How to Care for Succulents

Light Succulents may not need much water, but they do need plenty of light. To keep your succulent thriving, place them in full sun for 4-6 hours each day, but avoid afternoon heat in summer, which can burn the leaves. If your succulents aren’t getting enough light, they’ll start to stretch and lose their vibrancy. This happens because it’s chasing the sun, so move the plant to a brighter spot. Also, turn the pot now and then so that it receives sun on all sides. To give your succulent the best chance at growing indoors – find a sunny spot bathed continuously in light; near or on a window sill. Think about sometimes shifting your succulents outdoors to soak up the rays and fresh air. Always keep them in a protected area where they get constant, yet indirect light. Water When it comes to watering a succulent: less is more. It’s possible to overwater your new houseguest, so the rule of thumb is – only water the succulent when the soil’s dry. To find out if your succulent is thirsty – touch the potting mix. If it’s damp, your succulent is fine; if the soil’s dry, give your hardy friend a good drink. Soak the soil thoroughly, and allow the water to drain. If your succulent is resting on a saucer, try not to let it sit in excess water; they don’t like soggy roots. Once you’ve watered your plant, wait for the excess water to drain through the soil, then tip the water out of the saucer. Temperature & Humidity Succulents prefer average to warm temperatures and dry air. Maintenance Over time, the lower leaves of your succulents will dry up. Gently remove any dead leaves which should pull away easily. If some healthy leaves fall off, you can propagate and grow baby succulents from them. Treat pests as soon as they appear by spraying them with Neem Oil. Like any living thing – fresh air and some care will keep your succulent smiling.

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Troubleshooting

Succulent leaves are drying out

Leaves dying off are a normal part of succulent growth. If the leaves at the bottom of your succulent have dried out, gently pull off the dead leaves, which should come off easily.

Succulent leaves are falling off

Healthy succulent leaves falling off could indicate overwatering. Start by cutting back on your watering schedule. Water only when the top 3-5cm of its soil feels dry.

Succulent leaves are turning yellow

Overly wet soil interrupts the succulent to take up nutrients and water from the soil, and as a result, it causes the leaves to yellow or fall off. Stop watering and allow the soil to dry out first. If the plant has a difficulty of recovering, you can try to cut out the healthy top part of your succulent and remove any soggy leaves and stems, leaving it for a few days to dry out. Place the healthy cuttings you took in a pot with new soil and you should see new growth appearing in no time at all.

Succulents stretching and getting leggy

Succulents stretch out when they aren’t getting enough light. Move your succulent to a brighter, sunnier location and keep an eye on the new changes.  

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