Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Taking care of succulents in general
• Method 2 of 3: Control pests
• Method 3 of 3: Choosing the right succulents for where you live
• Necessities
• Warnings

The word "succulent" refers to any type of fleshy plant that can grow in arid conditions and in many places around the world. They are generally easy to care for and rarely attract pests. To grow healthy plants you will need to know how to take care of them in general and how to control possible pests. It will also be helpful to know which plants to choose for the place where you live.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Taking care of succulents in general

1. Buy a sturdy wide pot. This is necessary for all varieties of succulents. They have thick, spreading roots and need a wide diameter to grow properly. If your variety grows tall and heavy at the top, choose a sturdy pot that will not tilt. Terracotta is a good choice for this.
   • Make sure the pot has drainage holes in or near the bottom. If you have a container that you want to repurpose, avoid glass and other materials that you cannot punch holes in.
   • Varieties with roots that stay close to the soil surface will thrive in a shallow pot. Varieties with spindle roots that penetrate deep into the soil will require a large pot. Read the care instructions that come with the plant (usually on a piece of plastic embedded in the soil) for more details.
2. Fill the pot with a cactus soil mix. Find a soil mix for cacti at a garden center. Read the label to make sure it contains equal parts compost, horticultural sand, and gravel. Check again whether all ingredients are suitable for horticulture.
3. Place the succulent in the pot. Turn the original pot over and tap it gently to loosen the succulent. Carefully remove the soil from the roots using a chopstick or toothpick. Then place the plant in the new pot. Use soil mixture to cover the bottom of the plant to the same point it was in the original pot.
   • If the succulent grows out of the current pot, you will need to repot. The new pot should be a bit bigger than the old one to allow for new growth.
4. Place the plant in a sunny place. If you live in a warm climate, place the plant where it will receive 6-8 hours of filtered sunlight per day. In colder climates, 6 hours of full sun is acceptable. For indoor plants, you should choose a window where the plant will receive full sun.
   • Do not place your plant in front of a south-facing window if you live in a warm climate. If you live in a colder climate, test south-facing windows for too much heat in the afternoon. After all, too much sunlight can burn the plant.
   • If you have a "veria" succulent, keep it out of full sun in the afternoon, as they are very sensitive to burns.
5. Water at least once a week during the growing season. The frequency of watering will depend on the specific variety of succulent you have. Make sure the soil is always moist during the spring and summer months. Follow the care instructions for more details on your particular variety.
   • Don't overwater as this can rot the roots.
6. Water less during the dormant season. Like deciduous trees, succulents go into a dormant period during the fall and winter months. Allow the soil to dry completely before watering again during this time. Depending on the variety, this can only be once a month.
   • Some flower-bearing varieties require more water than those that do not produce flowers. Read the care instructions for more details.
7. Bring the succulents indoors when it freezes. You can overwinter the plants indoors by placing them on a warm, sunny windowsill. Wait until the last frost has passed before bringing them back outside.

Method 2 of 3: Control pests

1. Identify common pests. Mealybugs, aphids and vine weevils are most often attracted to succulents. Check for mealybugs where the leaves are attached to the stem. Look for aphids on the leaves, stems and flower buds. Watch for uneven growth or slackness as this could indicate vine weevils.
   • Mealybugs are usually 2-3 mm long and resemble lice. When they first attack they will leave white fluffy balls on the plant. When crushed, they leave a red stain.
   • Aphids are about 0.6 cm long. Their body is pear-shaped and can be black, green, yellow, pink, or brown.
   • Scale insects are small gray insects. They can resemble a cluster of small cotton-like pinheads.
2. Fight mealybugs, scale insects and aphids with insecticidal soap. Mix a few drops of soap in lukewarm water. If there is a serious contamination, you can add a few drops of cooking oil to the mixture. Apply it to the infected areas with a cotton swab or spray bottle. You can buy insecticidal soap from a local nursery.
   • Remove and discard the soil from mealybugs that attack the roots. Transplant the succulent into fresh, clean soil.
3. Quarantine new plants. Pests can hitch a ride on new plants that come straight from the nursery. If you are already growing succulents, you will need to isolate the new acquisitions for about two weeks. Check for pests and signs of disease daily.
   • After your plant is in its permanent place, keep checking for problems at least once a week.

Method 3 of 3: Choosing the right succulents for where you live

1. Buy varieties suitable for where you live. Succulents come in varieties that can be grown in a variety of climatic zones. Before making a final purchase, read the label or consult an expert at your local nursery.
   • If you are not sure in which climate zone you live, you can find more information about this on the internet.
2. Check the drainage of your soil. Succulents need soil that drains well. Avoid low places in your yard where water can collect. If the soil in your garden remains moist for a long period of time, find a way to improve drainage.
3. If possible, buy native varieties. This will be an advantage if you live in a dry climate. Native succulents have their own built-in defenses against local pests. They will also attract beneficial insects that can encourage the growth and propagation of other plants in your garden. Visit your county government website, university websites, or local botanical associations for more advice.

Necessities

• Wide flower pot (s)
• Soil mix for cacti
• Insecticidal soap
• Cotton swabs

Warnings

• Avoid fertilizers. These can damage certain succulents.