By Linda Peacock, Master Gardener, SCMG
Why do these plants make such good houseplants? They thrive in indoor temperatures, light and humidity, they need little watering, and they come in various forms and colours! Many of us have already learned to love and grow succulents outdoors – Hens & Chicks and Sedums are popular succulents that are drought tolerant and will grow anywhere (indoors as well).
What plants are succulents? They are actually not a formal plant group. The term “succulent” simply refers to any plant that has the ability to store water. Some drought-resistant species such as Aloe Vera contain very little water-retaining tissue, however, they are usually included when people refer to succulents because their growth habits and environmental needs are the same. Cacti are a plant family that have all the same qualities and care requirements as succulents. All Cacti are considered succulents but not all succulents are Cacti. Most succulents originate in environments that experience seasons of large rain events that soak the soil followed by long periods of drought that leave the soil bone dry. These are clues that make their care easy to understand. Here are some basic tips:
Watering: Water them the way they are naturally watered, make sure they completely dry out between waterings to promote strong root growth. Overwatering causes the vacuoles in their cells to absorb water until they burst, the result is irreparable damage. Underwatering will only cause the vacuoles to deflate, they will come back when rehydrated. It is much safer to chance underwatering than overwatering. So how often should you water your succulents? Water them on their schedule, not yours. The light, heat, and humidity in one house could be totally different than the next. Watering until the soil is evenly moist every two weeks is probably enough, however, it is better to see how long it takes them to completely dry out in your home and use that to determine the schedule. Our granddaughter visits every other week, she has a miniature succulent garden in a very shallow clay saucer, she mists it every time she comes, and that is enough water for her small plants in their growing conditions.
Note: Many people ask me if they should use a moisture meter to monitor when their plants should be watered. I am cautious about using them. Moisture meters measure the electric conductivity of the soil to indicate moisture level. Watering with hard water, could cause the soil to read “wetter” than if soft or distilled water were used. Soil that is not draining well causes salt build-up could read “wetter” as well. The best way to know if your soil is dry is to feel it as far down to the bottom of the pot as possible.
Soil: Use a potting soil that does not compact and drains quickly – there are potting soils sold just for these plants. Average commercial potting soils hold too much water for succulents. If that is all you have, add some course perlite to help with drainage. Repotting is not done often unless the plants are getting crowded or the soil needs amending.
Light: Most succulents need a lot of light which means the most direct light you can find in your home. Unless you have them under grow lights, you need to place them near a window. Remember to turn them a quarter turn regularly to keep their growth even and avoid lanky plants (see picture).
Temperature: Luckily, the average home provides a good temperature for succulents, they can not tolerate cold. Frost will damage the vacuoles that hold water. If your plant is close to a window, make sure it is not sitting in a cold draft. Air flow is different, they need good airflow. You will see pictures of succulent wreaths or walls – avoid this, these plants do not naturally grow this way they need their space.
Fertilizing: As well as the ability to hold water, they can also hold a reasonable amount of nutrients. They need very little fertilizer. Dilute any all-purpose, evenly balanced (8-8-8) fertilizer with three to four times the amount of water typically used. This can be applied once a month during their growing or flowering season. Plants such as a Christmas Cactus which bloom profusely will need a fertilizer with less nitrogen and more phosphorus and potassium.
Pruning: Is not usually necessary to promote growth on succulents. They are usually pruned to declutter or revive a plant, or for propagation. This would only be done once a year or less. Take out any dead, dying or abnormal leaves or pads. Any weaker stems that are stretching for light (see jade picture below) or simply growing out of the preferred shape can be trimmed back and any spent flower stalks should be removed.
Propagation: Be patient, they take time to propagate. It is best not to try propagating in the winter unless you have grow lights, spring or summer are the best seasons to provide the light and warmth needed. Leaf cuttings can be cleanly cut off, some can be gently twisted and pulled off. Torn leaves will not propagate. Use sterilized pruners and you may find tweezers helpful to manipulate the pieces. Allow the cut ends to heal over at least one week to prevent rot/disease then simply let them lie on the soil (see picture). If you take your leaf cuttings from one stem you can use the remaining stem stump to create new plants as well. If possible, leave a few leaves on the stem, cut the stem back to 1-2” above the soil. Water as normal, keep the cut end dry so that it can heal over. Small plants will appear on the stem, they can be removed when they are large enough to grow on their own. Stem cuttings can be taken by removing a branch from the plant (or new plants from stem stumps), let it heal over, then set into the dirt. Rosette types like Echeverias are similar, cut out a centre piece, remove a few bottom leaves to create a small stem, let it heal over and plant into the soil.
Some of the easiest succulents to grow (almost impossible to kill):
Jade Plant or other Crassulas – they are slow growers, need bright light, water when soil is dry.
Aloe Vera – they are both medicinal and pretty, need bright light, water when leaves feel dry or brittle.
Echeverias – many different colours, nice rosette shapes, full sun (brightest light in house), best in unglazed clay pots to keep extremely dry.
Zebra Plants or Haworthias – striped or textured, stay small, only need moderate light
Panda Plant – fuzzy, different colours, loves dry air, water when leaves look like pruned fingers
String of Pearls – full sun, grows fairly quickly, easy to propagate with stems, flattened pearls means it needs water.
Cacti – many flower and have amazing shapes and sizes. Many people do not want to handle them because of their spines. A large pair of tweezers or tongs like the wooden toaster tongs are your best friend when handling these.
I tend to stuff succulents in little corners all over the house to add a little colour and then forget all about them. A few have never been fertilized or pruned, like the fuzzy Crassula in the picture below. That poor plant barely gets watered, but it still looks good. There are so many pretty ones, and the different textures can be addicting! Most of them are truly easy to take care for, try a few out and don’t feel guilty if you ignore them.
