Succulent Plant 101

If you like a plant that has an interesting shape or great color. And... No time to fuss over prissy plants. Congratulation! Just like me, Succulent Plant may be the best choice for you. Here are a few of the plants I'm growing in the Missouri US and tips on how to grow and care for succulent plants.

What is a Succulent Plant?

Succulent (Latin: succos = juice, sap) plants from more than 60 families and 300 genera have evolved special water-storage tissues in thickened or swollen leaves, stems or roots as an adaptation to arid environments. They are native to places like South Africa, South America and the arid Southwest. By making the most of scarce available moisture, succulents can survive in habitats that are far too dry for most other plants.

Succulents are equipped to store water in their leafs and stalks so that they can survive long periods of drought. They love heat and sun, need very little water and always look green and lovely. Small succulent plants are nice for container gardens indoors, on the patio or as ground cover.

Soil:

The preferred soil for succulents is light and fast draining. Succulents potting soil can be found in some home and gardening retailers like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Or you can simply just create your own special mixture for your plants.

There are some basic characteristics that a potting mix for succulents should possess: The most important thing is that the soil should drain very well. The best way to achieve this is by adding horticultural-grade sand and grit/pearlite/porous gravel or lava fines to the compost component of the soil (Do not use the potting soil with added fertilizer as it can be too 'rich' for succulents.) Many believe that a good starting ratio for the mix's components are 1/3 compost, 1/3 horticultural-grade sand, and 1/3 grit. But there are no hard and fast rules for potting mixes, so you'll need to experiment with ratios. The above ratio of components represents a good starting point.

Watering and Fertilizing:

Most cactus and succulents have an active period about 1/3 of the year. During this active period watering can be frequent and fertilizer applied. The most active time for most cacti is during the spring and early parts of summer. As this period passes, it is best to reduce the frequency of watering as winter approaches. They require very little water during the cold months.

Watering: During growing period, succulents should be watered at least once a week. Allow soil to dry between thorough watering. Do not mist spray plants as this practice encourages shallow roots and weak plants. When the weather cools and day-length shortens, plants enter a rest period. During that time, increase the interval between watering, and let the potting mixture dry out between watering.

**About water…Tap water contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals. Such minerals can build up in the plant's 'soil' over time, causing harm. Rain water is preferable to tap water, if you can manage to collect and store it. Some people added a cup of vinegar to a gallon of tap water for lowering the pH of the water (Acetic acid is in low conc. in vinegar) and increase soil acidity. Just remember, you do need to significantly water down the vinegar, because vinegar used straight or in too high of a concentration will kill plants very quickly.

Fertilizing: During the growing season, a balanced fertilizer, which has been diluted to 1/4 strength, can be added to the water for each watering. (A balanced fertilizer is one that has roughly equal proportions of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium. A 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength is ideal.) Do not fertilize your plants during dormancy.

**Tips for homemade fertilizing…

I use egg sheels, used coffee grounds or rice water

as my “secret recipe” for watering my succulents and indoor plants once a month. It’s organic and natural, my plants seem happy with it :)

Light:

Most succulents like bright light, but not all can tolerate intense, direct sunlight.
They are already accustomed to a warm, dry environment, but they do need bright light. Indoors, most succulent plants can take sun near a window, or bright light. As a general rule of thumb, if there is enough sunlight for you to read, there is probably enough sun to make your plant happy. For best result, 5 hours of direct morning sun daily, or place it at southern window. Avoid direct sun from midday sun.If new growth on your plant is pale green and elongated, it needs more light. If the side of your plant facing the light source is yellow, tan, red or indented, it is getting too much light.

Succulents do not like stagnant air. Provide good air circulation for your plants.