The growth rates of various succulent species vary. Climate, soil type, irrigation, and fertilizing all affect how big and fast a plant grows. While fast-growing ground cover species like Sedum can spread up to 1″ each month during the growing season, slow varieties will stay neat and compact in a pot.
How long does it take for succulents to spread?
- Leaf propagation: Typically, it takes 2 weeks for roots to develop through leaf propagation. New leaves will start to form in around 8 weeks and can optionally be transplanted to a tiny container.
- Root formation typically takes 4 weeks, but it can occasionally take longer with stem proliferation.
- Offset propagation: Once the pups have developed a calloused skin, the roots typically begin to grow after 4 to 10 weeks.
- The process of propagating seeds takes the longest—cactus seeds can take anything from three weeks to a year to even begin to germinate. After that, the seedling takes a very long period to mature into a full-grown adult.
Do succulents naturally spread?
While certain cacti will have baby plants grow along the ribs or leaf margins of the plant, most succulents grow by division. The plantlets can be removed once they are large enough to be handled without difficulty.
Can you speed up the growth of succulents?
Succulents frequently push their roots together in circles to maximize the amount of soil they can absorb. How much room you gave the succulent in a container or in a garden determines how small the root circle is. You can occasionally assist the succulent in spreading its roots if you want it to develop more quickly. The plant will be able to take more nutrients from the soil as a result, leading to quicker development. Succulents have a tendency to occupy empty spaces, both in the soil and above it.
The method is really easy to follow. Just gently remove the succulent from the ground. Avoid damaging the root system at any costs. To loosen the dirt if the succulent is in the pot, gently squeeze the pot or pour a few drops of water around the rib. Shake the earth from the roots gently once the succulent has been removed. The ideal method is to use your fingers to gently massage the root system. You can plant the succulent in new soil after removing the old soil. Make sure to distribute the roots with your hands as widely as you can when you do that. Avoid using anything sharp that could hurt or harm them.
Do cacti become overcrowded?
Succulents frequently arrive jammed together cheek to jowl in lovely tiny plates. Succulents are among the plants that don’t do well in this arrangement. One of the best ways to promote mold and bug infestations is overcrowding.
The second problem is that although though succulents are excellent at surviving on meager supplies, they still require food and water. If there is too much competition, they will probably lose out. If your succulents are delivered in a crowded arrangement, carefully remove them and give each one its own roomy miniature dune.
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 harbor 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 color 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.
What You’ll Need:
- slicing shears
- gardening mitts (for handling spiny varieties)
- a little trowel
- potting soil for cacti and succulents
- jars with sufficient drainage holes
Remove Some Leaves or Behead
Take a few leaves at random from your succulent plant, gently twisting each one off the stem without breaking it.
These can be cut off the bottom of the stem, which will be discarded, when it begins to grow lanky.
To remove a specific leaf from a plant, such as a Christmas cactus, you might need to use scissors.
If you’re “beheading,” cut the stem of the plant head cleanly with your scissors or clippers about an inch below the lower leaves.
Plant
When roots start to form, either choose a site in your garden that is ideal for planting or fill well-draining containers of your choosing with potting material.
Sunshine and well-drained soil are ideal for succulent growth. They get paler in the absence of sunlight, and they decompose in excess moisture.
When the sun is less powerful, such as in the early morning or late afternoon, plant in a sunny location.
To lift the cuttings above the edge of your container or garden surface, pile dirt higher. To stabilize the roots, gently tamp the earth down; do not water.
Water and Feed
It’s time to buy a succulent/cactus food at this stage, such as Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food, which is sold on Amazon. administer as directed by the manufacturer.
Succulents can also be propagated via cuttings that are placed on top of potting soil and allowed to callus off so they can root themselves in the soil.
Do succulents thrive when grown in groups?
Recently, I’ve received several inquiries from folks wondering how much room should exist between the succulents in their arrangement. The reply is, “It depends.” Succulents are perfectly capable of being planted quite near to one another.
Succulents grow more slowly when planted closely together, helping the arrangement to better maintain its original layout. When they are close together, watering them can be more difficult. But this is a really fantastic approach to plant your succulents, particularly if you’re creating the arrangement as a present or for an event.
A nice illustration of succulents that are firmly packed together is this clam shell planter at Waterwise Botanicals.
Succulents are generally slow growers, but if you give them a bit extra room to spread out, they’ll grow a little faster and eventually fill the space. If you want your plants to grow larger or reproduce more readily on their own, this is a fantastic alternative. I suggest using this slightly dispersed strategy if you are just getting started with succulents.
It is simpler to water the succulents correctly when there is room between the plants. The soil will dry up more quickly due to the improved air flow. We are aware that succulents thrive in rapidly draining soil!
Remember that you don’t want the succulents to be too close together or in a pot that is much bigger than they are.
Succulents will prioritize generating roots over growing larger if they are given too much room. A good distance between plants, in my opinion, is between 1/2 and 1.
Do succulents grow slowly?
Succulents require water to grow and thrive even if they are well adapted to dry areas. Without adequate watering, succulents begin to wilt and may even turn dry and crispy.
Succulent leaves should, in general, be plump when well-watered and will lose their plumpness when dry. A succulent will also begin to droop and wilt if it is not given enough water.
There isn’t a set routine for watering succulents. Everything will rely on the season, the kind of succulent you have, the container it is in, the soil, and a lot more factors.
For instance, succulents that are potted in huge containers will use less water because the water evaporates much more slowly in those containers. It will evaporate much more slowly in a deep pot.
A succulent typically needs watering once every 10 to 14 days in the summer and once every 3 to 4 weeks in the winter. But this is only a ballpark figure that will vary depending on a number of variables. A soil meter like this one, which indicates whether the soil is moist or dry, is an useful tool to aid with watering schedules.
During the growing season (often early spring to autumn), watering should be increased, and during the fall and winter, it should be lessened. Check your care instructions for your specific succulent, though, to be sure.
Reason 2: Dormancy period
Your succulents may not be in an active growth phase right now if they aren’t expanding. or that they have reached a state of dormancy. Early autumn, when temperatures begin to fall, is when succulents begin their dormant season. However, certain succulents can grow in the fall and winter (Christmas cactus and more).
It is crucial to remember that from early fall through the winter, you should gradually reduce the amount of water you give your succulent plants. Succulents require very little water in the winter because they hardly grow at all.
If you water succulents too much in the winter, they may even explode. Water expands in subfreezing conditions, which explains this. Moreover, your plants’ cells may break from too much water.
Naturally, some succulents are more frost-resistant than others. However, most succulent species find it stressful when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). If your succulent is sensitive to cold, make sure to keep it indoors and check the care instructions for that variety.
You can leave your succulents outside over the winter if the temperature doesn’t drop too low. The majority of succulents can tolerate brief periods of frost or below-freezing temperatures.
Covering your succulents with a horticultural frost sheet like this is an excellent method to keep them free of frost throughout the winter outdoors. Hold the fabric firmly in place from all sides. Clothes should ideally protect from heavy rain and not be made of plastic (which prevents air exchange) (to prevent waterlogged soil and therefore rotting).
Reason 3: Pests and diseases
If your succulent isn’t expanding, a disease or pest infestation may be to blame. As a succulent planter, be sure to establish a routine of regularly inspecting your plants, their soil, and roots.
Verify your plant for insects and bugs. Succulents can be attacked by a variety of pests that siphon their juices, halting growth and eventually killing the plant. Some bugs target new growth specifically. Pests may harm stems or roots, which could have catastrophic consequences.
Consider spider mites, which are tiny red bugs that feed on plant sap. Look for small webs and scars on the plant, which may be signs of spider mites.
Thrips can eat sap from succulents when they assault them. Particularly nymphs, they are incredibly difficult to spot. However, it is possible to see mature thrips flying around the plant.
Mealybugs will create a cotton-like coating on your succulents to help them hide. Mealybugs, which have a significant impact on succulent growth, should be looked for around the plant’s base and roots.
Diseases that affect succulents will also stop them from growing, if at all. Please look for any corking, leaf scarring, dark or black spots (fungal infection), stem or root rot, or mold. For instance, nematodes (worms) can cause succulents’ tissue to bulge and its growth to become twisted.
A succulent plant that has root rot (soft, brown roots) will be unable to receive any water, which will eventually cause the plant to die. Look for any eggs or larvae in the roots to check for insect invasion.
The majority of ailments and pests take time to seriously affect a succulent. Not only will they prevent your succulent from growing properly, but they will also cause the entire plant to collapse. Because of this, it’s crucial to periodically inspect your succulents and address any issues as soon as they appear.
Reason 4: Overwatering and rotting roots
Overwatering and underwatering both have the potential to impede your succulent from growing properly. Overwatering will cause plant leaves to become mushy and yellow, and they will eventually fall off as a result.
Additionally, roots that are submerged in water all the time may begin to decay. A succulent with rooted roots is unable to provide its cells with adequate hydration and nourishment. The stem of a succulent can potentially develop rot, which will turn it brown.
It will cause a plant to die if it is not treated right away. Verify the roots of your succulent. It’s time to cut any mushy, brown or black roots and repot the plant if you spot any. Falling and soft (perhaps yellow-colored) leaves are another sign of overwatering.
Don’t water your succulent for a while to allow the soil to dry out if the roots are decaying. Cut all of the affected roots using sterile scissors before repotting in fresh soil. After repotting, give your succulent a week without watering to avoid causing it to droop.
A straightforward soil meter like this can be of great assistance if you frequently struggle to determine when to water your succulents. Placing a stone or several stones on the soil will help you water your succulents much more effectively. It’s not yet time to water your succulent if you look beneath a stone and notice dampness.
Reason 5: Keeping your succulent in an area too cold or hot
If your succulent isn’t growing, you can be keeping it in the incorrect location at the wrong temperature.
The majority of succulents love receiving lots of sunlight, and inadequate sunlight will stunt the growth of your plant. But keeping succulents in glass or enclosed in glass can be harmful. If your plant is housed in a glass container, for example, direct sunlight will result in high impact rays and elevated temperatures.
Another recommendation is to avoid keeping your plant next to hot radiators, especially in the summer and winter. Too hot of a temperature can cause the soil to dry up too rapidly. Air conditioners are comparable.
Succulents require a lot of light in the summer. However, if you put your succulents in an area that is too hot, they could overheat and become burnt.
Generally speaking, your succulents may become overheated at temperatures higher than 86 F (30 C). They may then enter a dormant state as a result of this. Additionally, succulents cannot develop in a dormant condition.
You shouldn’t maintain your succulent plants in extremely chilly temperatures in the winter. This could cause your succulent to freeze, which would make it impossible for you to save it.
Verify the ideal temperature and amount of light for the species of succulents you are growing. To choose where to store your plant, also consider whether it is heat- or frost-sensitive.
Reason 6: Lack of nutrients
The growth of your succulents will be poor to nonexistent if you underfeed them. The plant’s fading, lack of development, and lack of blooming are indications that your succulent is nutritionally deficient.
Succulent fertilization regimens might vary, so be sure to follow the species’ instructions. Additionally, give your succulents regular waterings because they won’t be able to absorb nutrients from dry soil otherwise.
Although fertilization is crucial, be careful not to overdo it. Your succulents will grow too quickly and produce delicate tissues that are susceptible to rot and illnesses if you overfertilize them.
Use only cactus and succulent-specific fertilizers, such as this one. They are frequently weaker than regular fertilizers because they are created especially for these plants. Always fertilize during the growing season and never in the winter.
Reason 7: Succulent is potted in a pot too small
Your succulent’s growth will be constrained if it is housed in a compact pot with little room for expansion. Many growers take advantage of the fact that succulents growing in overcrowded pots take much longer to mature. This is especially true if there is also a lack of feeding and hydration.
Succulents produce several new roots as they expand, which also require room. The roots of your succulent will become firmly packed together if you keep it in a very small pot. Lack of space will cause this succulent to stop growing completely.
If your succulent has twisted growth, roots that protrude from the drainage holes, or packed roots, it has outgrown its container. You should repot your succulent once or twice a season to allow it to grow to its greatest possible size. But pots shouldn’t be overly large; they should only have a little room on the sides.
Reason 8: Lack of light
Succulents will also develop poorly in the absence of light. Succulents require a lot of direct sunlight to flourish (but some varieties may also require some partial shade). This is crucial during the growing season.
You need to give your succulents ever more light once their dormant time in the spring is through if you want them to flourish. In order to protect your succulents from burns, make sure to go carefully. Thick-leaved succulents are frequently more tolerant of intense sunshine.
Reason 9: Succulents are generally slow growers
Most succulent plants develop slowly, while some species grow more slowly than others. For instance, Haworthia and Gasteria are smaller and develop more slowly than other succulents. On the other side, kalanchoe has a substantially higher rate of growth.
Typically, it can take at least 3 to 4 months before your succulent starts to grow. However, if your succulent is still extremely little, this could take even longer.
Most new cuttings and pups develop slowly at first before picking up speed. It will take considerably longer to notice any growth difference when growing succulents from seed. If a succulent is newly propagated from leaf or stem cuttings, it may also take longer for it to flourish.