Table of Contents
- DO These Things when Caring for Succulents Indoors
- Don’t Do These Things when Caring for Succulents Indoors
- Caring for Succulents Indoors – The Wrap-up
Succulents are a type of plant that is known for their thick, fleshy leaves that store water. These plants are native to dry, arid regions and can tolerate long periods of drought. Succulents come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and can be used as both indoor and outdoor plants. When it comes to caring for succulents indoors, there are some dos and don’ts that you should be aware of.
DO These Things when Caring for Succulents Indoors
Succulents are some of the easiest indoor plants to care for. These drought-resistant plants can thrive indoors with just a little bit of TLC. If you’re thinking about adding some succulents to your home, here are a few things you should do to ensure they thrive.
Do choose the right potting mix.
When it comes to potting soil for indoor succulents, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the soil should be well-draining so that the roots of the plants do not sit in water and rot. Second, the soil should be light and airy so that the succulents can easily take root and grow. A good potting mix for indoor succulents is two parts perlite or coarse sand, one part peat moss, and one part compost. Be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly before potting your plants. Do not use garden soil, as it will retain too much moisture and cause your plant to rot.
Do give them bright light.
Most succulents need bright light in order to thrive. The first step in choosing the right lighting for your indoor succulents is to determine how much light they will need. If your succulents are in a south-facing window. They will likely need less supplemental light than those in a north-facing window. Succulents also need more light when they are actively growing, so you may need to increase the amount of light they receive during the spring and summer months.
Once you have an idea of how much light your succulents will need, you can choose the type of lighting that best suits their needs. fluorescent bulbs are a good option for succulents that require high levels of light, while incandescent bulbs can be used for plants that need lower levels of light. LED bulbs are also becoming increasingly popular for indoor plants, as they emit very little heat and use less energy than other types of bulbs.
When setting up your lighting, be sure to place the lights at the proper distance from your plants. Succulents that require high levels of light should be placed about 6-12 inches away from the bulb, while those that need lower levels of light can be placed 12-24 inches away. It is also important to ensure that your plants are not too close to each other, as this can cause them to compete for light and result in uneven growth.
Do allow the soil to dry out between watering.
One of the most common mistakes people make when caring for succulents is overwatering them. These plants are drought tolerant for a reason. Water about once every two weeks, depending on the size of your pot and the climate you live in. In general, you should only water your indoor plants when the soil is completely dry. To check if your plant needs watering, stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water. If the soil is damp or wet, wait a few days before checking again.
When you do water your indoor succulents, be sure to use room temperature water and soak the roots thoroughly. Allow the excess water to drain away. And do not put the plant back in its pot until the soil is dry to touch. Be careful not to over-water your plants as this can lead to root rot.
Don’t Do These Things when Caring for Succulents Indoors
Most people know that succulents are easy to care for, but there are still some basic things you should not do if you want your plants to thrive. Here are a few things to avoid if you’re caring for succulents indoors:
Don’t put them in direct sunlight or in a dark room.
While most succulents need bright light, putting them in direct sunlight can cause sunburn which will damage their leaves. If you live in an area with very strong sun. It’s best to filter the light with a sheer curtain or place your plant behind glass such as on a windowsill.
However, one of the worst things you can do to your succulents is to put them in a room with no natural light. Succulents need sunlight to thrive, so a dark room is the last place you want to keep them. If you can’t provide them with enough light, they’ll start to stretch and become leggy, and their colors will fade.
Don’t water on a schedule.
Succulents store water in their leaves, so they don’t need to be watered very often. As we mentioned before, one of the worst things you can do for your succulent is to overwater it. Watering on a set schedule without checking the soil first is not good. Get into the habit of sticking your finger into the soil before watering to see if it is dry or not. If it is dry a few inches down, then it’s time to water. Otherwise, wait a few more days and check again. Only water when necessary!
Don’t forget to fertilize.
Although don’t need lots of fertilizer, they do benefit from being fed every few months during their growing season (spring and summer). Use a diluted liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets designed for cacti and other desert plants. Also, if you want to encourage blooming, give your succulents a boost of phosphorus-rich fertilizer in late winter or early spring.
Caring for Succulents Indoors – The Wrap-up
Again, succulents are fairly easy to care for indoors, but they are not 100% carefree. Follow these simple dos and don’ts to ensure your indoor succulents thrive. And add a beautiful touch to your indoor gardening space!
