Succulents have become increasingly popular in the market in recent years due to their unique shapes and easy-to-care-for characteristics. However, many plant lovers struggle with how to plant their succulents after buying them. Let's explain in detail how to plant the succulents you've bought, helping you easily grow beautiful succulent plants.
Choosing the right planting containerWhen planting succulents, the first step is to choose a suitable container. Ceramic pots, plastic pots, or clay pots are all good choices. The container must have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water accumulation and root rot.
Soil selection and preparationSucculents prefer well-draining and highly breathable soil. You can choose commercially available succulent-specific soil, or mix your own. The DIY soil can be prepared in the following ratio: 60% peat moss, 20% coarse sand, and 20% vermiculite. This soil is both breathable and well-draining, making it very suitable for the growth of succulent plants.
Light and temperatureSucculents love plenty of sunlight, but be sure to provide appropriate shade during high summer temperatures. For indoor succulents, place them on a windowsill or balcony to ensure at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily. In terms of temperature, the ideal growing range for succulents is between 15-25°C.
Watering and fertilizingWatering succulents should follow the principle of "better dry than wet" to avoid waterlogging. When watering, water the roots thoroughly, but do not let water stagnate on the leaves. For fertilizing, a balanced fertilizer applied once a month during the growing season is sufficient.
Propagation and repottingSucculents can be propagated by division, cuttings, or sowing. Division involves separating the offsets that grow from the mother plant. Cuttings involve inserting healthy leaves or stems into the soil. For repotting, it is best to do it in spring or autumn. Repot once a year to maintain soil fertility and aeration.
Pest and disease controlSucculents may encounter pest and disease problems during their growth. Common pests include mealybugs and spider mites. Control methods include: regularly inspecting plants and removing pests and diseases promptly; using insecticides for control, ensuring safe usage.
Planting the succulents you buy is not complicated at all. As long as you master the key points mentioned above, you can easily grow beautiful succulent plants. Caring for succulents also requires patience and attention. I hope every plant lover can find their own happiness in the world of succulents.
References:
"Succulent Plant Care Manual", Author: Zhang Xiaohui, Publisher: China Agriculture Press, Publication Year: 2018.
"Succulent Plant Planting and Care", Author: Li Xiaomei, Publisher: Chemical Industry Press, Publication Year: 2019.