Best Ways to Plant Succulents

Table of Contents

Succulent Planting 101

Succulents are low-maintenance and drought-resistant plants that are perfect for any beginner gardener. If you're new to planting succulents, it's essential to know the basics of how to plant them correctly.

Choosing the Right Pot

The first step in planting succulents is choosing the right pot. You need a container that has drainage holes because succulents don't like sitting in water. A terracotta pot is an excellent choice as it allows excess water to evaporate through its porous walls.

Pro-tip:

If you have a pot without drainage holes, drill some holes at the bottom before planting.

Potting Mix Matters

Succulents prefer soil that drains well, so it's best to use a cactus or succulent potting mix. Avoid regular potting soil, which retains too much moisture and can cause root rot. Alternatively, make your own DIY potting mix by mixing equal parts of sand, perlite, and peat moss.

Pro-tip:

Add a layer of small rocks or gravel at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.

Growing Succulents from Cuttings

Growing succulents from cuttings is an easy and cost-effective way to propagate new plants. Here's how to do it:

Select a Healthy Parent Plant

Choose a healthy parent plant with no signs of pests or diseases. Use sharp, sterile scissors or pruning shears to take a cutting from the stem of the plant.

Pro-tip:

Allow the cutting to callous over for a day or two before planting to prevent rotting.

Planting the Cutting

Fill a small pot with well-draining soil and make a hole in the center. Insert the cutting into the hole and gently press the soil around it. Water the soil lightly, then place the pot in a bright, indirect light location.

Pro-tip:

Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the cutting.

Succulent Care Tips

Succulents are easy to care for, but they do require some love and attention. Here are some tips to keep your succulents healthy:

Watering

Succulents don't need frequent watering, so let the soil dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure not to water too much.

Pro-tip:

Check the soil moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil. If it feels damp, wait a few days before watering.

Lighting

Succulents need plenty of bright, indirect light to thrive. Place them near a sunny window or under grow lights to give them the proper amount of light.

Pro-tip:

If your succulent s to stretch or lean towards the light, move it closer to the light source.

Fertilizing

Succulents don't need much fertilizer, but you can feed them during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Pro-tip:

Fertilize once every four weeks during the growing season.

FAQs

1. Can I plant succulents in regular potting soil?

No, succulents require soil that drains well, so it's best to use a cactus or succulent potting mix.

2. How often should I water my succulents?

Succulents don't need frequent watering, so let the soil dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure not to water too much.

3. Can I grow succulents from cuttings?

Yes, growing succulents from cuttings is an easy and cost-effective way to propagate new plants.

4. Do succulents need fertilizer?

Succulents don't need much fertilizer, but you can feed them during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.

5. Can succulents survive in low-light conditions?

While succulents prefer bright, indirect light, some varieties can tolerate low-light conditions. However, they may not thrive or grow as quickly as those in brighter light.