Basic Succulent Care
Succulents are fascinating plants; their symmetry, muted vibrance and fleshy tactile quality invite touch. Their ability to withstand sporadic rainfall by storing water in their juicy leaves is what makes them truly valuable in the landscape.
Most succulents come from desert or semi-desert areas of the world, though not all enjoy full sun. Many grow in the shadow of rocks, trees, or larger plants, but all evolved into drought-resistant plants capable of surviving with intermittent rainfall. They are tolerant of neglect and have a large capacity for survival under poor conditions.
LIGHT: Most succulents and cacti require and like as much light as possible. They’ll be more robust, have better color and flower more freely when exposed to full sun. They can tolerate less light but will be paler green and less inclined to flower much. (If growing your plants indoors, succulents will tolerate the lower light levels better than cacti.)
TEMPERATURE: During the growing season, temperature and light should be considered together. Plants requiring some shade prefer lower temps. In winter, most succulents fair well with a nighttime low of 40 degrees F with daytime temps in the 60’s. Many, particularly those from mountainous regions, can withstand much greater cold (even freezing) if kept fairly dry. They may even flower more as a result. This group can be planted outside as permanent landscape features as long as they have good drainage. On the other end of the scale are low desert and coastal area plants, such as iceplants and melon cactus, which prefer a winter minimum of about 60 degrees F. These types need protection from frost and freezing temperatures.
SOIL: Whether in containers or in the ground, soil should always be well-draining. Many mixtures work, including soil-free mixes as long as there is sufficient coarse material such as grit, lava rock or perlite present to enable excess water to drain away quickly. We recommend EB Stone Cactus Mix. Repot annually for young plants, less often for slow-growing and larger plants. Spring/fall is best for replanting.
WATERING: Cacti and succulents need ample water during growing season (late spring to fall). This varies from daily (if in full sun) to once or twice a week for plants in larger containers and partial shade or in the ground. Leafy kinds need more water than the swollen-stem kinds. In winter, limit water to an amount sufficient to prevent shriveling. Thin-leaf succulents and Epiphyllums are exceptions and should be kept moist year-round.
FEEDING: A once-or twice-annual application of a slow-release food such as Osmocote, or monthly with a weak solution of liquid fertilizer such as GrowMore Cactus Juice or Espoma Cactus food.