Basically, succulents need well-drained soil to survive. If their roots sit in water or moisture, they become moldy and the plant will die. The trick to planting succulents in a container without drainage holes is to add a layer of pea gravel into the container you are planting the succulent in, before adding any soil.
This creates a drainage-like effect that keeps the roots from sitting in excess water. I was skeptical when I first tried it out, but I have two dishes in my kitchen window without drainage holes, and those succulents have lasted well over a year, and continue to grow and thrive. Not much. In fact, over watering will kill your succulent much faster than under watering it. In my small dishes without drainage holes, I add a tablespoon or two of water about once a week. In my dishes with drainage holes, I add enough water to completely moisten the soil every several days.
Basically, water the soil until it is slightly moist. Then, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering them again. But, once they are watered, they perk right back up and are just fine. Err on the side of caution to start and give the little guys less water than you think they need, especially if they are in a container without drainage holes. Yes, succulents most definitely need direct sunlight. I would recommend a windowsill that receives a substantial amount of sun.
Click here to read my full disclosure policy. There is soil that is formulated specifically for succulents and cactus plants. It mimics the soil found in their natural habitat and allows for proper drainage. You never want the leaves to sit in water because it can cause rot, so I add a layer of pea gravel on top of the soil as well. This gives the leaves something to rest on that does not hold moisture, thus keeping them dry and happy.
In some areas, you can plant succulents right in the ground and they will survive year round. Where I live that is definitely not the case, but if you live in zones 8 or 9 in the United States, you might want to look into it. Or maybe you already know, because you see them growing naturally! I know nothing about living in mild year-round temperatures, so I will just speak to how to grow them in containers outdoors.
If you plan to place your container of succulents outdoors, I would definitely recommend making sure it has adequate drainage holes. If it rains enough, the soil will never have time to dry out, and the water will just sit in the bottom without those holes.
I always take mine inside when the nights get to be in the upper 40s, but definitely before any frost. They certainly can not handle a frost. Buy now. Succulents do best in a sunny spot in very well-drained soil. Most prefer a very slightly acidic soil. Succulents will struggle to grow in poorly drained, heavy soils. A cold and wet winter will often see the loss of many. These are much less likely to become waterlogged in winter, and in particularly wet areas they can be moved undercover until spring.
Before planting succulents into garden soil, improve the drainage by adding in horticultural grit. Avoid planting too deeply as fleshy leaves will rot if in contact with a wet soil. When planting in containers go for unglazed terracotta pots with plenty of drainage holes in the bottom and add grit to the compost. Perfect for drought-loving succulents, terracotta pots will warm up quickly in the sun and are porus, so the compost dries out quickly after watering.
The majority of succulents have fibrous roots so can be planted in fairly shallow pots. Opt for a soil-based compost when planting large succulents such as agaves, as these plants need a heavier compost to anchor their roots.
Wear gloves when handling spiked agaves as the leaves are incredibly sharp. Watch your eyes. Want to grow alpine succulents? In summer, water succulents in containers no more than once a week. A good watering less often is more beneficial than a little-and-often technique. In autumn and winter, reduce the watering dramatically and place container grown, tender plants in a light and frost-free place. Repot potted specimens once a year in spring. Succulents of different colors and shapes come together to create a living tapestry.
He recommends applying an all-purpose fertilizer within a couple of weeks after planting succulents in the garden and then reapplying two or three times a year. For potted succulent plants, apply a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer monthly. Succulents are a great way to dress up a patio or porch. See how to replant and clean up existing succulent container displays. For more videos, subscribe to the Garden Design channel on YouTube! Get plant information, gardening solutions, design inspiration and more in our weekly newsletter.
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