So, I’m currently obsessed with succulents (okay, plants in general). I’ve always loved succulents, but this year I’m wanting to learn more and have more of them in my home. How about you, are you starting a succulent garden this year? I thought I’d share a few tips on how to care for succulents with you today, and maybe you’ll be inspired to join the fun!
In case you haven’t noticed, succulents are incredibly popular right now — I see them everywhere, and as a result, a lot of people are setting out on their first succulent adventures. Isn’t that exciting?!?!
Although it is similar to flower and vegetable gardening, succulent gardening can be a tricky thing to master and it’s crucial to make sure you know how to care for succulents before diving headfirst into a big garden project. Following these tips when you care for succulents can help you be a successful succulent gardener. Here are five tips to keep in mind.
Decide whether or not you want to primarily care for succulents that are indoor plants or outdoor plants. This doesn’t necessarily make a huge difference in their care, but some plants are better suited for outdoors (like the purple and orange varieties), and some are better suited for indoor (think green)! Additionally, indoor succulents generally require more space whereas outdoor succulents can thrive in crowded arrangements.
Maximize sun time! Succulents are in love with sun! Make sure you give them plenty of sunlight to help them thrive. Window sills are great place to start with smaller succulents — that’s where mine currently are (wink).
If you live in a place where sunlight is rare or not as common, don’t give up! Keep trying, but ultimately try to find the sunniest spot that you’re able to when weather permits.
Understand how to water them. A great place to start is to use a pot with a drainage hole, and then be sure to water as needed. I try to soak mine once a week – spray bottles simply mist the succulent and they need much more water than that. The good news is that succulents are hardy, so a little neglect won’t kill them.
Experiment with different succulents! If you decide to care for succulents, you’ll likely want to grow several different kinds! It’s a great hobby to develop and if you enjoy it, expand as much as you want! You can pick up succulents in places like Home Depot, but you can also find them in some nurseries and even online on places like Amazon, One Kings Lane, or even Craigslist.
Experiment with cuttings. In case you want to grow additional succulents or just want to share some clippings with friends or neighbors, learning how to propagate is a great way to save some money rather than constantly buying new plants. It’s great practice and you can give any extra plants to neighbors or friends as gifts (like succulent arrangements for decor!). If you don’t get it quite right the first time, keep trying to plant your clippings and leaves that have fallen off. Practice makes perfect!
Ultimately, when you start to care for succulents, you’ll have to use a system of trial and error to see what works. Try out different watering methods if you find the ones you’re using aren’t working and don’t be afraid to move your plants around and create your own arrangements and compositions! Unique containers for potting your plants in can easily be found at thrift stores for next to nothing so get creative!
There are plenty of resources on-line if you have questions and this book, Succulents Simplified is great for a beginner. This small terrarium kit would be great for a beginner too — I might even buy one of these!
If you’re starting to care for succulents, I’d love to hear how it’s going! Feel free to share in the comments below.
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Jelli says
I have a few varieties of succulents that I trimmed off a friend’s display. So far, they’re all living, but the last time I tried my hand with them, the leaves got all funky and gooey. (Overwatering?) Nevertheless, my next door neighbor has what I’d consider a glittering green thumb, so I’m sure she can help me out if this round of succulents winds up looking bad.
Kelly Rowe says
I’m glad that you are giving some succulents another go. 🙂 I’m sure that this time, they will grow and thrive and be beautiful. It’s always nice to have a neighbor or friend with a green thumb too. 🙂 Appreciate your stopping by and commenting. Have a terrific day! HUGS.
Nancy Rowe says
I love succulents now, never did before. I have received starters from friends and they are doing great.
I have a variety of succulents now, each beautiful in their own way, I will never have too many.
Barb says
My daughters have succulents. Unfortunately, one doesn’t seem to be doing as well. It is more “flat” with petal like stems. At times the leaves seen very delicate and almost transparent looking; although we water only once a week (as indicated by the tag). We keep it in bright rooms of the house but some of the stems have broken off… What are we doing wrong?? =(
Lindsey says
Hi, Kelly thanks for put together a great resource but I think you miss 2 most important things which are somehow necessary to keep them thriving 1, choosing a container with proper drainage whole and follow the soak and dry method when water them.
Alice Carroll says
Thanks for pointing out that proper cutting is the key in taking good care of succulents. I plan to hire a succulent arrangement service for my garden soon because I’d like to start taking care of plant that don’t need too much maintenance. Getting to have them laid out in a beautiful patterns would surely elevate the look of my garden.
Sharon Litton Burgess says
Love these hints, they make good sense out of otherwise a fear of loosing a plant. It almost kills me when I kill one. I have killed 3 fiddle leaf figs and still grieve. I will try again. I think I over watered.
Thanks, Sharon