Basic Succulent Care

One of the questions we are often asked is :

Do succulents need daylight?

A simple answer is yes, however its how much that is important. And this is just one of 10 tips to keeping your succulents alive and happy

Ten Tips on How To Grow Succulents

Succulents need a range of conditions, however a few general tips will keep most growing well and prevent problems.

1. Drainage
   Make sure they are planted in a free draining soil or potting mix. This means that when you water them, the soil drains quickly. You can buy a specialist mix, or you can add perlite, crushed rock or other medium to improve the drainage. Choose the right Pot for your succulents.
2. Light
   It is often thought that succulents love hot sun and lots of light. They do like light, however most do not like the extreme heat of direct sunlight.
3. Humidty
   Make sure they are not in a humid climate. Most succulents do not like humidity, they grow in warm dry climates. So give them good ventilation and airflow.
4. Heat and Sunlight
   Succulents like dry warm conditions, very few like very hot direct sunlight. So Give them some protection from the heat of the afternoon sun. They can actually get sunburnt in very hot direct sunlight.
5. Watering
   Don’t forget to water them. In nature, they will receive some rain and even a little dew at night. If you are growing them in containers, and especially indoors or under cover, they will need some water.Every week in summer, and once a month in winter is a guide. Indoors, in a heated room, maybe more often.
6. Fertiliser
   Fertiliser will be needed, however not very much. A general purpose slow release fertiliser once a year as they come out of dormancy is generally enough.
7. Frosts and Freezes
   Beware of frosts and freezes. Some succulents can handle the cold, others simply do not. So know your succulents cold tolerance.
8. Propagation
   When propagating succulents by cuttings, make sure you allow the cutting to callus over before planting.
9. Pests
   Look for pests, mealy bugs are one. So check the leaves for any insect pests.
10. Repotting
    Remember to repot them every 2 years. Even succulents will need repotting, the soil mix tends to collapse over time and retain to much moisture, so repot them.

Not all succulents like the same conditions.

Individual species will require different conditions, so refer to our sections on a range of succulents for more specific advice.

Common Questions

• What is the meaning of Succulent ?
  In terms of plants the word succulent refers to plants that have the ability to store water, some in their stems, others in their leaves. So the plant is ‘full of juice’.
  
• Do succulents like sunlight or shade?
  Many succulents do like sun, however the amount of sun differs between species.
  Some like more sun than others.
  
• Are any succulents native to Australia?
  Australia does have some native succulents, notably Hoya australis, Portulaca cyclophylla, Calandrinia creethae, Carpobrotus rossii and Tecticornia verrucosa.
  
• How often do succulents need to be watered ?
  Watering frequency differs between species, generally a wet/dry cycle is best.
  Holding back on water during the dormancy period is recommended for many succulents.
  Growing medium as well as climate are also watering factors.

Bonus Tip

Avoid the temperature extremes indoors. Keep them away from cold drafts, and keep them away from heating ducts.

Get More colour by stressing your succulents, just like mother nature would

Find full growing notes from our A – Z succulent Index.