succulent
(suhk-yuh-luh nt)
-plants having fleshy and juicy tissues to retain water in
different climates
I am not a gardener, nor was I blessed with a green thumb. The first plant I called my own was a lucky bamboo tree from the flea market that I
killed within a month. After researching succulents, I realized this
was a great place to start with my gardening knowledge before venturing onto
more difficult plants. Succulents basically take care of themselves and have
apparent signs when they need nourishment.
All succulents follow similar rules.
1)
Light
Bright indirect light is the most desired for these plants.
Each species can tolerate different amounts of light so you will need to watch the
leaves for indications of adequate light.
If they receive too much sunlight the leaves turn brown or
white at the edges as the plant bleaches out and soft tissues are destroyed.
If they receive too little sunlight they will stretch with an elongated
stem towards the light and the leaves become widely spaced out.
Rotating the plants every couple of weeks will help with the
amount of sunlight the entire plant receives.
2)
Soil
Your local Home Depot or Lowes sells cactus/ succulent soil
mixes. The soil allows the water to penetrate easily and drain away rapidly.
The soil cannot remain wet for long periods of time or it can possibly drown
your succulents. In plant vessels that do not have proper drainage (jars, large bowls
or vases) make sure to fill the bottom with rocks or pebbles to help the water
drain into the bottom.
3)
Water
Succulents love water. In the hotter months, make sure to
water them once a week. In the colder months, you can switch it to every other
week. Make sure to feel the soil before watering to make sure it is dry and
then water the soil not the plant itself.
How to grow succulents:
- Purchase all materials.
- Fill rocks/pebbles in the bottom of improper drainage vessels.
- Fill succulent soil half way in each pot.
- Remove plant from plastic container and place into your soiled pot.
- Add more soil around to safely hug your succulent.
- You may also plant clippings of other species of succulents into your soil.
- Add pebbles or rocks on top if preferred.
- Water and let them soak the sunshine.
