure to choose a brightly lit spot. These include:
Although most succulents will tolerate full sun, they’ll often look better with half a day of morning sun and protection from the harsh afternoon sun that can burn their leaves. Most succulents are sun-lovers and do better outdoors, but some are suitable for indoors, too. Just be sure to choose a brightly lit spot. These include:
- Mother-in-law’s tongue (this plant will also tolerate quite a dimly lit room).
- Jade plant.
- Haworthia.
Can they survive without water?
Succulents do need the occasional watering, particularly if they’re potted and grown in a hot, exposed environment such as a balcony.
Water potted succulents once a week or fortnight in summer and once a month in winter. The best way to check whether or not a succulent needs watering is to gently dig around in the soil near the roots with your fingers and feel whether it’s dry and dusty (time to water) or moist (leave watering for a few more days).
How much water it needs will depend on the size of the plant, the pot material and where it’s positioned. For a succulent growing in a well-drained, 20- to 30-centimetre diameter pot, one to two cups of water every one or two weeks during the warmer months should be sufficient.
Succulents do need the occasional watering, particularly if they’re potted and grown in a hot, exposed environment such as a balcony.
Water potted succulents once a week or fortnight in summer and once a month in winter. The best way to check whether or not a succulent needs watering is to gently dig around in the soil near the roots with your fingers and feel whether it’s dry and dusty (time to water) or moist (leave watering for a few more days).
How much water it needs will depend on the size of the plant, the pot material and where it’s positioned. For a succulent growing in a well-drained, 20- to 30-centimetre diameter pot, one to two cups of water every one or two weeks during the warmer months should be sufficient.
Will they cope on my dry, windy balcony?
Yes, but if it’s incredibly windy I would recommend choosing a lower-growing succulent that won’t be knocked over. The dryness won’t be an issue as long as you water it every week or month, depending on the season.
Yes, but if it’s incredibly windy I would recommend choosing a lower-growing succulent that won’t be knocked over. The dryness won’t be an issue as long as you water it every week or month, depending on the season.
What else do I need to do to keep succulents healthy?
Apply a quality liquid fertiliser once a month between spring and autumn.
Apply a quality liquid fertiliser once a month between spring and autumn.
Shown here, echeveria
What are your favourite easy-to-care-for succulents?
Echeverias will also produce tiny new plants, called pups, around their base. You can carefully detach them and use them to grow more.
What are your favourite easy-to-care-for succulents?
- Echeveria: There are lots of different types of echeveria, which produce attractive compact rosettes of leaves in various colours including burgundy, grey, green and two-toned hues. They also flower, which is an added bonus.
Echeverias will also produce tiny new plants, called pups, around their base. You can carefully detach them and use them to grow more.
Shown here, zebra cactus
- Zebra cactus (Haworthia fasciata): This petite succulent only grows to around 10 centimetres tall and has interesting white, horizontal stripes on its leaves. It is a great choice for your office desk as it won’t take up too much room and will tolerate lower levels of light.
Shown here, jelly bean succulent
You can create more jelly bean plants by gently breaking off individual leaves and placing them on the top of some potting mix. They will develop a tiny new plant at the base of each leaf.
- Jelly bean succulents (Sedum rubrotinctum): This hardy succulent grows low and reasonably fast. It has lots of small, plump leaves that resemble jelly beans. These come in various colours, including shades of green, pink and red. Jelly bean succulents can also produce very pretty yellow flowers that bees love.
You can create more jelly bean plants by gently breaking off individual leaves and placing them on the top of some potting mix. They will develop a tiny new plant at the base of each leaf.
What are the telltale signs of trouble?
- Long, lanky growth: This usually means the plant is searching for more sunlight. Resolve the problem by moving it to a brighter spot.
- Yellow leaves: Most succulents hate wet feet. Succulents that are over-watered or grown in a spot that doesn’t have good drainage will exhibit yellow leaves and may start to rot. Fix this by watering less and ensuring that potted succulents have good drainage and do not sit in saucers of water.
Which types of pots are best?
- Styles with good drainage. Terracotta pots with drainage holes are great as they allow the movement of air and moisture.
- Pots should be filled with a quality potting mix for cacti and succulents.
- For the optimal growth and health of your succulents, check the moisture level in the potting mix regularly.
Tell us
Have you had success with succulents? Tell us about your experience in the Comments below, like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Need some garden ideas from a pro? Chat to a gardener or landscape contractor near you
Have you had success with succulents? Tell us about your experience in the Comments below, like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Need some garden ideas from a pro? Chat to a gardener or landscape contractor near you