How to Care for Succulents

Succulents are widely known for their beauty and their low-maintenance needs. In fact, even if you typically wind up killing other houseplants, you may be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to grow succulents.

While they require little care, there are some things you need to know to help your new plants thrive in your home. How do you care for succulents?

What Are Succulents?

The word succulent is derived from the Latin terms for sap or juice. This is apt because succulents store water inside their roots, stems and leaves.

They are drought-resistant and have thick flesh to maintain their water stores in warm, dry climates. There are numerous types of succulents, such as aloe, agave, aeonium, opuntia, senecio and more.

Why Succulents Are Perfect for Any Home or Office

The low-maintenance requirements of succulents make them ideal for any home or office. However, there are other benefits associated with having succulents. For example, they improve indoor air quality, and they are associated with improving mood and lowering blood pressure.

Some types of succulents have health benefits, such as treating sunburns, cuts and other issues. The leaves release a small amount of water vapor, and this humidifying effect treats cracked lips, sore throats and dry skin.

How Do You Take Care of an Indoor Succulent Plant?

While indoor succulent plants are easy to care for, this doesn’t mean that no care is required. These plants don’t require daily or even weekly care, but they do need attention from time to time.

Choosing the Right Succulent

When shopping for a new succulent plant, focus on the plant’s health. Avoid buying a plant that has pests or discoloration.

The leaves should be firm rather than squishy. In addition, read the care instructions, and choose a plant that is best for the indoor environment that you can provide.

Watering Tips

The exact watering schedule that is best for your succulent is based on the growing conditions, soil type and type of succulent. As a rule of thumb, however, the soil should be completely dry before you water the plant again. Run the soil between your fingers. If it’s crumbly, it’s okay to water the plant again. If your plant looks brown or wrinkled, it needs water.

Light and Temperature

Succulents thrive in warm, dry environments. Keep your home between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, they need approximately six hours of sunlight per day, but this doesn’t all have to be direct sunlight.

The best placement for a succulent is in front of a west or south-facing window. When a succulent does not get enough light, it will stretch and flatten. A smart idea is to rotate your plant monthly.

Soil and Pot Selection

Succulents should not sit in wet soils for too long. Rather than use a typical, heavy potting soil mix, choose a well-draining soil that will dry out faster. These include a cactus mix or sand mix.

With a heavier soil, you need to water less frequently when using a well-draining soil, more frequent watering is needed. Plastic and well-sealed pots are not suitable for succulents. Ceramic and terracotta plants allow the soil to dry out more quickly and are the best option for succulents.

Common Care Problems

The two primary care problems with succulent plants are related to watering and sunlight. When a plant gets too much water, the leaves will become discolored and mushy. If you notice these signs, remove the plant from the pot to dry the soil faster. If you don’t water the plant enough, the leaves will shrivel and turn yellow.

When succulents are exposed to too much sunlight, they will burn. The result is permanent brown spots. On the other hand, too little sunlight makes succulents leggy. You can trim the plant, but it also should be relocated to an area with more sunlight.

Succulents can improve your home’s ambiance and indoor air quality. The methods and products used to clean your home also play a significant role in how healthy your living space is. At Cleanzen, we provide eco-friendly cleaning solutions for your entire home. To learn more about how easy it is to have a cleaner home, contact us today.