8 tips on how to care for succulent plants

Who doesn’t like having succulent plants around their home? Succulent plants have proven over time to be the ideal houseplant. You may never get over the satisfaction succulents bring to your home, the pleasure, and the beauty especially if you have a green thumb. It is important that you learn how to care for succulents, whether you were gifted one or you just picked up one from a nearby store. Not to worry, we have compiled a list of 8 tips to help you care for your succulent even if you have never had any experience with any. 

Regularly rotate your succulents

Direct sun is important to your succulents just like air is important to humans. If you have your succulent plant sitting at the same place every day, it is time to rotate it because one side of it is not getting enough light.

Give them enough water

Succulents need to be watered regularly during spring and summer because they require more water to thrive during this season. If you are not sure of when to water them, you can dip a finger into the soil and see if the top is dry before watering. Be sure not to overwater them.

Keep them clean

Indoor plants always pick up dust on their surfaces and this can affect their growth. It is important that you clean the leaves and spines with a wet cloth. If you have difficulties reaching some areas, use a soft paintbrush.

Use terra cotta pots or containers with drainage

Succulents do not thrive in waterlogged soil. To avoid exposing them to this unfavorable condition, use containers with drainage holes so that excess water can drain off.

No bugs

You may have to occasionally deal with pests attacking your indoor plants. One of the pests your succulent may have to deal with is Gnat. Use 70% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of their eggs and larvae.

Plant them in the right soil 

Succulents may not know how to express their feelings to humans, but they definitely hate being planted on the wrong soil. Succulents require soil that drains. Preferably, use cactus soil to plant them. If you have potting soil, you can mix it with pumice, sand, or perlite. The regular potting soil won’t do for them.

Give them enough fertilizer during summer

Succulent plants do not require a lot of fertilizer. During summer or spring, give them a little spread of fertilizer and be careful not to add too much as this can fasten their growth and weaken them. 

Do not overcrowd them

Overcrowding doesn’t favor succulent plants. It encourages insect and mold infestations. Succulent plants do not like being packed into little dishes as this may mean they have to compete for food and water. Occasionally pluck them out and allow each of them enough space. 

Succulents are lovely, but to keep them you need to pay special attention to their needs. In other words, you need to learn to speak and understand the language of succulents, if you want them around in your home.