Succulents are one of the most popular and versatile houseplants, and they can be a great addition to any home. But to ensure that your succulents thrive, you need to know the best homemade fertilizer for them, the trick to keeping them healthy, and whether or not they like to be crowded. You also need to know when to repot them, how to revive a dying succulent, and how long they can go without watering. In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions related to succulents, such as whether you should root them in water or soil, can they take full sun, and how to know if your succulent is happy.
What is the best homemade fertilizer for succulents?
The best homemade fertilizer for succulents is a combination of fish emulsion, kelp meal, and worm castings. Fish emulsion is a liquid fertilizer made from fish parts and is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Kelp meal is a dried seaweed powder that is high in trace minerals, amino acids, and vitamins. Worm castings are a nutrient-rich soil amendment that is full of beneficial bacteria and fungi. When mixed together, these three ingredients make an effective, natural fertilizer for succulents. It should be applied in small amounts every few weeks for the best results.
What is the trick to succulents?
The trick to succulents is to provide them with the right environment and care. They need plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures, as well as well-draining soil. They also require minimal water, so it’s important to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Lastly, they need plenty of airflow, so make sure to space them out and provide adequate ventilation. With the right environment and care, succulents can thrive and bring a beautiful touch to any space.
Do succulents like to be crowded?
No, succulents do not like to be crowded. They prefer to have plenty of space around them so that they can spread out and get enough light. Crowding can lead to poor air circulation and too much humidity, which can cause succulents to rot or become diseased. It is best to give succulents enough room to grow and spread out.
Should you root succulents in water or soil?
Rooting succulents in water or soil is a matter of personal preference, but generally speaking, rooting in soil is the preferred method. Soil provides the succulent with the necessary nutrients and minerals to help it grow and thrive. Additionally, soil helps to anchor the succulent’s roots, which is important for stability. However, if you prefer, succulents can also be rooted in water. This method is best for cuttings from existing succulents, as it can be difficult for new succulents to take root in water. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but for the best results, it is recommended that you root succulents in soil.
Can succulents take full sun?
Yes, succulents can take full sun. In fact, they often thrive in full sun conditions and need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day to remain healthy and vibrant. Succulents are native to desert climates, so they are used to intense sunlight and heat. However, too much sun can be damaging, so it’s important to gradually introduce your succulents to full sun exposure and monitor them for signs of sunburn or dehydration. Additionally, succulents should be given some shade during the hottest parts of the day to protect them from the intense heat.
When should I repot my succulents?
Succulents generally need to be repotted every 1-2 years, depending on their size and growth rate. If the succulent is in a very small pot, or has outgrown its pot, it may need to be repotted more frequently. When repotting, look for signs that the succulent needs more space such as roots pushing out of the drainage holes, a crowded root system, or the succulent becoming top-heavy. If the succulent is looking healthy and the soil is still draining well, it may not need to be repotted.
How do you revive a dying succulent?
Reviving a dying succulent requires a few key steps. First, assess the health of the succulent and identify the cause of its decline. If the succulent is suffering from too much water, let the soil dry out completely before watering again. If the succulent is suffering from too little water, water deeply and allow the soil to dry out before the next watering. Additionally, check the light conditions of the succulent’s environment and adjust if necessary. Succulents need plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Lastly, consider repotting the succulent in fresh, well-draining soil. With these steps, you should be able to revive your succulent and bring it back to life.
Can you plant succulents in just water?
Yes, you can plant succulents in water. This is a common practice for propagating succulents, as it allows you to create new plants from existing ones. To do this, you will need to carefully remove the succulent from its pot, and separate it into individual leaves or cuttings. Then, place the cuttings or leaves in a container of water, making sure that the water level is below the base of the succulent. Change the water every few days, and after a few weeks, you should see the roots begin to form. Once the roots are established, you can transplant the succulent into soil.
How do I know if my succulent is happy?
If your succulent is happy, it will appear healthy and vibrant. The leaves should be plump and firm, and the stems should be strong and upright. If the leaves are wilting, wrinkling, or turning brown, this is a sign of distress. In addition, if the succulent is not receiving enough light, it may stretch out towards the light source, becoming leggy. Finally, a healthy succulent should produce new growth in the form of offsets (baby plants) or flowers. If you notice any of these signs, you can be sure that your succulent is happy.
How long can succulents go without watering?
Succulents are incredibly resilient plants and can go for long periods of time without water. Depending on the species, succulents can go anywhere from a few days to several weeks without water. However, succulents should be watered at least once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter. It’s important to remember that succulents that are kept indoors may need water more frequently than those kept outdoors. Over-watering can be just as damaging to succulents as under-watering, so it’s important to find the right balance for your plant.
In conclusion, the best homemade fertilizer for succulents is compost or worm castings. The trick to succulents is to make sure they get plenty of sunlight and water. Succulents do not like to be crowded, so it is best to give them plenty of room to grow. Succulents should be rooted in soil, not water. Most succulents can take full sun, but some may require partial shade. Repotting succulents should be done every one to two years. To revive a dying succulent, make sure to give it enough water and sunlight. Succulents cannot be planted in just water and the best way to tell if a succulent is happy is to check for signs of growth. Succulents can typically go for up to a month without watering.