Everything You Need to Know About Succulents

I have a succulent addiction.  They are easily one of my favorite plants–indoor and out {though, for the past several years, I have only planted them outdoors}.  You can create living succulent walls, for an instant in-your-face wall of green, or terrariums for effortless indoor awesomeness.  I like to mix them into my outdoor landscaping.

However you choose to display them, they are pretty basic to care for.  Just like all plants, with the right water, light and temperature,  you can have a succulent garden that will make even the HOA jealous.

Succulents need consistent water in the warmer months.  Don’t leave them soggy–allow them to dry out completely between waterings.  You will have to check the soil regularly in the summer months {just stick your finger down into the dirt, if it is dry up to the first knuckle, go ahead and water it.  Very scientific, I know.}  If you are growing succulents indoors, in the winter, they will kind of go dormant {though, they will still be green}.  Cut your watering waaaay back to once a month or so.

Succulents don’t love direct HOT sunlight.  In the summer months, they will need dappled light, or a little afternoon shade.  Don’t get me wrong, they still need plenty of sunlight–just make sure they don’t get over-heated…kind of like children, only less needy.

If you only grow your succulents indoors, then don’t worry about fluctuating temperatures.  Your indoor temperature swings aren’t going to be enough to make them angry.  If you are growing them outdoors, make sure to wait and plant them when nighttime temperatures don’t get below 50.  They don’t particularly like being cold.  As a rule of thumb, they will start to get stressed when temperatures get above 85, but they can still live through it.

If you are planting your succulents in the house, make sure to buy a potting soil specifically for cactus or succulents.  It will have a sand mixed in, which provides the drainage they like.  If you are planting them outdoors, I recommend mixing in a perlite with your soil or potting soil to ensure proper drainage.

If you decide to plant your succulents outdoors, remember, you can always dig them up and transfer them to pots inside for the winter.  That way, you get the best of both worlds {and you only have to make a one-time investment}.

Do you plant succulents?  Are they indoors our outdoors?

~Mavis