When Is The Best Time To Buy Succulents
Overwatering is one of the easiest ways to accidentally kill your succulents due to their susceptibility to root rot, which is caused by damp roots. It is also dangerous to leave the plant completely dry for long periods of time, as the roots will start to die back.
when is the best time to buy succulents
One of the most dangerous things for your indoor succulents is watering them incorrectly. Succulents hold moisture in their leaves, stems and tissues. They use these stored water to survive in dry conditions. Too much water is deadly to these plants. But they still need to be watered in order to survive and thrive. Leaving them too dry for too long can also cause their roots to die. The best way to determine when to water is to examine the soil and feel for moisture. Do not just touch the surface of the soil, but the top inch of the soil needs to be dry to the touch before you water your plant.
How much and when you water also depends on the season. During the growing season, usually from spring to fall when growth is most active, water the plants thoroughly until some of the water begins to drain out of the holes of the pot (this may not happen with all potted pots). Sometimes, the water does not drain out of the pot but as long as you gave it a good drink of water, it should be fine. Make sure not to let the water collect in saucers. Pour out those excess water that collected in saucers. Allowing the water to drain out is good for the plants as it helps prevent root rot and it also prevents dissolved salts from accumulating in the soil. For most indoor potted plants, watering about once every ten to fourteen days during the active growing season should be sufficient.
During the inactive season (usually in winter time for most succulents), when the plant is dormant, water less frequently and less thoroughly. Check the soil for moisture and water only when the plant is dry to the touch but not completely bone-dry. Water only to moisten but not soak the plant. During the inactive months, the general rule is to water about once every three to four weeks. Pay attention to how your plants look. If they start looking shriveled between waterings, you may need to water them more often. If unsure in the beginning, water the plants lightly. It is better to under water than to over water until you figure out the ideal watering needs of your plants.
During the inactive season, water less often and more lightly, about every three to four weeks. The plant needs to be dry to the touch but not completely bone-dry. Watch your plants to see if they start showing signs of needing to be watered. When the leaves start shriveling and when they feel flat to the touch and not plump, it is time to water your plants.
Early morning is ideally the best time to water, especially for outdoor plants. This allows the plant to dry out during the heat of the day. Watering early in the morning allows the water to reach the bottom of the plants all the way to the roots and ensures your plant is well hydrated to better deal with the afternoon heat. Watering in the morning also prevents the leaves of your plants from being sunburned by allowing the plants to dry out before the more intense afternoon sun hits the plants.
If you have containers without drainage holes in them, you need to pay extra care and attention when watering your succulents. Allow plants to dry out in between waterings and feel the soil for moisture. The top inch of the soil needs to feel dry to the touch before you water. Remember that excess water cannot drain out of the holes so go easy on watering. Using a syringe, a spray bottle, or squeeze bottle will help control the amount of water you put into the containers. When using a spray bottle, make sure to spray the soil or medium instead of just the top of the plant. You want the water to get to the roots where it is absorbed by the plant and not just mist the plant from the surface.
Succulents are also grown in the ground. Succulent plants add beauty and dimension to outdoor landscapes. Certain succulent species thrive in-ground and make excellent ground cover. Watering requirements for succulents in ground depend on several factors such as the growing season, temperature and climate, area space and plant types. More importantly, choosing a well-draining soil is essential when planting succulents in-ground. Providing in-ground succulents with proper soil conditions go hand-in-hand with proper watering techniques.
Checking the soil for moisture is the best way to determine when to water your succulents. You can do this by feeling the soil with your fingertips, or you can use a moisture meter to be more precise. Moisture meters are handy gadgets that measure the humidity of the soil. They are useful tools to help prevent over or under watering your plants. There are many different types of moisture meters to choose from. Some are battery operated, some do not require batteries. They can be an invaluable tool to have, especially if you are unsure of how much and how often to water your succulents or if you have succulents in arrangements without drainage holes.
Succulents and cacti differ from other houseplants in their humidity requirements. Due to their nature, succulents and cacti require less water and humidity to survive. They have water storing properties that help them withstand dry conditions that other houseplants cannot tolerate. Majority of houseplants thrive in a home environment of about 40-60% humidity. Cacti and succulents thrive in environments of around 10-30% humidity. Conditions in the home especially during the winter months when indoor heating is running, can be extra drying for most plants. If you find your home too dry even for your succulents and cacti, a quick remedy is to place a tray of water near your plants. The water evaporates and provides the needed humidity in the air.
Jungle cacti and tropical succulents will not tolerate intense heat or frost. Unlike other succulents, these plants can not go too long without water. When caring for these plants, do not let them go too long without water. They differ from other succulents and cacti by their inability to withstand drought and intense heat. When the leaves and stem segments show signs of under water stress, such as shriveling, and the soil feels dry, it is time to water.
Hard water can leave mineral build up in the plants when used over time due to its high concentrations of dissolved minerals. Mineral build-up can leave its mark on your succulents. Getting rid of water stains on your plants by repotting your plants periodically can help with this problem.
Underwatering your succulents may not be as deadly as overwatering them, but constantly underwatering your succulents is also detrimental to the plants, especially during warmer months or growing season. They do need to be watered, and watered properly, to thrive and grow. You can tell if your plants are underwatered when they start showing these signs:
The most important consideration for succulents in the garden is the zone hardiness. Once you have that covered, look for varieties that suit the location you want to plant in. Do they take full sun or partial shade? Do they grow just 3-inches tall or up to 12 feet? Then, consider what time of year the succulent may go dormant. You may want to mix summer- and winter-dormant succulents in your planned site. We often overlook flowers when we look for succulents, but succulents are some of the finest flowering plants for the garden! Fanciful blooms and the colorful, winged pollinators they attract add a whole new layer of interest to the garden.
We ask a lot of hardy succulents. We want them to thrive in hot summers, cold winters and look great all year. Many are expected to grow in climates that experience more than a 100 degree (Fahrenheit / 50 degree Celsius) difference between summer and winter temperatures. To get them off to the best start, timing is critical. Like most things about succulents, this cannot be determined by the calendar. Instead, look to the conditions in your garden.
Late summer or early fall is the best time to plant hardy succulents in the garden. Just after the high heat of summer breaks, and the cooler temps of autumn are on the way. In some parts of the U.S., this means late August. In other parts, late November. In some parts of the world, it may be March. Judge the conditions in your garden and adjust accordingly. For best results, plant outdoor succulents in the ground at least a full six weeks prior to your first ground freeze. More than size weeks simply gives them more time to acclimate, become well established and grow.
Do your succulents a favor and work some dry worm castings into the soil before you plant. Worm castings are a wonderful organic fertilizer for succulents. But the best value is the way worm castings prevent insect infestations for your plants. Figure about 4 tablespoons per square foot, and work it into the prepared soil.
Keep in mind that there are many things that can impact your success propagating succulents from leaves. For example, the temperature and general climate where you live, the temperature and climate inside your home, the amount of light you get, the time of year you try to propagate them, and more.
If you live in an area where succulents grow outdoors, you can probably take a leaf yourself without any trouble. Chances are that there are already some leaves that have fallen already. I did something similar when we were in Florida a few years ago. Air plants grow everywhere down there, so I took a few back home to Maryland with me!
The best way to tell if your succulent needs water is by examining its leaves. A well-watered plant should have firm leaves with very little give. Under-watered succulents may have soft, wrinkly, or shriveled leaves. They may also begin to turn yellow or brown or feel crispy when touched.
Many succulent plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight to thrive indoors. However, some grow well in shadier spots, like snake plants, aloe, or zebra plants. Take some time to research shade-loving varieties before purchasing to make sure you find the best plants for your home. 041b061a72