It’s no surprise that succulents, including cacti, are popular. These easy-care houseplants come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes making them perfect for any home.
All you need is a lot of light and benign neglect to raise healthy and beautiful succulents. Place the plants near an unobstructed south-, west- or east-facing window.
Don’t let a lack of light stop you from enjoying these beautiful plants in your home. You’ll find many attractive options for displaying your plants while providing the light they need. A single desktop LED plant light, attractive plant light shelves and carts, and furniture-grade light gardens allow you to grow these sun-lovers anywhere in your home. Before you start shopping, make sure to read this article that discusses 5 things you need to consider before purchasing LED grow lights.
Grow these plants in cacti and succulent potting mix. These fast-draining mixes help reduce the risk of overwatering which can lead to root rot. Further reduce this risk by using containers with drainage holes that are only slightly larger than the succulents’ root system. Growing them in too large of a container that retains moisture longer can result in root rot, decline, and even the death of your plants.
Water thoroughly whenever the top inch or two of soil is dry. Some gardeners check the soil moisture at the drain hole to ensure it is dry and the plants need to be watered. Always pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer.
Avoid water collecting in the rosette of leaves or the cluster of prickly stems that can lead to crown rot. Use a watering can which has a long narrow spout that allows you to reach under the plants to water just the soil.
Make slight adjustments in your watering regime and growing environment as the seasons change. Adapting to changing conditions will keep your plants healthy and looking their best year-round.
Find a cool, sunny, draft-free location for your succulents in the fall and winter. Maximize the amount of light the plants receive by moving them to the sunniest, usually south-facing, window in your home. Water thoroughly but only when the top few inches of soil are dry and just often enough to keep the plants from shriveling. These changes in the growing conditions often encourage a spring display of colorful and unique flowers.
Grow a succulent centerpiece that can be enjoyed year-round. Plant a variety of succulents in a long narrow planter box. Display it on the table, and if needed, move it back to its sunny location between dinner parties.
Whether you’re a busy, experienced, or new indoor gardener, creating a succulent garden may be just what you need to brighten your home and elevate your mood. Want to get more inexpensive succulents? Read this article on how to propagate super succulents.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts the “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Her website is MelindaMyers.com.
Related Articles & Free Vermont Maturity Magazine Subscription
How to Boost Your Indoor Garden’s Beauty
How to Grow Indoor Vegetables for Winter
How to Identify and Eliminate Fungus Gnats on Houseplants
Free Subscription to Vermont Maturity Magazine
Comment here