Keeping a Succulent Healthy
You just brought home a new succulent, but now what? How can you be sure that your succulent has its needs met so it can be as strong and healthy as possible?
Like all plants, succulents have some basic needs that need to be met in order to survive in an indoor environment that is much different from the conditions that occur in nature. While we can’t replicate an arid environment in a windowsill, there are some steps that succulent owners can take to make sure their plants stay as healthy as possible.
Sunlight
Sunlight is super important for succulents, and they can never thrive if they’re kept in a dark location. In most cases, the more light the better. A sunny window that gets at least six hours of sun per day is best.
Water
Succulents need to have their soil dry out completely before being watered again. They are adapted to living in dry conditions, so they store a lot of water in their stems and leaves. This allows them to go much longer without water than a typical plant. Check the soil with your finger or a moisture meter, and water only when it feels dry. Less is more when it comes to watering succulents.
Container
Succulents can grow in a variety of containers, but the best option is a terracotta pot with plenty of drainage holes. Terracotta is porous and allows for ample circulation around the roots, so it helps prevent overwatering. Drainage holes are necessary to allow excess water to drain out of the pot. The pot should allow about an inch of soil around the root ball to give the roots room to grow.
Soil
The potting soil used for succulents should drain freely. A cactus and succulent mix is a great option as it is specifically designed for plants that live in dry conditions. Otherwise, you can amend an all-purpose potting soil with perlite, vermiculite, or sand to increase drainage.
Humidity
Succulents do not require as much humidity as many other houseplants. 40% to 60% humidity generally works well for succulent plants, which is typical for most homes. It is better to avoid keeping succulents in enclosed containers such as terrariums, as well as humid rooms like bathrooms and basements. Succulents do not require misting.
Cleanliness
When succulents get dusty, their health suffers. That’s because the layer of dust that settles on the surface of the plant actually prevents sunlight from reaching the plant itself. Without enough sunlight to turn into energy, succulents become healthy and eventually die. To avoid this, periodically wipe any dust from the leaves or give the plant a shower to keep it clean.
