Succulents are the new "it" plant. Partly, because they are so unique looking and make a great indoor plant. However, succulent's have been known to be a little sensitive sometimes, which is why you must be selfless in order to truly care for one of these guys. Here are some tips to help you find your green thumb and to grow an award winning succulent.
1. Let it shine.
Succulents love direct sunlight, so let your succulent soak up some vitamin D. This does not mean that you cannot keep your succulent on a windowsill. Just remember to bring it outside sometimes so it can thrive in its natural environment and catch some rays.
2. Don't be too generous with the water.
One of the leading causes of death for succulents is too much water! The website, Succulents & Sunshine, warns fellow succulent enthusiasts about the dangers of feeding your succulent too much water. Although succulents, "like to have their roots soaked with water," they won't stand a chance if you water them every day. Therefore, you should give your succulent just enough water until the soil is saturated, then wait until the soil has completely dried until you water it again!
3. Pick the right pot.
When you want to plant one of these guys, make sure that you are doing so in a terra cotta pot with a hole at the bottom of the pot. Although it may look cool to create a succulent garden in a glass jar, it won't be so cool when your succulents begin to shrivel and die. Glass jars do not provide enough ventilation for the soil, meaning that water will build up and essentially drown your succulent. Terra cotta pots allow for water drain from the soil, keeping your succulent healthy and happy.
4. Go green.
When it comes to succulents, you're going to want to stick with succulents in the green color family because these plants are more suitable for indoor conditions. Though succulents in the orange and purple color family are aesthetically pleasing, by planting them indoors, you are taking a risk because they may not make it through the winter.
5. Configuration is everything.
When designing your dream succulent garden, the number one factor that must be taken into consideration is configuration . The placement of your succulents can make or break your garden. You must strategically place these guys within the space that you are given in a way which gives each succulent enough room to breathe and grow independently. It's OK if you don't get it right the first time, as this skill may take years to truly master. While succulents can be demanding, their beauty is priceless.
