Succulents are charming, resilient plants that have won the hearts of gardeners worldwide. Their unique shapes, colors, and minimal care requirements make them a favorite choice for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts.
However, as easy as they are to care for, there are common mistakes that can hinder their growth and overall health.
In this article, we’ll delve into eight of these mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them, ensuring your succulents thrive and bring beauty to your space.
1. Overwatering: The Most Common Culprit
Overwatering is arguably the most common mistake made when growing succulents. These plants are native to arid regions and have adapted to thrive with minimal water. Their thick leaves store water, allowing them to withstand long periods of drought. When succulents are overwatered, their roots can rot, leading to a quick decline in health.
To avoid this mistake, ensure your succulents are planted in well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes. Water your plants sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to water once every two to three weeks, but this can vary based on the specific type of succulent and the environment it’s in.
2. Insufficient Light: A Common Oversight
Succulents love light, and providing them with enough of it is crucial for their growth. Insufficient light can lead to etiolation, where the plant stretches out and becomes leggy in search of a light source. This not only affects the plant’s appearance but can also weaken its overall structure.
To ensure your succulents receive adequate light, place them in a bright, sunny location. A south-facing window is ideal, but east or west-facing windows can also work well. If natural light is scarce, consider supplementing with grow lights to provide your plants with the light they need to thrive.
3. Using the Wrong Soil: A Foundation for Failure
The type of soil you use for your succulents is another critical factor in their growth. These plants require well-draining soil that doesn’t retain too much moisture. Using regular potting soil can lead to waterlogged conditions, which, as mentioned earlier, can result in root rot.
To avoid this mistake, opt for a succulent or cactus mix, readily available at most garden centers. These mixes are formulated to provide the drainage succulents need. You can also make your own mix by combining potting soil with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
4. Neglecting to Provide Proper Drainage: A Waterlogged Dilemma
Proper drainage is key to keeping your succulents happy and healthy. Even if you are careful with your watering routine, without adequate drainage, water can accumulate at the bottom of the pot, leading to root rot and other issues.
To ensure your pots have sufficient drainage, choose containers with drainage holes at the bottom. If you’ve fallen in love with a pot that doesn’t have holes, consider drilling some yourself or use it as a decorative cachepot, ensuring to remove the inner pot for watering and allowing it to drain completely before placing it back.
5. Overcrowding: A Spacing Dilemma
Succulents, like all plants, need space to grow and thrive. Overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation, which can promote the growth of mold and pests. Additionally, when plants are too close together, they may compete for light, leading to etiolation and uneven growth.
To avoid overcrowding, give your succulents plenty of space when planting them. If you’re creating a succulent arrangement, ensure each plant has enough room to grow and spread out. As your succulents grow, don’t be afraid to repot them or divide them to give them the space they need.
6. Neglecting to Acclimate: A Shock to the System
Moving succulents from one environment to another, especially when there are significant changes in light, temperature, or humidity, can cause them stress. This stress can manifest as leaf drop, color change, or stunted growth.
To prevent this, acclimate your succulents gradually to their new environment. If you’ve purchased a new plant or are moving a plant outdoors for the summer, introduce it to its new conditions slowly, increasing exposure incrementally over the course of a week or two. This will help your plant adjust without undergoing unnecessary stress.
7. Ignoring Pests: A Small Problem with Big Consequences
Succulents are relatively pest-resistant, but they are not immune. Pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can still infest your plants, causing damage and potentially spreading to other plants in your collection.
To avoid this mistake, be vigilant and regularly inspect your succulents for signs of pests. Look for discolored or damaged leaves, sticky residue, or the pests themselves. If you do find pests, isolate the affected plant to prevent the infestation from spreading and treat it with an appropriate pesticide or natural remedy.
8. Providing Too Much Fertilizer: A Balancing Act
While succulents do require nutrients to grow, they do not need as much fertilizer as other plants. Over-fertilizing can lead to rapid, weak growth and can potentially burn the roots, harming the plant.
To avoid this mistake, fertilize your succulents sparingly. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength, and apply it to the soil directly, avoiding the leaves. Fertilize only during the growing season (spring and summer) and avoid fertilizing during the dormant season (fall and winter).
By avoiding these eight common succulent growing mistakes, you’ll be setting your plants up for success. Remember, succulents are resilient and, with the right care, can thrive and bring beauty to your space for years to come.
Happy gardening!
