Eric Runkle
Plants with thick, fleshy stems and/or leaves, known as succulents, have attracted increasing interest as aesthetic materials. These plants belong to a number of diverse plant families, including the cactus, stonecrop, ice plant, and aloe families, according to botany.
The majority of succulents have developed lush leaves and stems that can store water since they grow natively outside in regions with little rainfall. The majority of succulents also thrive in locations with intense sunlight and hot summer days.
Similar to other ornamental crops, when growing succulents in controlled environments like greenhouses, it is important to take into account the environmental factors that affect their growth outdoors. I visited a few professional producers this spring who had varying degrees of success in growing succulents; the difficulties are primarily related to cultivating the crop in conditions that are too cold, have insufficient light, or hold on to too much water. The general production recommendations shown below will help you successfully grow succulents in controlled situations.
Make use of a very well-drained medium. Growing succulents in the same substrate as bedding plants and potted flowering plants is the biggest production error I’ve encountered. Because succulents don’t need much water, that kind of media holds a lot of water and dries out too slowly. The use of a different, more porous media that contains sand or other substances that hold little water is therefore advocated for growers. As an alternative, you may add 30 to 50 percent more perlite to your normal mix to improve drainage and decrease water retention.
Use little water. Succulents lose less water (and absorb less carbon dioxide) during the day than most plants because their stomata, or daytime pores, are closed. This is a survival tactic that enables plants to endure fairly harsh outside conditions, such as little rainfall. So it is not recommended that growers irrigate succulents in anticipation of them drying out on a warm, sunny day. When the media is extremely well drained, it is simpler to let the substrate to dry out between waterings.
temperatures ranging from high to moderate. Despite the fact that the majority of succulents can withstand low temperatures (50 to 55 F), growth will accelerate as the temperature rises, thus an average daily temperature of 70 to 75 F is advised. If the night is cooler, higher day temperatures can be offered.
Deliver high light in general. Most succulents thrive in greenhouses with high light levels, but some, particularly those with variegated leaves, do not handle full sun well. Therefore, when the greenhouse’s daily light integral is low, additional illumination is advised (less than 10 to 12 molm2d1).
Place hanging baskets below the ceiling. Hanging baskets shouldn’t be positioned above succulents for two reasons. The hanging baskets inhibit plant development and rooting in two ways. First, they cut down on the quantity of light that reaches the succulents below. The winter and early spring, when light is scarce in many areas, are particularly concerning times for this. Second, watering the baskets frequently results in water dripping from the baskets and onto the plants below, keeping the succulents wetter than is ideal.
Do succulents thrive in greenhouse environments?
Plants with thick, fleshy stems and leaves, such as cacti and succulents, have evolved to store water in arid areas. They have shown tremendous growth in popularity as indoor plants in recent years. They are for sale everywhere, including the majority of big-box retailers. Aloe plants, jade plants, sempervivum, kalanchoes, agaves, echeverias, snake plants, and Christmas cacti are just a few of the hundreds of kinds that are available. Due to their low watering needs and natural adaptation to dry soils, they are popular due in part to how simple they are to maintain. In actuality, overwatering cacti or succulents is one of the simplest ways to destroy them.
Succulents and cacti are in many respects ideal plants to grow in a greenhouse. The light that a greenhouse provides, which ranges from mild to bright, is ideal for almost all of them. They don’t outgrow their station because many of them tend to stay very little. Additionally, the most are relatively simple to propagate, making it inexpensive to build a sizable display of them. I had received some cuttings from a friend who maintains more than 500 different types of cacti and succulents in her greenhouse. I currently have a beautiful collection made entirely of these cuttings, some of which are potted separately and others in mixed cultures.
The majority of cacti and succulents grow in grittier soil because it permits plant roots to dry out quickly while still holding some moisture, as might be expected. Not your typical potting soil, this. To suit your plants, you’ll need to either buy or make such a medium. I’ve discovered that the grit in the cactus/succulent combinations that are sold are generally pretty huge and pricey. Therefore, I prefer to prepare my own blend of around 70% grit measuring about 1/4 (6mm) in diameter, 20%–25% crushed pine bark, and 10%–15% vermiculite or perlite. If desired, you can use peat moss or coconut coir (for a more alkaline mixture) in place of vermiculite or perlite (for a more acidic mix). In any case, the plants will only require watering every two weeks or so thanks to this mixture of chemicals, which drain swiftly while holding onto enough moisture.
Most succulents and cacti do best in large, shallow pots, trays, or dishes. Due to these plants’ present popularity, a wide range of sizes of highly appealing pots are readily accessible. However, some succulents and cacti are better suited to a different type of pot. For instance, the rattail cactus grows best in a hanging basket or a large dish held in the greenhouse high enough for the “tails to hang down. The weight of the tails can occasionally drag the pot over and cause it to fall if you try to grow it in a shallow dish that is set on a shelf. It is definitely not advised to grab the falling plant by its long, extremely prickly tails, as I once did! Although rattail cacti don’t typically bloom, when they do, their vivid pinkish-red flowers create an impressive display.
Succulents and cacti typically don’t require much care, including watering requirements. Only water them when the earth seems completely dry. Use a squeeze bottle or a watering can with a spout that is no wider than about 1/4 (6mm). Avoid soaking the plant’s leaves or crown, as this might lead to rot in some species of plants. Don’t water again until the soil is completely dry when the earth is thoroughly moist. With little amounts of water every time, repress the impulse to drink more frequently. You often end up with a plant with a shallow root system if you water it sparingly, and it could perish if you don’t water it again.
Succulents and cacti don’t require special care when it comes to fertilization. They often only receive a small amount of fertilization in the wild from stray bird or animal droppings. You can infer from this that your greenhouse plants don’t require a lot of fertilizer either. In fact, the majority of experts advise fertilizing them just once a year with an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer that is quite weak—a 10-10-10 or 8-8-8 at around half strength—and for all purposes. Of course, you can use a weak manure tea if you want to seem more genuine (made by submerging a bag of horse manure in a 55-gallon pail of water for a few days). However, even this should only be applied at about half strength. The fact that cacti and succulents require little maintenance is a big factor in why so many people are now growing them in greenhouses and homes.
Succulents can they endure the cold in a greenhouse?
To prevent plants from becoming overly wet from rain, a greenhouse is the ideal solution. It is a great way to catalog and identify your succulents. If you reside in a region where there are several months of below-freezing weather, a heated greenhouse can keep them alive throughout the winter.
Winter succulent care
There are various reasons why succulents may suffer throughout the winter, but by heeding some essential tips, you may help your plants survive during these trying times.
Temperature
It’s critical to get your plants ready for winter when the air temperature is forecast to fall below 5 C and a ground frost is possible.
Due to the amount of water held in their leaves and stems, the more delicate succulents may be damaged by a light frost at this temperature, and anything below freezing has the potential to kill them. When water freezes, it expands and can rupture plant cell walls, harming or even killing your plants.
Succulents that are kept in the cold and are exposed to moisture may suffer greatly, but plants that are kept in the cold and are exposed to dry circumstances may have a better chance of surviving.
Fleece
For your plants to survive, especially when temperatures drop below freezing, horticultural fleece is a necessity. Horticultural fleece comes in a variety of categories, from light frost to heavy frost. We employ and market a strong horticultural fleece that was made specifically to provide protection down to -10. By covering your plants with horticultural fleece, you may assist retain the heat emitted from the earth, providing a safe atmosphere for your plants similar to that of a blanket. Utilizing the fleece has the additional benefit of helping to preserve your plants from decaying during this cold, rainy time of year by deflecting excess rain away from them.
By having an open weave, this horticultural fleece is made to still provide light and air movement to the plants.
You can help your plants get ready for the winter by doing certain necessary tasks. During the winter, a wide range of factors can harm succulents.
The best chance of survival will be provided for them, though, by good housekeeping. Remove any dead or dying leaves because they may decay and spread fungus and disease.
Moving your plants
In a greenhouse, porch, or conservatory, you can also transfer your plants indoors. In the event that this is not feasible, there may be dry areas near your residences, such as carports and lean-tos, roof overhangs, or even microclimates in front of glass doors and windows. In addition to being a warmer location, this will aid in keeping the rain off your plants during this rainier time of the year.
Succulents should be raised off the ground on ledges and shelves to avoid ground frost; this is especially important in unheated greenhouses. It is a great approach to winterize plants without using greenhouse energy to elevate and wrap them in fleece on benches.
If you can’t move your plants once they are in the garden, you may also safeguard your outdoor succulents by covering them with some horticultural fleece.
Top dressing
A top dress layer is a great technique to keep leaves and stems from rotting in pots or gardens. 20 to 30 mm of Cornish grit, gravel, or stones will be more than enough. During the winter, holding your plants off and above the soggy soil will assist to keep them dryer as more air can circulate around the plant. Additionally, top dressing can serve as a plant-light reflector.
It’s crucial to make sure your succulents receive as much light as possible over the winter, even if you decide to move them.
Feeding
Since you want your plants to cease growing and run out of food by autumn, feeding them over the winter is not advised. When there is less nourishment available, plants halt growing and develop stronger, more resilient plants that can survive the winter.
Where do succulents thrive indoors?
Succulents thrive in hot, arid conditions and don’t mind a little neglect due to their unique capacity to store water. They are therefore ideally suited to growing indoors and are the perfect choice for anyone looking for low-maintenance houseplants. Follow these instructions for successful plant care if you’re choosing succulents for the first time.
Select a succulent that will thrive in your indoor environment.
The majority of succulents need direct sunshine, however if your home only has a shady area, choose low light-tolerant plants like mother-in-tongue. law’s A trailing variety, like string of bananas, is an excellent option if you intend to grow your succulent in a hanging planter. To learn about your succulents’ requirements for sunlight, size, and spread, always read the plant labels.
Give the plants a good draining potting material.
You should repot your succulent as soon as you get it home since nurseries always plant their succulents in soil that is overly rich and holds too much moisture. A coarse potting mix with sufficient drainage and aeration is a good place to start. You can use an African violet mix or unique cactus and succulent mixtures that you can purchase at the nursery. Add perlite or pumice to the cactus or African violet mix (up to 50% of the total potting mix, depending on your particular succulent’s moisture requirements) to further increase drainage and prevent compaction. To make sure the mixture is moist throughout, always moisten it before using.
Decide on a container.
When repotting, use a container that is at least 1 to 2 inches bigger than the nursery container and has a drainage hole. Avoid using glass containers (such mason jars or terrariums) for long-term potting since they prevent roots from breathing and over time may result in root rot. Place your plant inside the container and backfill with extra pre-moistened potting mix after filling the bottom one-third of the container with pre-moistened potting mix.
Put the succulent plant in a pot somewhere sunny.
Try to arrange your succulents close to a south or east-facing window because most succulents need at least six hours of sun each day. Insufficient sunlight may cause your succulents to become spindly or to extend toward the light.
Between waterings, allow the potting mix to dry out.
Overwatering succulents is the most common error people make with them. Watering more deeply but less frequently is preferable. Before the next watering, completely saturate the potting mix (while making sure the water drains out of the drainage hole properly). The plant can finally perish if the potting soil is left moist every day.
Succulents should be fertilized at least once a year.
Fertilizer works best for plants in the spring (when the days lengthen and new growth starts) and again in the late summer. Use a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer (such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10) that has been diluted to half the strength indicated on the container. Since succulents are semi-dormant in the winter, there is no need to nourish them. Because they are not actively growing, they do not require the nutrient boost.