How to Plant Succulents for Indoor and Outdoor Pots

If you consider yourself to be a succulents enthusiast, then you definitely dream about having your own fat plant collection. In order to achieve this goal, there are some useful tips & tricks as well suggestions you need to consider when it comes to how to plant succulents. First of all, you will need supplies, spare time and patience. Considering that all the other “ingredients” are in place, let’s get down to the list of materials you need in order to make your first succulent bloom.

1. Succulent Plant Food

Succulents generally need modest feeding, not an automatic dose whenever growth seems slow. Identify the plant, check whether its potting mix already contains fertilizer and follow the product label during the appropriate growing period. Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food directions specify application to soil or dilution in water, not spraying it onto the foliage. Do not expect a guaranteed change in two weeks.

2. Container

In order to keep your favorite plant safe, you need to have a container ready. However, for succulents, a special pot is required. It absolutely has to have a drainage hole. It is essential in getting rid of the excess water that can drown your plant and also makes it easier for you to care for it. In order to keep the soil inside the pot at all times, make sure to place some mesh tape or drainage screen on the bottom of the pot. A key factor when it comes to planting, make sure you do not bury it in the pot. Set the plant at its previous growing depth, with roots covered and leaves above the mix; leave room below the rim for watering.

3. Light

Choose light for the identified species rather than prescribing six hours for every succulent. Increase exposure gradually when moving a plant outdoors to avoid sunburn. If growth stretches toward light, improve the growing conditions first; cutting off the top is not a universal remedy. Propagation methods depend on the species.

4. Soil & Water

Succulents store water in fleshy tissues, but their roots still need water from the growing medium. They do not live on moisture from air molecules. Use a free-draining mix suited to the species and a pot with an open drainage hole. Water thoroughly when needed, allow excess to drain and avoid leaving the pot standing in water. Let the mix dry appropriately between waterings; season, species and growing conditions affect the interval. Minnesota Extension’s succulent guide covers watering and growing conditions.

5. Outdoors Succulent Garden: How to Plant Succulents

In order to plan an outdoor succulent garden, you need to take into account a series of factors. First, if you are a beginner, choose plants that are easy to maintain. Sedum and Sempervivum are great choices, for example. Next, you have to choose a sunny location and plot the space for your future succulent collection. Check the plant’s cold hardiness and the site’s drainage before planting. Do not assume a handful of sand will correct poorly drained soil. A container with suitable potting mix may be easier to manage than a persistently wet bed. Consult local extension advice for substantial drainage problems.

6. Planting Succulents

Once you have everything in place, meaning the soil, plants and location, you can start planting your succulents. Place the taller specimens in the center and the ones that spread at the edge. After everything is in place, you can sprinkle pebbles or small rocks on the ground in order to act as mulch. Keep any decorative top dressing away from stems and leaves, and check the mix beneath it before watering.

Summing Up

It takes a lot of dedication to care for living beings. No different are these plants. If you want your own fat plant garden, you need to know the basics of how to plant succulents. Indoor and outdoor plants share a need for suitable root conditions, but light, temperature and watering must be adjusted to the location. No matter the case, be sure to take into account the aforementioned suggestions, tricks & tips and enjoy your own succulent collection!