Taking care of succulents may seem quite straightforward, considering their resilient nature and minimal requirements. However, beginners usually make a few classic mistakes leading to succulents’ poor health or even death. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the common beginner mistakes in succulent care, for you to understand and circumvent these errors in your gardening journey.
An essential point to start with is overwatering. Often misconstrued as plants that need a lot of water due to their desert origins, succulents function differently. They have adapted to survive harsh conditions where water is scarce, learning to store water within their thick leaves. Overwatering succulents are one of the most common mistakes, leading to root rot, which is typically fatal. It’s vital to understand that succulents only require watering when their soil is entirely dry.
Another watering-related mistake is the use of a spray bottle, which fails to adequately water the succulent. Spraying generally hydrates the leaves, not the roots, and may even promote mold growth if the water isn’t absorbed quickly. Succulents prefer a deep soak which makes their roots grow more robust as they search for water, leading to overall healthier plants.
The choice of soil also contributes significantly to succulent health. Using standard garden soil or potting mix can be detrimental, as these retain more water than needed, risking overhydration. Instead, opting for special succulent or cactus soil, which provides excellent drainage, is the key. It resembles the natural, sandy environment of succulents ensuring that roots don’t sit in water for too long.
Planting succulents in containers with no drainage holes is another common error. Drainage is vital for preventing water from stagnating at the bottom of the pot, leading to waterlogged roots. Always choose containers with drainage holes or find a way to create one if your desired pot lacks it.
Contrary to their sun-basking stereotype, not all succulents are sun-lovers. Self-described ‘sun worshippers,’ particularly beginners, often expose their succulents to too much direct sunlight, leading to sunburn. Though succulents love light and require around six hours of it daily, they generally prefer indirect light.
Another conception related to light is that succulents can live in extremely low light, which is not accurate. Lack of adequate light makes succulents ‘stretch’ out as they try to reach towards the light source, leading to their leaves spreading out and appearing sparse. This process, known as ‘etiolation’ or succulent stretching, ruins their compact, rosette shape.
Understanding the correct temperature range is also crucial. Succulents thrive in mild temperatures between 60-80°F, and, despite their desert roots, many cannot endure extreme weather. Especially if they are in a climate that has freezing winters or hot summers, they should be brought indoors to avoid frost damage or sunburn, respectively.
Over-fertilizing is a mistake often triggered by the good intention of wanting to provide as many nutrients as possible. However, succulents have adapted to thrive in nutrient-poor soils. Therefore, they only require sporadic fertilization with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, ideally only during the growing season.
Planting multiple varieties of succulents together without considering their individual care requirements may also result in poor growth. Some succulents may have different light, water, and soil requirements and may not thrive if planted with incompatible species. Thorough research on the particular succulents you wish to plant together can prevent this issue.
Succulents propagate through their leaves, and a beginner mistake is taking off these leaves incorrectly. When removing a leaf for propagation, ensure it is a clean pull leaving no part of the leaf on the stem; otherwise, it will not grow a new plant.
Lastly, assuming that a succulent isn’t growing because it’s not getting taller is a misconception. Unlike most other plants, succulents grow outwards, not upwards. For a succulent, growing means sprouting new leaves. Its growth may be slow, but that doesn’t indicate any problem.
By being aware of these pitfalls, beginners will be well-equipped to handle the distinctive requirements of succulents. While succulents are accommodating plants that require minimal maintenance, understanding and addressing their specific needs can yield thriving, vibrant plants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or are just embarking on your horticultural journey, nurturing succulents can offer immense satisfaction when done right. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’re on your way to creating a thriving succulent garden of your own. In the end, the trick lies in understanding that less is more when it comes to succulent care.
