Succulents
Scientific Name
Echeveria, Sedum, Euphorbia, Kalanchoe, Crassula, Aloe, Mammillaria, Haworthia, Agave
AKA
Too many to list!!
Origins / Hardiness Zones
Dry, desert locations
About
Succulents are a popular choice with home gardeners for two simple reasons: They're beautiful to look and nearly indestructible. A succulent is any plant with thick, fleshy (succulent) water storage organs. Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. They've adapted to survive arid conditions found throughout the world, from Africa (where many of them are native to) to the deserts of North America.
Light Needs
Water Schedule
Temperature
Humidity Levels
Toxicity
When it comes to humidity, not all succulents are created the same. Some prefer more humidity than others, but as a generally rule of thumb, they don't have an issue with humidity levels slightly above or below 80% humidity.
Succulents are mildly toxic to pets and humans. Ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting.
Succulents prefer bright light when kept indoors or out, and should get at least six hours of sunlight a day. You can watch their leaves for an indication that the light exposure level you're giving them is correct—some species will scorch if suddenly exposed to too much direct sunlight, while others will have leaves that turn brown or white as the plant bleaches out.
On the other hand, an under-exposed succulent will begin to stretch, with an elongated stem and widely spaced leaves in a condition known as etiolation. The solution to this issue is to provide the plant with a better light source and prune the plant back to its original shape.
Succulents should be watered generously throughout the summer. Their potting mix should be allowed to dry out between waterings, but do not underwater. During the winter, when the plants go dormant, cut watering back to once every other month.
Succulents are much more cold-tolerant than many people realize. In the desert, where there is often a marked contrast between night and day, succulents thrive in the colder nights, where temperatures sometimes reach 40°F or lower. Ideally, succulents prefer daytime temperatures between 70 - 85 °F, and nighttime temperatures between 50 - 55°F.
Most succulents are susceptible to fungus gnats, spider mites, and mealy bugs. Insecticidal soaps and neem oil can get rid of these insect infestations.
When succulents fall victim to diseases, fungal issues usually take them out. Cold or damp conditions or overwatering are usually to blame, causing rot. To treat the rot, remove the plant from its pot, wash the roots thoroughly, and cut away dead roots. Allow the plant to air for 24 hours and repot it in a new or sterilized pot with fresh soil.
Succulents can be easily propagated by leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, or offsets. Carefully separate a leaf from the plant's main stem by gently wiggling it side to side until it pops off.
Lay the leaf cutting, stem cutting, or offset flat on a tray and allow it to callous over for a few days before planting the calloused end in the pot filled with succulent or cacti mix. Mist the soil, and cover the pot until the new plant sprouts. Place it in a sunny location—but avoid direct sunlight. Once roots have developed, water sparingly as you would with a mature succulent. After about a month, a tiny rosette will begin to develop at the end of the leaf. Do not separate the leaf from the rosette, as it supplies the new succulent with energy and nutrients. Over time, the old leaf will shrivel and die as the new succulent becomes more independent.
Ensure the soil is completely dry before removing it from its potting container. Gently remove the plant from the pot. Carefully remove the excess soil from the roots before placing the plant in its new pot. Remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading out the roots as you repot. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Wait a week before watering after repotting to avoid the risk of root rot.
During the summer growing season, fertilize your succulents as you would your other houseplants. Stop fertilizing entirely during the winter.
Overwatering (and the plant rot that can ensue) is the most common cause of succulent failure. An overwatered succulent might at first plump up and look very healthy, but the cause of death may have already set in underground, with rot spreading upward from it's root system.
Succulents cannot survive the winter outside. It can't handle temperatures below freezing. The best way to overwinter is to bring your plant inside. Succulents will not need to be kept extremely warm but at least above 45 degrees. It will go dormant during the cooler months and will not need as much water, only needing water about once a month.
Repotting
Propagation
Pests / Diseases
Common Problems
Pro-Tip
Fertilizer
