Well I’m so happy that we are now offering a variety of plants at Meadow!
I’m an absolute plant addict and succulents are definitely a favorite. My first several attempts with succulents didn’t end well. After a few years and a lot of research, I finally get these guys!
Let’s start at the beginning. The word “succulent” is a general term that has come to be associated with those plants, which possess thick leaves for water storage. Many of the plants that are commonly referred to as “succulents” originate from various parts of the world and are not related at all. So basically, not all succulents require the same type of care.
Once you get your succulent home….
I would recommend using the internet to try to identify the species, or at least the family your succulent belongs to. Once you figure out your plant’s ideal environment, assess the conditions in your home; what is the moisture level like? Light levels? etc. This will help you decide if your plant needs to be right next to a bright sunny window or if it could survive in a semi-lit bathroom for example.
This is also important to consider if you are planning to create a planter with multiple plants. For best success, choice plants with the same moisture and light requirements.
Consider season…
The way you care for your succulent in the middle of summer will be very different from the care it will require in the winter.
We are currently moving into the dormant season. From fall to spring most succulents will require infrequent watering (small amounts every 2-4 weeks dependant on the home environment) and should not be fertilized. One of the main causes of death for succulent plants is over watering. Always allow soil to dry our completely between watering.
As we transition into spring, most succulents enter their growing period which will last until fall. During this period your plant will require regular watering. If your pot has drainage holes in the bottom, water liberally allowing the water to run though and drain out the bottom. If your pot does not have drainage holes, it hopefully has a layer of gravel to allow the soil to drain. Keep this in mind when deciding how much to water it. You want the roots to have access to enough water without water-logging the whole plant. During this growing season it is usually recommended to fertilize your succulents as you would any other houseplant.
These are the basics and hopefully enough to get to started. The most important thing to do is reassess your plant every once in a while. Watch for any changes in colour and texture; do the leaves look discoloured? Are the tips of the leaves turning brown? If you have had success in identifying which species you are dealing with, you can likely find the answer to what’s going on, via the internet.