Succulent Care: Keeping Your Green Friends Alive and Happy

So, I just learned what “demure” means, and let’s just say I’ll stick to keeping succulents and cacti alive instead of trying to be all fancy! 😅 If you’re like me and want your succulents to thrive without too much fuss, here are some simple tips to keep them looking their best.

1. Sunlight: Succulents are sun lovers, but they’re not into getting scorched. Aim for 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. If they start reaching for the sky, they’re probably asking for a bit more light.

2. Watering: When it comes to watering, think of your succulents as desert dwellers—they like it dry. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings, then give them a good soak. Depending on your climate, this could be every 1-2 weeks.

3. Soil: Your succulents aren’t fans of soggy feet, so well-draining soil is a must. A cactus or succulent mix works great, or you can mix some sand or perlite into regular potting soil.

4. Potting: The right pot makes all the difference. Choose one with drainage holes to let excess water escape, preventing root rot. If your favorite decorative pot doesn’t have holes, just double-pot your succulent with a plastic pot inside.

5. Temperature: Succulents like to keep it warm and cozy, ideally between 60-80°F (15-27°C). They’re fine with dry air, but freezing temps are a no-go.

6. Fertilizing: During the growing season (spring and summer), give your succulents a little boost with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength, once a month. In winter, they prefer to chill out, so skip the fertilizer.

7. Pest Control: While succulents are pretty tough, they can still attract pests like mealybugs or aphids. Check your plants regularly, especially under the leaves, and if you spot any unwanted guests, a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil should do the trick.

Succulents are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to care for, and with these tips, yours will thrive! If you have any questions or want to share your succulent stories, we’re always here to help at Cactus Warehouse. Happy growing, and remember—stick to keeping your plants alive, and you’ll do just fine!