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Growing Succulents

Are you looking for plants that are visually appealing yet work well in our climate?  Look no further than succulents.  Succelents are ideal for landscaping, feature containers, patios, hanging baskets as well as indoors.

Succulents are great in Australia as they require very little water, making them perfect for areas that are currently suffering through water restrictions.  They also have an amazing range of leaf shapes and colours, making them perfect for creating a focal point in the garden.  We’ve put together a guide on how to grow succulents.

The first thing that you need to note is that while all cacti are classified as being succulents, not all succulents are classified as being cacti.  For this reason, succulents and cacti are classed separately.  Succulents are plants that store water during wet periods to use in dry periods.  There are two main types of succulents – those that store water in their leaves, and those that store water in their stems.  Succulents normally have thick, fleshy leaves.  The leaves may also feel waxy or hairy.  This helps to reduce water loss.

Planting Succulents

Succulents need at least half a day of direct sun in order to thrive.  These plants also need excellent drainage so it is a good idea to add gravel, sand, or pumice to the soil to ensure that it is extremely free draining.  If the soil is too wet, the plant may suffer from root problems.  Also ensure that your succulents are protected from frost.

Looking after Succulents

During summer, it is perfectly fine to water your succulents regularly.  However, during winter, it is best not to water them at all as this is their resting period.  In general, succulents need very little water so it is best to always check the plant and the soil first before giving water.  If watering is needed, early in the morning is best.  Also ensure that you do not feed your succulents regularly as they do not need a lot of nutrition.  A slow release fertiliser in spring is often adequate, as is a weak liquid fertiliser in summer.

Do not mulch your succulents.  If you wish to cover the soil, a thin layer of gravel, crushed shells, or stones is more than sufficient.

It is likely that a stem or leaf may break off when you are handling your succulents.  There is no need to worry about this as succulents are easy to grow from cuttings.  Simply take the piece of the plant that has broken off and leave it to dry for about a week.  Once this has happened, put the piece of the plant into a pot that has been filled with half potting mix and half sand and watch the new plant grow.

Succulents in Containers

As succulents need so little water, they are absolutely perfect for planting in pots.  If you are planting your succulents in a pot, the potting mix that you use is vital.  Ensure that the potting mix is extremely well-draining.  The ideal mix is half free draining potting mix and half sand.  When they have been potted, the succulents should only need to be watered once a week during spring and summer depending on the weather, and very rarely in winter.

Succulents should be repotted at the very end of winter or the start of spring, when the new growing season begins.  Always wait until any flowering has ceased before repotting, and ensure that the potting mix is dry.  Transfer the plant into a pot that is one size up from the original pot.  Repotting should only need to be done when the plant has grown too big for its original pot or is looking rootbound.

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