Today, I want to share with you the ten most common mistakes in growing succulents.
When repotting succulents, do not water them immediately. Ideally, you should place the plant in a well-ventilated area and let it dry for about a day before watering. This is because repotting may cause scratches or slight damage to the roots, and watering right away can allow water to seep into the plant’s wounds, causing rot.
I’ve noticed that many people tend to water the leaves rather than the roots, which are actually the parts that need water the most. For succulents, it’s not advisable to water the leaves. Succulents have many leaves stacked closely together, so watering them can cause water to accumulate, which can lead to rot. When watering, it’s better to pour water directly onto the soil.
Before watering your succulents, check to see if the soil is completely dry. If the soil isn’t dry, there’s no need to water the plant. Frequent watering when the soil hasn’t dried out is a common cause of root rot.
Many people are worried about overwatering succulents, so they end up giving the plants only a few drops of water, thinking this will be enough. However, this isn’t sufficient for the plant to grow. If under-watered, the plant will drop its leaves and wither over time. Therefore, each time you water, ensure the soil is fully soaked, so all parts of it absorb water.
It’s essential to use a pot with drainage holes when growing succulents. If the pot doesn’t have drainage, it’s hard to gauge how much water the plant needs. Too little water means the plant won’t get enough moisture, while too much water without drainage leads to root rot.
Some people choose large pots to avoid having to repot as the plant grows. However, this approach can actually kill succulents before they reach full size. Large pots retain more soil, which holds excessive water, exceeding the plant’s needs and leading to rot. So, it’s better to choose a pot size that matches the plant.
The type of soil is also critical for the survival of succulents. Many people overlook this, but succulent soil needs to drain well. It’s helpful to mix in special rocks or grit. You can test it by watering the soil; if water drains quickly, the soil is suitable for succulents.
Lack of sunlight is another common issue that can kill succulents. Without enough sunlight, they become weak, lose their vibrant colors, and are prone to damage. You should give them about three to four hours of sunlight daily. However, if you expose succulents to direct, intense sunlight, especially at noon, they can suffer sunburn, which appears as dark spots or scars. If this happens, move the plant to a shadier spot and avoid peak sunlight hours.
Many people spend a lot on succulent seeds, but even after waiting a long time, nothing seems to grow. This is because succulents are typically propagated by leaf cuttings rather than seeds.
I hope these tips help you better understand how to grow and care for succulents. Wishing you success in growing beautiful succulents!
