5 Tips for Growing Succulents Outside

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Succulents Outside: A Beginner's Guide

Succulents are great plants for outdoor gardening because they don't require much water and can thrive in hot, dry climates. However, it's important to know how to properly care for them if you want them to survive and flourish. In this article, we'll go over some tips for growing succulents outside.

Tip #1: Choose the Right Soil

Succulents need well-draining soil because their roots will rot if they're sitting in water for too long. You can buy special succulent soil at your local garden center or make your own by mixing potting soil with sand or perlite. Avoid using heavy soils like clay, as they retain too much moisture.

How to Make Your Own Succulent Soil

Here's a recipe for making your own succulent soil:

3 parts potting soil
2 parts coarse sand
1 part perlite

Mix these ingredients together until they're well blended, and then use the soil to fill your planters or garden beds.

Tip #2: Water Sparingly

Although succulents don't need much water, they do need some to survive. The key is to not over-water them, which can lead to root rot. Water your succulents once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter months when they're dormant. Be sure to water them deeply, so the water reaches the roots.

How to Tell When Your Succulents Need Water

To tell if your succulents need water, stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water them. If it still feels moist, wait a few more days before checking again.

Tip #3: Provide Plenty of Sunlight

Succulents love sunlight and need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in a hot climate, make sure they're not getting too much sun, as this can cause sunburn. If your succulents are indoors, place them near a sunny window or under a grow light to ensure they're getting enough light.

How to Protect Your Succulents from Sunburn

To protect your succulents from sunburn, move them to a shadier spot or provide some shade with a sheer curtain. You can also cover them with a lightweight fabric like cheesecloth.

Tip #4: Fertilize Occasionally

Succulents don't need a lot of fertilizer, but they do benefit from a little boost every now and then. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package, as over-fertilizing can damage your plants.

Which Fertilizer Should You Use?

Look for a fertilizer that has an equal balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). You can find these at your local garden center or online.

Tip #5: Prune Regularly

Pruning your succulents will help them grow fuller and healthier. Remove any dead or damaged leaves, and trim back any stems that are getting too long. You can also propagate your succulents by taking cuttings and replanting them in new soil.

How to Propagate Succulents

To propagate your succulents, take a cutting from a healthy stem and let it dry out for a day or two. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil, and water it sparingly until it s to grow roots.

Growing succulents outside can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to know how to properly care for them. By choosing the right soil, watering sparingly, providing plenty of sunlight, fertilizing occasionally, and pruning regularly, you can help your succulents thrive.

FAQs

Q: Do succulents need a lot of water?

A: No, succulents don't need a lot of water. In fact, over-watering can lead to root rot. Water them once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter months.

Q: Can I grow succulents indoors?

A: Yes, you can grow succulents indoors as long as they're getting enough sunlight. Place them near a sunny window or under a grow light.

Q: How often should I fertilize my succulents?

A: Fertilize your succulents once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

Q: Can I propagate succulents?

A: Yes, you can propagate succulents by taking cuttings and replanting them in new soil.

Q: What kind of soil do succulents need?

A: Succulents need well-draining soil that doesn't retain too much moisture. You can buy special succulent soil at your local garden center or make your own by mixing potting soil with sand or perlite.

Q: How much sunlight do succulents need?

A: Succulents need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in a hot climate, make sure they're not getting too much sun, as this can cause sunburn.