When it comes to ornamental plants, succulents are favored by many for their unique appearance. You might be tempted to get some for your home when you see them in a plant nursery, but before you do, you should know that growing them is a unique process. To help you best care for your new natural additions, follow the tips below.

Plant Nursery Shares 5 Tips to Keep Succulents Healthy

1. Prepare the Soil

Succulents don’t need frequent watering. However, when you do water them, make sure the soil they’re in drains completely to prevent the roots from rotting. To do this, mix regular soil with something light and porous, such as perlite, vermiculite, or coconut coir. You can purchase these soil additives from your local plant nursery.

2. Avoid Direct Sunlight

Although succulents need sunlight to grow healthy, it’s best to keep them out of direct rays, as they are highly susceptible to sunburn. This is especially important in the summer when the weather is at its warmest. If you keep your succulents outside, place them in a partially shaded area where sun rays are not as harsh. 

3. Use the Right Containers

Weigh the pros and cons of all your options before deciding on a container. For example, terracotta and ceramic pots are porous and drain away excess water from the soil, but they can be heavy and break easily. Plastic and metal pots, on the other hand, won’t break, but they are not porous, so you’ll need to make sure they come with drain holes. Wood planters retain water and will keep your succulents cool, but you’ll need to keep them in a sunny area to prevent root damage to your plants. Glass pots break easily and are not porous, but they tend to have more aesthetic appeal than pots made from other materials.

4. Give Them Food

It is essential to feed your succulents at least once a year. Start by purchasing a low-balanced soluble organic fertilizer. Then, cut the recommended dose indicated on the label in half, dissolve it in a gallon of water, and feed it to your plant at the beginning of spring and summer.

5. Proper Propagation

Unlike other plants, which require you to submerge the stems in water for the roots to grow, you’ll need to do the opposite with succulents. The stem should be dried out in a shaded area for at least three days so it can form a callus before being placed in the soil.  

If you need high-quality garden supplies for your succulents, you can count on Garden Exchange in Hilo, HI, to provide everything you are looking for. This garden store and plant nursery has a wide selection of products for gardening and lawn care, including fertilizers, soil amendments, insecticides, and more. They also have an extensive collection of garden seeds, fruit trees, orchids, and other plants. Call (808) 961-2875 to speak with a friendly member of their team, and visit their website for more information today.