Succulents really are easy to care for. Even though the variety of succulents is massive, they are all pretty easy to have indoors or outdoors and require almost no maintenance.Succulents are on the up and up. With more and more people realizing just how attractive and easy to care for these parts of nature really are. With such a large variety to choose from, your garden can look beautiful all year round, just with succulents.
Watering Succulents
Succulents are marvellous at retaining water, therefore they generally only need to be watered every second or third day in Summer. In winter most succulent plants go into hibernation and are dormant during the colder months. Watering once a week is usually sufficient to keep these super plants happy. It is important to note that succulent plants prefer water directly to their soil, and prefer not to be sprayed with water.
Sunlight
Succulents need sunlight, just like all other plants. If placed outdoors they love up to 6 hours of full sun a day! Introducing succulents to direct sunlight for long periods of time is something you may need to do gradually, as direct exposure to sunlight for newly planted succulents, can cause them to scorch and burn.
Succulents change colour
Did you know that succulents can change colour depending on the amount of sunlight they get? It is very common for the same succulent to feature entirely different colours depending on the environment. For instance, a paddle plant would look more green with red tips if located in a more shady area. A paddle plant receiving more direct sunlight will show more deep red throughout their leaves and a lot less green.
Certain succulents are therefore often mistaken for other varieties, just because of their ability to adapt to their surroundings. More colour is often the succulent way of changing to adapt to the sunlight it has received, by protecting and turning it to a darker shade.
Succulents Indoors
Succulents are so easy to maintain they will also happily thrive indoors. Ensuring you place them in a room with enough sunlight, and remember to water them every few days.
Although succulents do well indoors, it is important to remember the following:
- Pots take longer to dry out that pots outside
- Don’t overwater the succulents
- Ensure you don’t place them too close to direct light through windows as they can burn
Succulent Soil
As succulents are considered water wise plants. It is important that the soil is favourable. Succulents do best in loose soil, with plenty of perlite or pumice mixed into the soil. Perlite can also be used on its own when propagating young succulents. With such a wealth of different succulents available in South Africa, there is no reason not to get planting.
They easily adapt to their living environment and make for super easy low maintenance indoor plants.
Propagation Methods
Growing new succulents from leaves or cuttings is an enjoyable and rewarding process, allowing you to expand your collection with ease. To propagate from a leaf, gently twist a healthy, mature leaf off the main plant, ensuring it comes away cleanly without tearing. Place the leaf on a tray or in a shaded area for a few days to allow the end to callus, preventing rot when placed in soil. Once ready, lay the leaf on well-draining succulent soil and mist it lightly every few days. Tiny roots and eventually a small plant will emerge at the base of the leaf.
For stem cuttings, select a healthy segment of the plant and use a clean, sharp cutting tool to remove it. Allow the cutting to dry and callus over for a few days, just as with leaves. After this, plant the cutting in loose, well-draining soil and keep it in indirect sunlight. Mist it sparingly to encourage root growth. Over time, the cutting will establish itself and grow into a new plant. Be patient and attentive, as propagation does take time, but it is a wonderful way to grow your succulent collection sustainably.
Common Problems & Solutions
Even with proper care, succulents can encounter a few common issues. Being proactive and observant can help you address these problems early and keep your plants thriving.
1. Root Rot
Overwatering is the primary cause of root rot, which can quickly damage or kill a succulent. Signs include mushy leaves, discolouration, and a foul smell around the roots. To treat, carefully remove the plant from the soil, trim away any blackened or soft roots, and allow it to dry completely. Repot the succulent in fresh, well-draining soil and reduce watering frequency to avoid recurrence.
2. Pests (e.g. Mealybugs and Aphids)
Pests like mealybugs and aphids can infest succulents, feeding on their sap and causing stunted growth or sticky residue on the leaves. To combat pests, gently wipe the plant with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, which kills pests on contact. For larger infestations, consider using a natural insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, ensuring you target the affected areas while avoiding overuse.
3. Stretching (Etiolation)
Succulents that aren’t receiving enough sunlight tend to stretch, a process called etiolation. This is most evident when the plant grows tall and leggy, with wide gaps between its leaves. To prevent stretching, place the succulent in a location where it can receive ample indirect sunlight or supplement with grow lights if natural light is insufficient. For already stretched plants, you can prune the leggy growth and propagate the healthy parts.
Best Succulents for Beginners – Recommending Easy-Care Varieties
If you’re new to succulents, choosing beginner-friendly varieties can make your experience enjoyable and stress-free. Here are some excellent options to consider:
Aloe Vera
This versatile plant is not only low-maintenance but also offers medicinal benefits. Aloe Vera thrives in bright, indirect light and requires watering only when the soil has dried out completely. Its fleshy leaves store water, making it highly drought-tolerant.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Known for its attractive, glossy leaves and tree-like growth, the Jade Plant is a resilient and forgiving succulent. It prefers well-draining soil, moderate sunlight, and infrequent watering, making it perfect for beginners.
Echeveria
Echeverias come in a variety of stunning rosette shapes and colors. They thrive with plenty of sunlight and require minimal watering, provided the soil drains well. Their compact size also makes them an excellent choice for indoor displays.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
While not a true succulent, the Snake Plant shares many similar care traits. It’s incredibly hardy, tolerates low light, and needs very little watering. Its upright, architectural leaves add elegance to any space.
Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
This fuzzy-leaf succulent is both adorable and hardy. The Panda Plant prefers bright, indirect light and thrives on neglect, needing only occasional watering.
Fertilizing Needs – When and How to Feed Succulents for Optimal Growth
Succulents are generally low-maintenance plants, and their fertilizing needs are minimal compared to other houseplants. However, providing the right nutrients at the right time can significantly boost their growth and overall health. It’s best to fertilize succulents during their active growing season, typically spring and summer, as this is when they require more energy. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength works well for most succulents.
Apply fertilizer sparingly, usually once a month during the growth period, to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to weak and leggy growth. Remember to always water the plant before applying fertilizer to prevent root damage. During the dormant season in autumn and winter, succulents generally do not need fertilizing, as their growth slows, and excess nutrients can do more harm than good. Maintaining this schedule will ensure your succulents thrive without being overwhelmed.
Container & Pot Selection
Choosing the right container or pot for your succulents is essential for their long-term health and growth. One of the most critical factors to consider is drainage. Succulents are highly sensitive to overwatering, and a pot with drainage holes allows excess water to escape, preventing root rot and other moisture-related issues. If you decide to use a pot without drainage, extra care must be taken to water sparingly, ensuring no water pools at the bottom.
The material of the pot also plays an important role. Terracotta and clay pots are excellent options as they are porous, allowing excess moisture to evaporate more easily, which helps keep the soil dry. Ceramic pots, while stylish, may retain more water depending on whether they are glazed. Plastic pots are lightweight and retain moisture for longer, which might work for low-humidity settings, but they require careful watering practices. Always prioritise the needs of your succulents when making a choice, and remember that proper drainage and breathability are fundamental to their well-being.
Visit Stanler Farms for a wide variety of low maintenance beautiful succulents! With such a huge range you will be sure to find at least a few that you wish to take home with you.