Learn more about your succulent
Get To Know Your Succulents
Because some succulents, like Echeveria Vincent Catto, Sinocrassula Yunnannensis, or Echeveria Derenbergii, are inherently small and slow-growing, it is best to know what kind of succulents you are trying to grow bigger.
Search Google for the maximum size and growing advice for your succulent if you know its name. If you post a photo to one of the succulent-lovers’ facebook groups, they can identify your succulent if you don’t know its name.
To find a group on Facebook or Google and choose the one that looks appealing. There are some groups that can be excessively vast, and you might not always get a response because your message might get lost in the sea of thousands of other individuals trying to submit their queries. Sometimes working in smaller groups may be preferable.
If you don’t know the name of your succulent and don’t want to bother with Facebook, try searching Google for information about your plant’s qualities (blue succulent with pink edges or red spreading succulent etc.) Then, you can try to locate your plant by going to the image portion of the search.
Plant succulents in the garden
Succulent cuttings are one of our best-selling items at our online store. We have huge succulent gardens and beds since here is where succulents grow the best, quickest, and biggest. This allows us to grow enough to meet demand.
The majority of succulents are not frost hardy and would perish if planted in the ground in various regions of the world where winters are cold with frequent frosts. But don’t worry—we also have a remedy for you unfortunate residents of chilly climates.
However, in temperate conditions, succulents will make the most of the room they have when planted in the ground and will develop into magnificent, large plants.
Succulents can rot if planted in the area of the garden where water collects after heavy rains, therefore water needs to drain away successfully for them to grow in the ground.
Succulents that prefer the sun should be planted there, while those that prefer the shade should be planted behind trees or in the shade.
Although we do advise adding high-quality potting mix for additional drainage and nutrients, the majority of succulents will grow big and healthy even in poorer soil when planted in the ground.
Upgrade the pot regularly
Larger succulents will grow if there is more room for their roots. Although, as was already noted, certain species of succulents are naturally small and slow-growing, there isn’t much that can be done to encourage them to grow larger.
Most of our succulent plants are propagated through cuttings that are placed in little pots or propagation trays. We transplant the plant to a pot that is twice or three times the size of the root ball once the pot is full with roots.
They will do better in nice, fresh potting mix every time they are repotted, and we also get to observe how the roots are doing and check for pests on roots (mealy bugs, grubs, etc.) every time we repotted a plant, which is why we don’t place them in the biggest pot available at the beginning.
Since potting soil can degrade over time and harbour pests and fungus, it is recommended to gradually transition succulents to larger pots if you want them to grow big and healthy.
Succulents will technically continue to grow in a small pot after they have hit their limit and become root-bound, but they will do so extremely slowly.
On the bright side, if you choose the proper succulent for the job, you may achieve better colour and a plumper form because many succulents may become “bonsai” if kept in small pots for an extended period of time; however, this is a subject for a completely separate post.
Succulents grow, do they require larger containers?
Succulents should be planted in pots that are about 10% broader than the plants themselves. Choose the shallow pot whenever the choice is between a deep or shallow pot. The pot’s depth should be 10% greater than the plant’s depth.
Let’s clarify using instances from real life:
- Grab a 2.5 (the best option) to 4 inch pot (the exact maximum size) for optimal outcomes if you have a 2 inch succulent.
- Grab a 4.5 (the best option) to 6 inch pot (the exact maximum size) for optimal results if you have a 4 inch succulent.
Are smaller pots preferable for succulents?
Any succulent plants you purchase in a tiny grow pot can be replanted and kept alive for at least 6 to 12 months in a small ornamental pot. Succulents that remain small and compact are the best for growing for a long time (more than a year).
The ones that remain little or grow slowly are my favourites. They include Gasterias, Panda Plants, some Echeverias and Crassulas, Living Stones, Sempervivums (the rosette-type succulents known as Hens & Chicks), Haworthias (genus of the well-known Zebra Plant), and Living Stones.
How can I encourage the growth of my succulents?
The most crucial component of soil for succulents is sufficient drainage. To solve this problem and make it easier for water to pass through, it is usual practise to add some chunkier material to the soil mixture. The roots won’t be able to absorb water if the soil doesn’t drain correctly since it will retain it “breathe. Over time, that stress will have an impact on the entire plant, causing it to slow its growth in order to conserve energy for survival. The succulent will flourish in soil that permits appropriate root expansion and in a container with several draining holes at the bottom.
For your succulent to grow more quickly, the soil must be rich in nutrients in addition to being well-draining. Maintaining a consistent watering regimen will benefit the plant. As soon as the soil is dry, add water. Succulents don’t like “wet shoes. Additionally, they are largely desert plants, but owing to the drought, you don’t need them to survive. You can also add additional fertiliser to speed up the growth process. Your succulent will become extra healthy as a result of the fertiliser, and it will have enough energy to concentrate on growth rather than spreading out the roots. Just be careful that the fertiliser isn’t overly potent because that could burn the delicate succulents beyond repair.
Do my succulents have room to grow?
While most types will remain roughly the same size, others can get considerably bigger than others. These are typically not advised for indoor pots because they quickly overrun their space!
Succulents should be grown in but not out of their pots for the greatest results. The pot should only be as tall as two times the height of your plant, as a general rule of thumb.
As long as they are maintained in proper growing conditions, the majority of succulent plant varieties will remain roughly the same size year-round.
If you want your succulents to be shorter and bushier, you can prune them back by a third or even half of their original height.
Succulents require relatively little upkeep and can live for years inside without repotting or special attention!
Do Succulents Grow Bigger in Bigger Pots?
Although they take longer to overrun their container, succulents do not grow larger in larger pots.
In comparison to plants kept in smaller pots, plants that remain the same size may have roots that extend into a larger container and become root-bound more quickly.
Are succulents tolerant of crowds?
Speaking with individuals about succulent care or watching succulent care “in the wild” has made me aware of some of the misconceptions around succulent plants in the horticultural community. Just stroll through the nurseries in garden centres, where staff members are highly qualified. There are numerous excellently kept ornamental plants, fruit trees, and beautifully managed bedding plants, all of which have been nourished, watered, and maintained. then go for the section with succulents. You’ll find plants that have been improperly labelled, overwatered, underwatered, and generally neglected. In response to requests for assistance from merchants and landscaping contractors, I pondered this for a long time.
Successful succulent care is a synthesis of numerous elements, just like taking care of other plants. soil, water, fertiliser, exposure, control of pests and diseases, upkeep, and most importantly, observing and asking questions about the health of the plants.
Observing the plants and wondering what is going on with them. Yes, I believe that this is the most crucial element in keeping succulent plants healthy and beautiful. Applying what you have learnt to this group of plants will go a long way toward success with them if you are a gardener with prior success cultivating other types of plants. A plant is most likely not healthy if it does not appear to be so. Like any other plant that does not appear to be healthy, a plant that is unhealthy is likely dealing with challenges relating to soil, water, fertiliser, pest and disease control, upkeep, or a combination of these issues.
Due to their adaptation to places where water is scarce for extended periods of time, succulent plants differ somewhat from normal herbaceous perennial plants. As a result, their relationship with water plays a significant role in what makes them special. When it comes to gathering and preserving water, succulent plants are particularly effective. Additionally, they are more vulnerable to issues if exposed to excessive water. One of the most important determining aspects in maintaining the health of succulents is water management.
Here are some general care instructions for succulents, including everything from water to soil to sunlight.
Soil
The secret to soil mix in containers and in the landscape is good drainage and aeration. The majority of commercial soil mixtures are a little too dense and hold a lot of water for succulents. Adding coarse perlite, crushed lava, or pumice to conventional potting mixtures will usually be sufficient to transform them into effective succulent potting mixtures. Normally, I advise mixing 1 part amendment with 4 parts potting mix. For succulents like cactus that require even more drainage and aeration, the proportion of amendment can be increased.
There are a number of high-quality choices available on the market if you want to purchase pre-mixed soil, including the E.B. Stone Cactus mix that we carry at the nursery.
Water
Thick stems and leaves that effectively gather and store water are characteristics of succulent plants. Traditional plant varieties have thin leaves and require more frequent hydration and watering. Even though the soil is damp, a plant like a coleus may wilt on a hot day. For the coleus to have more humidity and water availability, more regular watering is required. The succulent is less prone to wilt since it has water stored in its leaves and stem. Before being watered, succulent plants prefer to get close to being dry. The plant’s root ball stores the rest of the remaining moisture when the earth dries out. It’s time to water when this area is almost completely dry. Water the plant thoroughly so that the soil is completely saturated and some water runs out the bottom of the plant. Watering a succulent is very much the same as watering any other plant, only not as frequently.
When the environment is unfavourable, there is an exception to how you water a succulent. Poor air circulation, cloudy, dark days, and inadequate lighting may be examples of this. The plant will dry out extremely slowly in these conditions, so it will require controlled watering—giving it tiny doses of water—to prevent being overly wet for an extended period of time. Again, keeping plants healthy requires paying attention to what they need.
Fertilizer
Like most plants, succulents like being fed. Succulents vary from other plants in that they require less fertiliser less frequently since they are so effective. I do not suggest giving succulents any particular fertiliser. As you develop your plant-growing skills, experimenting with various fertilisers may improve the quality of your plants and/or blooms. Use a balanced fertiliser in the interim, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. To maintain a healthy, growing plant, a fertiliser that is well-balanced is essential. There are a variety of all-purpose fertilisers that will work; at the nursery, we carry and advise Maxsea All-Purpose Plant Food.
An overabundance of fertiliser will promote excessive growth, which gives the plant a weedy appearance. Insufficient water will cause the plant to go into suspended animation and appear to be motionless. I advise halving the stated dosage rate and fertilising no more frequently than once per month. Since most succulents become dormant throughout the winter, it’s usually not required to fertilise them.
Exposure
Succulent plants, like the majority of plants, prefer a climate with plenty of sunlight and clean air. Many people have misconceptions about succulents. One of the topics that people misinterpret is sunlight. When the topic of succulents is brought up, many people immediately think “desert.” In actuality, succulent plants grow most attractively when given a little sun protection. Succulent plants can develop good colour and form without being dried out by the heat of the midday sun if they are grown in a few hours of early sun throughout the warmer months of the year. Shade fabric, lattice, or even the partial shadowing offered by a tree will help break up the heat of the sun in a southern exposure when the sun is shining on the area all day. More light exposure will aid the plant in preserving its good shape and colour as winter draws closer. The plant will seem parched and burnt out if it receives too much sunlight. Too little sunshine causes the plant to extend out in search of more light, losing its beautiful compact structure.
Cold Tolerance
Information on the cold tolerance of several succulent plants was lacking until recently. If you don’t know a plant’s resistance to cold, I advise thinking it will freeze or suffer harm if the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or freezing. Plants can be protected from light frost using inexpensive materials like frost cloth. These materials work well to increase your level of protection by 4 to 6 degrees.
Pest and Disease Control
Aphids are always going to be aphids. Like other plants, succulents will be attacked by insects. The idea is to observe your plants, look more closely, and explore anything that seems abnormal. Like any other plant, succulents require the ideal exposure or location, as well as decent soil, appropriate watering, and fertiliser. You are less likely to encounter bugs if these factors are properly balanced.
Succulent plants are susceptible to the same bugs and diseases that affect other plants, which is a fact of life. Succulents require the same level of pest and disease monitoring as other plants. As with other plants, aphids typically target the blossoms and new growth on succulents. Like other plants, measly bugs live on the roots of the plant and lodge between the leaves near new development. They can also infest the soil. Earwigs and snails both eat on the leaves. Succulent leaves may get powdery mildew, especially after extended periods of bad weather. Not to mention the ants, of course. Farmers are ants. Ants use plants like succulents to develop bugs that will help feed all of their ant companions, just as you may rototill the dirt and plant carrot seeds for your habit of drinking carrot juice. Any ants you see on your plants, get rid of them.
Therefore, these so-called succulent plants are not bug-proof. Although they are hardy and can endure an infection for a long time, healthy, attractive plants must be watched over, and when an infestation does arise, it must be treated with.
You decide how to handle an infestation. To help identify the bug or disease, you may speak with someone at your neighbourhood nursery or your acquaintance who is an avid gardener. You decide whether to utilise organic materials or nuclear weapons, water, soap, q-tips, or chemicals. The most important thing is to address the issue as soon as you become aware of it.
Maintenance
Succulent plants are subject to the same pruning, dividing, transplanting, deadheading, etc. procedures as other plants. The ease with which succulents can be dug up, transplanted, etc. sets them apart from most other plants. When the root structure is disturbed, succulent plants do not experience the shock that other plants do. This is due to the fact that succulent plants can store their own water and do not suffer from the root disturbance-induced leaf wilting that other plants do.
Succulent plants typically don’t mind being crowded, whether they are grouped together in a container or are alone and completely filled out. When a plant is transplanted after it has grown to the top of its container, it usually experiences another growth surge. I often advise increasing the size of the container for each plants by 2″. A change in soil every two to four years is also beneficial to succulents. Plants that have crowded out one another as they have grown together will benefit from being thinned out and given a little more room. When the plants are just starting to grow, which is typically in the spring, is a dependable time of year to undertake transplanting.
In conclusion, take a look at your plants and, if one doesn’t appear to be in good health, treat it with the same curiosity you would any other plant. Apply your newly acquired plant knowledge to these particular plants, since they are only plants. The right soil mix, watering, fertilising, exposure, controlling pests and diseases, and care are essential for thriving succulent plants.