Growing succulents could be the ideal solution for business travelers who travel frequently and spend a lot of time away from home (or, every busy person with little time for gardening).
A acquaintance recently informed me that because her profession requires her to work long hours away from home, she is unable to have a garden or a pet. I was able to provide a way for her to do some gardening, even if I was unable to give her a satisfying solution for incorporating a pet into her way of life. The answer? cultivating succulents
Because their unique tissue enables them to store water and release it during dry, unfavorable conditions, succulents are plants that have evolved to survive for extended periods without water. Succulents can therefore withstand periods of neglect, during which their leaves may shrink or pucker but do not drop off. There isn’t a lot of foliage to trim back or debris to get rid of because the leaves swell up again after being watered later.
Succulents can withstand low water levels as well as poor or shallow soils, windy environments, steep slopes, and abrupt temperature changes. Succulents actually flourish in these conditions, which are very frequent in Colorado. Additionally, like cacti, succulents don’t need much pest control and require little training, staking, or extreme pruning. Succulent fungal or bacterial rots are virtually usually avoidable with good cultural care, such as strong light and appropriate (restricted) watering. Succulents are attractive, come in a variety of forms, textures, and hues, and are simple to reproduce and transplant.
The majority of us are familiar with some of the succulents that are frequently seen in our region, such stonecrop (Sedum), which has around 400 species, and hen and chicks (Sempervivum), of which there are over 35 types. Local garden nurseries are now selling a variety of succulents with humorous names like “Moonstones” (Pachyphytum), “Baby Toes (Fenestraria), “Lizard Lips (Aloe), “Donkey Tail (Sedum morganianum),” and many more as a result of the recent rise in popularity of succulents.
To successfully cultivate succulents in your garden beds or patio containers, follow these easy instructions:
When selecting your succulents, start with this time-tested piece of gardening advice: Right location, right plant. Choose cultivars that can survive in dry areas with temperature ranges of 40 to 85 degrees, like those seen in Colorado. Avoid plants that require a lot of dampness.
After acquiring them, expose them to the sun gradually since many are cultivated in indirect light and require time to harden off before being planted in direct sunshine.
To prevent the roots from being too moist for too long, provide sufficient drainage. By supplementing the soil with gravelly, sharp-edged sand or crushed granite, you can decrease the soil’s ability to retain water.
Brighten the environment but stay out of the sun. The majority of succulents only require 3–4 hours of sunlight each day, and early sun may be plenty.
A Sustainable Succulents Make & Take Workshop will be held at Colorado State University Extension on
How are succulents maintained in Colorado?
You might be asking, “What exactly is a succulent? You can conceive of succulent plants as those that store water in their leaves and/or stems, similar to how you might picture a juicy steak. Succulent plants and cacti can occasionally be confused. Although all succulents are succulents, not all cacti are succulents. Succulents love strong light and can withstand extended droughts, just like cactus. Succulents are interesting indoor plants since they come in a variety of forms, dimensions, and hues. I was astounded by the variety of succulents that are currently offered to customers when I recently made a journey to my neighborhood nursery.
The snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), which acquired its name because of its long, striped leaves that resemble a snake, is one of my favorites. Even when it appears to be getting too crowded, it requires little maintenance and won’t need to be repotted for years. However, regular fertilization and pruning will enhance its beauty.
Other succulent varieties include Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) with its long, spoon-shaped leaves at the ends of spiky branches and clusters of tiny flowers, Stonecrop (Sedum), which gracefully trails over the edge of containers, Aeonium with its fleshy, long-leaved rosettes in colors ranging from bright green to purple, and Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum), whose gray-green or gray-
Succulents don’t all have luscious leaves. For instance, the ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata), which isn’t even a palm but rather a succulent, isn’t even a palm. It does not require frequent watering because of its long, thin leaves, which have limited surface area to lose moisture, and its water storage near the base of the trunk. Even though it grows slowly, I saved mine from my mother’s gift-received container plant when it appeared to be dying, and just a few years later, it has doubled in size. I believe that the repotting has been beneficial, and with yearly fertilizer applications, I am expecting that it will grow to reach its anticipated height of 12 feet or more.
Your succulent may extend upward and have scant leaves if it receives too much light. One alternative is to use a grow light in place of the sun. Even better, you can take off the top and propagate it in potting soil by leaving some stem with leaves attached.
Succulents are not only eye-catching, but they are also quite simple to cultivate inside Colorado houses, which are notoriously dry in the winter. The plants can tolerate low light well, even if they prefer direct light. Overwatering is possibly the biggest issue people have with succulents. Only water succulents after the soil dries out since they love well-drained soil. When they are growing in the spring, they might need watering once a week, but in the winter, when they are dormant, they might only need it once a month.
Succulents are the ideal remedy for co-op members who desire to escape Colorado’s chilly winters. The majority may be neglected for a few weeks and will be delighted to have you back when you get home.
Vicki Spencer, a gardener, has a diverse expertise in topics like water, natural resources, and conservation.
Are succulents able to thrive in Colorado?
Because they require little care, are incredibly attractive, and filter the air, succulent plants are immensely popular. They also come in a variety of sizes, colors, forms, and textures, making it simple to combine succulents from different families to make unique arrangements. All you require is a little imagination!
If you want to keep succulents in your house, you may also take advantage of a number of health advantages. Since the plants release oxygen, they can help freshen and clean the air in your home while also working to raise the humidity levels. Succulent plants may also enhance your mood and focus, according to research.
Why you should grow succulent plants in Denver, Colorado
Succulents are ideal for Denver, Colorado residents since they survive in high altitudes, which is something to take into account even for indoor succulents as houseplants. Since the drought-tolerant plants are native to arid, desert regions, they may thrive without a lot of water. Succulent plants don’t necessarily require a green thumb because they can live in areas with poor soil quality and don’t require a lot of nutrients, but they do need greater light exposure (be sure to place them near a window that receives at least 3 hours of direct sun every day).
The Different types of succulent plants:
Beautiful succulent plants from our inventory can breathe new life into your house or outdoor area. Additionally, each succulent provides unique health advantages. For instance, if you wish to use Aloe Vera as a medical plant to treat wounds, you should purchase a plant. Or you can treat your skin and eyes with houseleek plant juice. And that’s only the start! You can choose from the most well-liked succulent plants listed below:
- ‘Ole Vera’
- Jade
- Chickens and Hens
- Plantain Zebra
- Cacti (there are lots of varieties)
- flammable sticks
- Viper Plant
- Houseleek
- Echeveria
- Haworthia
Why succulent plants are the perfect gifts
Considering how attractive and durable they are, succulent plants are excellent gifts. You may also get some succulent plants and create a beautiful arrangement together if your loved one enjoys working on DIY (do-it-yourself) projects.
How to take care of succulent plants
Typically, succulents don’t require a lot of fertilizer to thrive. For best results, fertilizer should be applied at least once or twice every month.
Depending on the succulent’s variety and location in the house, each plant will vary. More watering will be required for succulent plants with more leaves than for others. Succulents that are kept inside require weekly watering. The soil needs to dry out in between waterings. By putting your finger into the dirt or gravel and feeling for signs of wetness, you may determine whether they need water. If you do, don’t touch it for a few more days.
If your succulent plants are outdoors, they can require more water in the spring and less in the winter. If the plant is in a large container or out of the sun, water it once a week. If the plant is in the sun most of the time, water it thoroughly every day or every other day. Only water the plant once the soil is fully dry before doing so again.
When fully exposed to the sun, succulents are more vibrant and produce better flowers. Try to give your plants at least a half-worth day’s of sunlight.
Succulents should be planted in a container or location with good drainage. For potted plants, soil-free alternatives like gravel, sand, and rocks are best since they improve drainage. Reports of rapidly expanding plants should be made once a year, either in the spring or fall.
Will succulents endure the winter in Colorado?
The fact that many succulents can survive outside year-round, even in snowy climes, surprises a lot of people. We divide succulents into two categories—”hardy” and “soft”—to make it easier for you to choose the best one for your area.
- Hardy succulents: Tolerate frost and can endure temperatures below zero outside. They are perfect for outdoor gardening all year long. Hardy succulents actually thrive outside more than they do inside.
- Not frost-tolerant are soft types. Before temperatures drop below freezing at night, these types must be brought inside. On the other hand, when the warm, sunny weather returns, they are glad to go outside once more.
the USDA Grow Zone finder (based on minimum winter temperature). You may find a plant’s “Cold Hardiness” on the description of each one in our online catalog. If your zone number is equal to or higher than the plant’s, that variety can endure the entire year outdoors in your environment. The plant will need to be brought indoors before the fall temperatures start to drop if you live in a zone with a lower number than the Cold Hardiness of the plant.
Most of our plants are also sent with name tags that state the lowest temperature they can withstand for easy reference.
Zones 4 and higher are suitable for Sempervivum heuffelii’s growth, however zones 3 and lower are not.
Can you keep succulents in pots outside?
Succulents are drought-tolerant plants because they can retain water in their large, irregularly shaped leaves. Succulents have a broad variety of eye-catching shapes and textures, which provide any landscape aesthetic interest. Can succulents live outside? is an often asked question. The quick response is “yes”! Growing succulents outdoors is an excellent alternative because they do well there and can withstand some neglect. They also do well in sunny areas with warm, dry weather.
Succulents can be grown in the ground, in pots, or hidden in unexpected planting locations. Take the uncertainty out of caring for these wonderful conversation pieces with stunning foliage by reading our suggestions for growing succulents outside.
Will succulents endure the winter outside?
Yes, it is the answer. Although certain succulents can withstand frost, they are frequently thought of as drought-tolerant plants. They flourish in chilly, snowy conditions, and the extreme cold even brings out their magnificent, vivid colors. They are referred to as “Hard Succulents.” Sempervivum, Sedum, and Euphorbias genera contain some of the most hardy succulents. You may plant such succulents outside all year round because the majority of them can withstand temperatures as low as -20F (Hardiness Zone 5).
“Soft Succulents” are another group of succulents that are more susceptible to frost. When the weather drops below freezing, they must be winterized inside.
Do succulents grown indoors and outdoors have different needs?
When the weather becomes warmer, find out how to effectively take your indoor succulents outside! The fresh air and additional sunlight will be beneficial for indoor succulents!
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You may have observed that succulents cultivated outside frequently appear to be more aesthetically pleasing and healthy than those grown indoors. More sunshine (which inhibits stretching) and greater ventilation are the two main causes of this (allowing the roots to dry out more quickly).
I strongly advise moving your indoor succulents outside for the summer, even only temporarily.
In Colorado, how do you grow succulents outside?
In Colorado, are succulents able to grow outside? If you follow some simple instructions, you can accomplish it.
Choose cold-hardy succulent kinds for cultivating succulents outdoors in Colorado since they can endure frost or temperatures below freezing. These plants are shielded from harm by the snow that covers them. But keep in mind to fertilize before the start of winters and avoid growing the plant in moist soil.
Prepare yourself to grow succulents outdoors by learning the ideal growing conditions. The roots of plants can be ruined by poor soil quality, sunlight exposure, and watering. So, proceed with care while avoiding cold damage. After planting succulents, three procedures must be taken to winterize them to keep them thriving. Go to the final part and look for the plants that are best suited for cold climates if you are unclear of the best hardy plants.