Providing a solid foundation for your succulents, as in choosing the perfect soil, is the first place to keep them healthy. Succulents are currently all the rage, and whether you are putting them in your living room or bedroom, it can be important to make sure they have the care they need to succeed. One of the sources which ensure success when it comes to succulents is the soil it is placed in.
Choosing the perfect soil for your succulents means picking soil that is a combination of regular potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite. These components must be mixed in the proper amounts to allow your succulent to have drainage without keeping in moisture.
If you use the wrong type of soil for your succulent, it could cause it to not get the proper amount of water and air, and it may die. Keep reading to find out just how to choose the perfect soil to keep your succulents happy and healthy.
Choosing Soil for Your Succulents
When you head to the store to buy soil for your succulents, it may be tempting to buy a bag of regular potting soil. Don’t do this. Regular potting soil retains water in amounts that are too high for your succulent, and this will cause them to rot.
Another problem is that regular potting soil is too compacted for a succulent to grow properly. It stifles the roots, so they are unable to breathe. This is why succulents need their own soil.
Instead of getting random soil, make sure the soil is suitable for your succulents.
Look around the store for soil that is labeled specifically for succulents. Depending on your region, you may not see any soil which is specified for use with succulents.
Check for soil that can be used for cacti because this soil has similar properties to the soil needed by succulents. If you don’t see either of these options, you may have to make your own soil to ensure the success of your succulents.
Make Your Own Succulent Soil
If you’ve looked high and low for the perfect soil for your succulents and you don’t want to order soil online, it may be time to create your own soil.
You can make your own succulent soil by mixing inorganic matter, perlite, and coarse sand.
Generally, the best recipe for making succulent potting soil is as follows:
1/2 Inorganic Matter
1/4 Perlite
1/4 Coarse Sand
Inorganic matter refers to dirt, and this is where it is okay to use regular potting soil. However, it alone is not enough. This is why you will mix in the perlite and coarse sand to make the soil more breathable.
You can also replace the perlite or coarse sand with other organic matter such as peat moss, compost, and bark. You have to be careful, though, as these three materials are all masters at retaining moisture and quickly cause your soil to become too wet if you replace both the perlite and the sand.
You will need a large bucket to place all of these elements in, then use a spade to mix them all together. Once all the components are thoroughly mixed, you can shovel the mixture into the pot you plan to place your succulent into.
Can I Use Soil from My Garden?
Do you already have an outdoor garden that you think has great soil? Unfortunately, it’s a bad idea to consider using this for your succulents. This is because the soil in your garden isn’t considered sterile, meaning it may be infested with bugs that could harm your succulent.
Since soil in your garden is not sterile, it should not be used for planting succulents.
Not only that, but it’s likely your succulent will be a house plant, and who wants bugs in their house?
For the best results, purchase all-purpose potting soil that is fresh and free from pests. If you have questions about how fresh potting soil is, don’t be afraid to ask an employee for help.
Can I Use Sand from My Sandbox?
Although it may be tempting to grab a handful of sand from your sandbox for your succulent soil mixture, this not the proper sand for your plants. Even if you live near the beach or another place with lots of sand, this is still not advised. This is because sand, like the soil from your garden, can contain bugs and other plant matter, which can harm your precious succulent.
You should never use sand from a sandbox to add to your soil mix since it is not sterile and might contain bugs.
While shopping for sand, it’s best to find a coarse mixture that is recommended for use with cacti, succulents, or bonsai trees. This coarse sand is made especially for growing succulents and is much more sterile than the sand you will find outside. Don’t be surprised when you find that this sand is more expensive than sandbox sand. That’s because this sand is different and designed with your plant’s health in mind.
What is Perlite?
This may be the first time you are hearing about perlite, and you may be wondering what it is. Perlite is a lightweight material made from volcanic ash. It goes through a process that makes it light and porous, which is one of the reasons it is so good to add to a soil mixture. Besides just helping the soil breathe, the pours on the perlite help the soil to store nutrients.
Perlite is non-toxic, but it can irritate your lungs, especially in people who already have lung conditions like asthma. It can also irritate your eyes, so be careful with it while you use it. Luckily perlite never decays, so if you purchase a large bag, you can keep it around for your succulent planning for years to come.
You can usually buy perlite at the same place you can buy gardening soil. But you can also order it online if you are unable to find it in a store.
Notes for Outdoor Succulents
Now it’s possible that you may want to plant or keep your succulents outside. You can still use the same soil mixture that you created above, but you may need to make a few changes. You will know what changes need to be made based on the location in which you live.
If you live in an area with clay soil, it is not advised that you try to grow your succulents outdoors. This is because the ground is too dense to work with or amend in a way that is beneficial for succulents. You are better off keeping them in pots. The best pots for outdoor succulents are terra cotta or clay pots that will let the water drain.
For those who live in an area that is non-clay soil but receives a lot of rain, it is best if you create the specified mixture above and plant your succulents in a raised garden bed.
This will allow the excess water to run out of the soil instead of staying around the succulents’ roots and causing rot. Do note that if you are keeping your succulent in a pot outdoors in this type of weather, it should not be a plastic or glazed pot because these retain too much water.
In windy areas, you can still use the raised garden bed idea, but it will be important that you also place some medium-sized stones on top of the soil to prevent it from blowing away. After all, that soil is your hard work and the lifeblood for your succulents!
Final Thoughts
It can be difficult to find the perfect potting soil for your precious succulents, especially because succulents cannot thrive in regular potting soil. When in doubt, you should make your own soil for your succulents rather than purchasing soil that won’t be quite right. Once you’ve created the perfect soil for your succulents, then you can sit back and enjoy watching as they thrive.
Cactus is a popular plant in many homes for both indoor and outdoor gardens. Even though the plants originate from the desert, most of them can grow happily indoors. Some require very little care and can survive long months of neglect. But if you want them to blossom and adorn your garden with nothing but beauty, you have to take excellent care of your cacti.
Cactus plants come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Some boast beautiful flowers, while others have stunning shapes. Others have spines, while others are spineless. There are also some, like the old lady cactus, that grow attractive white hairs. The good thing is that most cacti require little maintenance and can do well in both your indoor and outdoor garden.
So, if you’re looking for ways to add some beauty and glam to your home garden, you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are 13 awesome cactus blossoms that will do well in your home.
1.Christmas Cactus
You can never go wrong with Christmas cactus if you want to add unique blossoms to your home. This cactus is not named Christmas for nothing as the plant has a way of leaving beauty in every space it touches. The cactus plant brightens the holiday seasons with bright pink blooms perfect for Christmas gifting.
Christmas cactus features bright pink flowers right for the holidays.
Christmas cactus is a little different from other cacti because it requires more watering and blossoms in a humid climate. This might be the reason why this amazing cactus blooms in winter. The plant also does well indoors and requires moderate home conditions.
Even though Christmas cactus needs more watering than other plants, be careful not to overwater it because the roots can rot. The cactus can adapt in low light but will only bloom if you give it enough light. It can bloom twice per year under good conditions.
2.Cholla Cactus
Cholla cactus is a cactus species that are almost related to the prickly pear cactus. The cactus forms unique rounded and elongated cylindrical stems connected in segmented joints. The Cholla cactus branches have several functions, including photosynthesis, storing water, and producing flowers.
If you’re growing cholla cactus, take good care and allow some clearance for moving around other plants. The plant boasts of dense spines, with some species appearing very colorful. Most cholla cactus plants bloom in orange or greenish-yellow flowers according to their condition. It’s an excellent outdoor addition to sunny gardens of Southwestern-style.
3.Star Cactus
The star cactus stands up to its name by producing a star-like bloom. The plant has a beautiful round shape sectioned into eight slices. Star cactus also has white hairs and some tiny white dots, which perfectly define its beauty.
Star cactus is a round-shaped succulent sectioned into 8 star-like slices.
The small plant does more than its size by brightening a rather dull day if you make it part of your succulent garden. This cactus is ideal for your indoor garden if you want it to grow well and blossom. The cactus produces yellow and white blooms, which mostly appear in spring.
Star Cactus grows up to 6 inches long. It doesn’t have spines but produces beautiful areoles. It has a greenish body covered in white scales. It’s a great ornament plant that you can add to your cactus garden collection.
4.Old Lady Cactus
Those white feathers you see on this cactus plant are not actual feathers of animals. Old lady cactus grows these beautiful white hairs that cover its entire body. The plant is not only famous for its white hairs but also its purple or pink flowers that you’ll mostly see in spring.
Even though the hairs may look soft, the old lady is also covered with spines. The plant devised ways to protect its beautiful hairs, and it will not go easy with you if you try to touch it. The old lady is easy to grow and care for. It makes a perfect garden plant for beginners in the cactus world.
5.Feather Cactus
Like old lady cactus, feather cactus is covered with feather-like hairs that give it its ornament and functional purpose. The feathers shield this plant from intense sunshine. It grows well as a houseplant if you give it a shallow container.
When watering the plant, be careful not to wet the features. While the features appear white, fluffy, and soft, they also camouflage for the sharp spines covering the plant’s body. Feather cactus also blooms in white, pink, and yellow flowers. Take very good care of this amazing cactus because it’s nearing extinction.
6.Easter Cactus
Like Christmas cactus, Easter cactus is another stunning holiday plant to add to your collection. It’s named Easter cactus because it blooms with bright pink flowers around the Easter period. You can also get white, orange, and lavender colors depending on the conditions you give it.
The Brazilian plant also has green segments that blend well with the flowers to add to the beauty. The spines are stacked on top of one another, giving it a unique shape. This attractive plant also makes a fantastic gift plant to give your friends for Easter.
7.Parodia Cactus
Parodia is a ball-shaped cactus with beautiful showy plants. Parodia is a slow-growing cactus, but it can take a few years to reach full maturity under the right conditions. The cactus makes a fantastic addition to your cactus garden.
Give it more light and more water than other cactus, and it will reward you with amazing blooms. The flowers vary in colors of red, orange, pink, and yellow depending on the species. The older ones bloom more regularly but mostly around spring and summer.
8.Moon Cactus
Moon cactus adds plenty of colors to your garden, including pink, white, orange, red, and yellow. Their bright color makes them a perfect addition to this list of amazing cacti blossoms to grow indoors.
Moon cactus is an excellent plant to grow indoors since it adds a bunch of bright colors to your indoor cactus garden.
This plant comes in two types of cacti crafted together to form an amazing plant. Its bottom stock consists of a Hylocereus species. The top part that gives it unique colors is the Gymnocalycium mihanovichii.
The top cactus lacks chlorophyll hence reveals the underlying pigment. Moon cactus requires very little maintenance, and you need to water it occasionally. It’s a small plant that can only grow 6 inches tall, but that’s enough to beautify your garden.
9.Chin Cactus
If you thought all cacti had those sharp spines, then you haven’t come across chin cactus. Chin cactus doesn’t have hair on their flower buds. Some chin cactus species will appreciate it if you could grow them under a shade, while others will do well under direct sunlight. Find out the species that you have with you so you can give them the desired light requirements. This cactus blooms in red, white, pink, and salmon.
10.Thanks Giving Cactus
Thanksgiving cactus is another fantastic cactus blossom that you should never miss in your home if you love beauty and glam. This is another holiday cactus joining the likes of Christmas and Easter cacti in the holiday plants collection. The plant continues to bloom into winter and does pretty well in cool temperatures. However, make sure there’s no frost.
11.Queen of the Night
Like the name, queen of the night is a night-blooming cactus, hence its name. This cactus is an epiphyllum, meaning it grows on other trees. This is a native to Brazil plant that adorns your outdoor garden with large white blooms. If you give it acidic soil, you’ll get this amazing plant to bloom often. When they bloom, they fill your home with a sweet fragrance that you’ll notice immediately you wake up. It offers you a perfect way to start your day.
12.Prickly Pear Cactus
From the name, you’ll mostly associate this cactus with its spines. But that’s not its only attribute because this amazing cactus also makes an excellent addition to your home. You’ll mostly identify this cactus with its wide, flat, and branching pads. They also got the name paddle or nopal.
Prickly pear is a fruit-bearing cactus that can be added to your indoor cactus garden.
This cactus is not only grown for its beauty, but the natives use it for food as well. Its pads, flowers, and fruit are all edible. The plant blooms in yellow, purple, and red flowers. Its edible pads vary in size, shape, and color.
13.Hedgehog Cactus
This is another small, barrel-shaped cactus to add to your home cactus collection. The plant blooms in pink, red, orange, and lavender flowers. They open in the morning and close at night. Hedgehog cactus also has very sharp spines, so you must be careful when caring for it or picking beautiful flowers. Hedgehog also produces edible fruits. Its flowers open after the spring rains.
Summary
It’s the joy of every gardener to see their plants thrive and bloom when the time is right. Cactus doesn’t disappoint when it comes to this and is sure to reward you with beautiful flowers if you take care of it. If you love cacti that bloom, you have them in the above list of the 13 cactus blossoms for your home.
Well, some don’t flower, but they’re still beautiful in their way. And the good thing about cactus is that they’re not too demanding in terms of care needs.
Succulents are plants with thick, fleshy parts that are designed to retain moisture. An example of a succulent would be a cactus, which has a fleshy trunk with large, fleshy paddles to retain water. Some people place succulents in their homes, both to provide a visual relief and balance their feng shui.
Succulents are best when placed so as to subtly enhance the overall look of a room, but not front and center. They are more of a supporting mechanism that improves the overall mood, out of sight. Places such as the back corner of your living room work well for succulent placement.
Accurately placing succulents to ensure good feng shui is difficult, but not impossible. Read on to find out what succulents work best for ensuring good feng shui, and where to place them in your house to ensure maximum effect.
Where to Place Your Succulents to Improve Feng Shui
In order to ensure good feng shui and maximum effectiveness, the placement of your succulents is crucial. They should subtly enhance the energy of the room overall, rather than being front and center of all the objects in the immediate space. You also need to consider the room where you are placing the succulents.
The feng shui is different for every room in your house. The bedroom, for instance, is a place for intimacy. You wouldn’t want a spiky cactus on your nightstand, as that can project negative energy and kill the mood. Likewise, the kitchen is a balanced place for creativity and love; the wrong succulent can change the feng shui in a negative manner.
The placement of your succulents is essential to creating good feng shui.
Small cacti in a pot are popular choices when it comes to succulents for the home. However, you do need to be careful when putting one in your home, as the spiky needles can project negative energy into the surrounding room and unbalance the feng shui. A small potted cactus works well on objects like a side table in the living room.
Overall, the best place to put a succulent is the place in your house known as the fame and reputation quadrant, which is the room from which you project your personality to the world. Your fame and reputation quadrant can be your living room, or it can be your kitchen, but that is where a succulent should be placed to ensure proper feng shui.
What Succulents are Best for Ensuring Good Feng Shui?
When considering which succulent/s to bring into your home, you also need to consider how much time and care you want to devote to them. Having a succulent to balance the feng shui does nothing if you are not willing to take care of it and will simply add clutter.
If gardening is not your strong suit, here are 3 feng-shui enhancing plants that are easy to keep alive:
The Snake plant is a very easy plant to take care of. It requires little water, is extremely resilient, and as for feng shui, a Snake plant projects protective energy. It is a good plant to place near the main entrance to your home for a feeling of safety.
The Jade plant is associated with friendship, money, health and fame. Like the Snake plant, it is very easy to take care of, requires little water and will work in almost any area of the home, as health energy benefits every room. A note: the Jade plant does best in bright light conditions.
Jade plant is a low-maintenance succulent that ensures good feng shui.
Lucky Bamboo is a symbol of good fortune, and is often placed in the wealth area of a building, such as the payroll office. It will actually grow in water, with a little gravel mixed in for minerals. Lucky Bamboo does best in medium light conditions; low light will result in unhealthy leaves and high light will burn them.
What Succulents are Best for Me?
Feng shui also goes beyond simply getting a plant that projects the right energy; you want a plant that is also matched to your geographical area. Having a bamboo plant in the middle of the desert both wastes water and will look out of place, as they are much better suited to wet areas: Seattle, for example.
Save bamboo, succulents are excellent at surviving in conditions with low rainfall and high temperatures. Cacti in particular are very good at eking out a living in desert conditions, and they use very little water. Additionally, cacti will not seem out of place in areas with high temperatures and low rainfall and will not destabilize the feng shui.
Good feng shui can be achieved by selecting the succulents that carry the right energy for you.
Additionally, you do not need to have one type of succulent and one type only; you can put different succulents in different rooms of your house according to the energy you want to project. Having a Snake plant by the front door will project protective energy, as will a cactus.
Having a Jade plant in any room will serve the twin purpose of putting you and your guests in a good mood and projecting health energy. The same goes for a Lucky Bamboo, but remember to place it in a medium-natural light area.
Where to Place Outdoor Succulents for Good Feng Shui
Managing good feng shui is not limited to just your house; it can be extended to your yard and entire property if you so choose. Doing this requires a little more knowledge of gardening and the climate of your area, but it can be done.
You can create good feng shui by properly placing succulents both indoors and outdoors.
While most succulents do well in hot, dry climates, keep in mind even the hardiest plant will be affected by two feet of snow. If you live in an area that gets plenty of snowfall along with a cold winter, be prepared to redo your outdoor succulent arrangement every spring. Nonetheless, you should absolutely extend your feng shui outdoors if possible.
Follow the Energy Map
Feng Shui is the art of reaching balance in one’s life. It believes that if one can achieve harmony in one’s home, office or chosen place, then it will remain peaceful, prosperous and harmonious.
If you’re serious about feng shui and your succulents, the feng shui garden is made of 9 zones. A feng shui garden also represents the five main elements: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. The 9 zones are these: Wealth, Fame/Reputation, Love, Health/Family, Center, Creativity/Children, Wisdom/Self Cultivation, Career, Helpful People & Travel.
Depending on the size of your property, you may be able to make a garden that accommodates each of these zones. However, if you do not have the space, you can also compensate by hanging plants and having small examples of succulents in pots around your residence.
if you do not have the space, you can also compensate by hanging plants.
The zones could also be combined in a pinch. Wealth, Fame/Reputation and Career could all come together in your home office or workspace, as the three do go together. Love, Health/Family, and Creativity/Children will work well in your living room, garden or basement.
Conclusion
Feng shui is a fascinating subject and one that you could spend a very long time studying. Finding balance and harmony in one’s home is important, and the right succulents can help you achieve that more easily.
With regard to succulents, feng shui boils down to this. You must have the plant in the right room, it should also be near a good light source, and you need to be willing to take care of the plant, otherwise your efforts are wasted.
Use the right succulents, however, and while the effect will not be dramatic, your home or workspace will seem much more pleasant to be in. Your mood will be improved, and your space will be better overall.
Succulents aren’t as easy to care for as you might have heard. They’re notorious for turning yellow when they’re unhappy. “I speak positivity over my succulent, I water my succulent, and I follow all the rules according to my care instructions, so why is she turning yellow?!” then you’ve come to the right place.
The most common cause of a succulent turning yellow is too much water. Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves and stems because they grow in humid and dry environments. Therefore, overwatering is an easy mistake to make. Poor soil and drainage can also cause a succulent to turn yellow.
To find out more about why your succulent is turning yellow, stick around. We have all the answers and some possible fixes. Just keep reading.
What Does A Yellow Succulent Mean?
A yellow succulent is not happy and healthy! If succulents’ leaves are turning yellow, it is a sign that your plant is dying. Succulents are not like usual plants are watered multiple times a week. They require less attention, hotter climates, and less water.
Overwatering and underwatering will cause your succulent to turn yellow. If your plant is overwatered, it will begin to turn yellow and rot. The leaves will start to bend and feel wet instead of dry and firm.
Overwatering is one of the most common reasons for a succulent turning yellow.
Yellow leaves and black spots are signs of overwatering. If succulents receive too much water, they are less likely to get the nutrients they need from the soil stunting their growth and photosynthesis process.
If your succulent is turning yellow, it can also be underwatered. This means that there is not enough water stored inside of the plants’ leaves. This can also cause the stem or leaves to feel brittle and fall off.
If your succulent’s soil isn’t right, or it’s not draining properly, this can also contribute to yellowing leaves. In some instances, pests are the reason for a yellowing succulent.
How Should A Healthy Succulent Look?
Succulents and cacti come in different shapes, colors, sizes, and species. They are a diverse plant group with one major characteristic in common. They are drought-resistant. These plants have tissues built for storing water long term. Succulents should have thick leaves that conserve water.
Healthy succulents have fleshy leaves, thick roots, and dry soil.
Healthy Succulents Have
Thick roots
Thick and fleshy leaves containing sap
Feel firm to the touch
Leaves and stems standing upright
Dry soil
If your succulent does not have thick, upright leaves, some other tell-tale signs can help you save your plant before it is too late.
How Can I Stop My Succulent from Turning Yellow?
The best way to save your succulent is to be very observant. Pay attention to the texture of the leaves, the feel of the soil, and the color of the plant itself. If a succulent turns yellow, it could mean that it has had too much light.
Try moving your succulent to a spot with indirect light or in a shadier area for a few days. For example, if your plant is in the windowsill, move it to a table further away that still snags some beams of light or bring your place into the house off the porch for a few days.
Be wary of succulents that you can see through. While succulents typically turn yellow, develop brown or black spots when in distress, they will begin to look transparent. The same steps can be taken to help save your succulent, whether it is yellow, black, brown, or translucent.
When we think of plants, we think of plenty of sun, easy-to-break apart soil, and an abundance of water. Succulents are unique because they require a fair amount of sun, dry soil and only need watering about once a week. So almost the opposite of what we’ve been taught about plants in general.
Repot Your Plant
Repotting can also save your succulent. Be sure that you are using soil specifically recommended for growing cacti and succulents. You can use cactus and succulent soil and add in extra elements to help the plant stay dry, like gravel or sand.
Make sure you select the right soil when repotting your succulent.
The key is to place your plant into soil that encourages drainage so your plant will not become wet and therefore change color.
Allow the Succulent to Dry
To save the succulent, you can also pull it out of the pot completely. Take your succulent out of the pot, brush off any excess soil, and clip browned or rotten roots. The roots can be darkened because of the excess water.
This will allow your succulent to start healthier. Once the roots are cut off, leaving the succulent dry for up to 4 days. The drying out process does not have to be in the sun.
Protect Your Succulent from Insects
Succulents turn yellow when their needs are not being met or they are experiencing an attack. Nobody likes a pest infestation! Succulents are susceptible to invasion from insects such as
Spider mites
Fungus gnats
Mealybugs
Pests gradually weaken your succulents and sometimes even cause their death.
While your succulent will not immediately turn yellow from the slow nibbling of these insects, over time, it will weaken your plant resulting in drooping yellow leaves. To get rid of these pests, apply rubbing alcohol to the outside of the plant or insecticidal soap.
Use both sparingly and as directed to avoid worsening the condition of the plant. These insects will spread from plant to plant, so be sure to isolate the succulent until the issue has been remedied.
Conclusion
Succulents are different than most plants and require a special kind of care to allow them to thrive outside of their natural conditions.
To keep succulents alive, be sure to pay attention to the moistness of the soil, the thickness and rigidness of the leaves, and the color of your succulent. Invest in a pot that allows the proper amount of drainage, soil that is tailored to the needs of succulents, and find the perfect spot that allows the plant to soak up the sun.
Succulents are temperamental plants that should not be kept in extremely low temperatures. Cold environments cannot sustain succulents, and if you notice the temperatures dropping outside, act quickly to prevent succulents from freezing.
Succulents are not likely to live in temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees, succulents can freeze and die.
Succulents should be brought inside when temperatures drop below forty degrees Fahrenheit. Read on to discover how to care for your succulent when temperatures drop, why forty degrees is a point of no return for succulents, and what other temperatures pose problems for these plants.
Why is 40 Degrees Fahrenheit Too Cold for a Succulent Plant?
Temperatures between 30- and 40-degrees Fahrenheit pose some extreme risks for succulent plants. Forty-degrees Fahrenheit poses a threat to succulent plans because that is the temperature at which they will begin to change color, and when they approach their freezing point, they will begin to develop frost and rot. Soft succulents are not able to withstand frost, and at 40 degrees Fahrenheit will develop frost on the leaves and other parts of the plant.
Temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit are extremely dangerous for succulents.
Risk at Temperatures Between 30- and 40-Degrees Fahrenheit
Succulents are at risk for freezing in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The colors of your succulent plant will begin to change once it reaches 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. At that point, if you don’t move the plants into a warmer setting, they will start to reach their freezing point, and begin to die.
If your succulent is exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant will begin to freeze. There is a short window of time from the point that your succulent reaches 40 degrees Fahrenheit to the time it will freeze. Succulents, especially soft succulent variations, should be brought indoors before temperatures get to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
In cases where succulents aren’t brought into temperature-controlled environments at 40 degrees, you will notice some prominent color changes in your succulent as it begins to reach its freezing point. The colors will become deeper and more vibrant until ice crystals form on the leaves and other parts of the plant. The longer the succulent plant is in colder temperatures, the more frost will develop on the leaves and soil. The plant will begin to show signs of rot and a black or brown discoloration before dying.
Temperatures Below 32 Degrees Fahrenheit
The freezing point of succulent plants is around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Succulent plants cannot sustain life at this temperature and will begin to freeze and die off. You should transfer outdoor succulents kept in pots or potable containers inside during the winter to keep them alive.
If you begin to see tiny ice crystals forming on the plant’s leaves, you will need to immediately bring it into a warmer environment. If you fail to bring the plant in once ice crystals form on its leaves, it will become harder to revive once it is in a warmer environment. Most succulents cannot tolerate frost, and if exposed to it, they will begin to fade and eventually die. Bring non-frost tolerant succulents indoors at night to avoid killing them.
Changes in Your Succulents at Extreme Temperatures
Color changes are the most noticeable change in succulents exposed to extreme temperature, whether high or low. Colors in succulents will begin to intensify when they reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the closer they get to their freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, they will start to look dull and shrivel.
Another color change in succulents is brown or black areas appearing on leaves or other parts of the plant. Weather that is too cold causes plant cells to burst, giving the appearance of rot. If the leaves or any other part of your succulent begin to turn a dark brown or black color, you may have left it at a temperature that is too cold for the succulent to remain healthy.
Are There Succulents That Can Live in Extreme Temperatures?
Hardy succulents are a type of succulent that can tolerate frost. Hardy succulents are suitable for growth outdoors all year round, even in below-freezing temperatures. Sedum and Prometheum are two types of hardy succulents that can survive in these harsh, colder temperatures.
Hardy succulents can withstand temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand extreme drought. These types of succulents are extremely low maintenance, and because of the cooler temperatures they can survive in, they are more colorful and vibrant.
What is the Optimal Temperature for Succulent Plants?
It is essential to keep succulents at their optimal temperature around the clock. The ideal temperature for succulents is 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures, along with soil that is kept relatively dry, will let succulents flourish and prevent them from either freezing or burning.
For succulents to grow healthy, they should be grown in the temperature range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The USDA developed a scale known as plant hardiness map that divides North America into 13 hardiness zones for succulents suitable to grow in those zones. Visit the USDA website to determine your area’s hardiness zone, and what types of succulents are ideas for growth in your zone. The hardiness zone map will give you the option to choose either hardy or soft succulents to plant and tell you if you’ll need to bring them indoors or if they will be able to withstand conditions year-round.
How to Keep Succulents at Optimal Temperatures
If your succulents are planted outside, you may consider transplanting them around a month before the first winter frost in your area. Succulents can be transplanted into flower pots and kept inside during the winter. If your succulents are in pots, be sure to transport them indoors at night as well as before the first frost of the winter and through the months with colder temperatures.
Always make sure that your indoor succulents get plenty of sunlight.
If transplantation isn’t an option, considering covering your outdoor succulents with a cloth before precipitation. Keeping the soil dry is a must for succulents. Keep indoor succulents away from drafty windows to prevent freezing, but make sure they still receive sunlight, either naturally or with a grow light.
Frost cloths are explicitly made to protect outdoor plants from harsh conditions. Frost cloths like the Sunpro Plant Protector can be held down with heavy objects at the corners during precipitation or cold conditions to keep plants insulated and not subject to rain or snow.
Temperatures too High for Succulents
Temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can pose similar risks for succulents as freezing temperatures. You should protect your succulent by transporting it to a shaded area, or if they are in pots, potentially indoors. Extremely high temperatures, especially those above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, can be deadly for most succulents.
Temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can also damage your succulents.
Like the effects of colder temperatures, in extremely warm temperatures, the colors of your succulent will begin to intensify until reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit, when the plant will start to burn, turning a brown or black color. If your succulent plants are exposed to extreme sunlight or higher temperatures, the roots and leave of the plant will appear fried or “sunburned.”
Conclusion
Succulents are temperamental plants that cannot be kept at cold temperatures. At temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, succulents begin to experience changes, including extreme color change, but they will freeze and possibly die by the time they reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Likewise, in temperatures higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, succulents run the risk of burning in extreme temperatures or intense sunlight. To protect your succulent plants, bring them indoors or in temperature-controlled areas to prevent freezing or burning.
The holidays are a time to make merry, celebrate and be happy. As such, this is a time synonymous with decorations. Whether we are talking of Christmas or any other holiday, we do our best to improve the overall outlook of our homes. So what better ways to do this than using attractive plants like the Christmas cactus? The Christmas cactus, otherwise known as the holiday cactus, is a common holiday plant and comes in different types based on their growth habits and blooming seasons.
So what are the three types of Christmas cactus you can grow indoors? Christmas cactus (holiday cactus) comes in three main types: Schlumbergera truncata, Schumbelgera bridgesii and Rhipsalidopsis gaertnerii. The difference between these three types of holiday cactus lies in the shape of their leaves and blooming seasons. While the Rhipsalidopsis gaertnerii has distinctively rounded edges the Schlumbergera truncata features clar shaped and distinctively pointed projections at the edges. The Schumbelgera bridgesii on the other hand has tear-drop –shaped or scalloped leaf projections.
This article seeks to break down the specific features and characteristic of the various types of Christmas or holiday cactus. It will look at their growth habits, requirements and blooming seasons.
Schlumbergera Truncata
The Schlumbergera Truncata, also known as zygocactus or false Christmas cactus flowers around Thanksgiving all the way to Christmas. This falls between the months of November and late December. Depending on care and variety, some may bloom up to January.
Schlumbergera Truncata is a false Christmas cactus that blooms around Thanksgiving.
This holiday cactus blooms in a variety of colors that include white, golden-yellow, red and pink.
The Schlumbergera Truncata does well when placed in a partial shade, making it a perfect indoor plant
Schumbelgera bridgesii
The Schumbelgera bridgesii or Schumbelgera buckleyi is commonly known as the Thanksgiving cactus. This is all thanks to its blooms that happen around the Thanksgiving holiday. The cactus starts to bloom from October and will last through November. Its blooms are huge and will spread all over. Its large vibrant flowers are easily noticeable even from a distance.
Schumbelgera Bridgesii produces vibrant flowers from October through November.
Rhipsalidopsis gaertnerii
This is one of the most common holiday plants. They would usually be in bloom at the time of purchase. The cactus stands out with its variety of bloom colors that range from red to white, peach orange, pink and lavender.
Rhipsalidopsis Gaertnerii features colorful flowers, ranging from white, pink, lavender, and peach orange.
The Rhipsalidopsis gaertnerii has an interesting growth pattern. New growth forms a new segment, thus creating a rickety stacked outlook. Its soft pointed nodes at the edges serve as the equivalent of spines in other types of cactus. Unlike the Schlumbergera species that are native to Brazil’s troika forests, the Rhipsalidopsis gaertnerii is native to the Natural forests.
Tropical plants
By virtue of being tropical plants, the Schlumbergera species will require the same care and weather conditions as any other tropical plant. Develop a regular watering regime. Once the top one inch of the soil feels dry, it is time to start watering the plants. You may see the need to reduce your watering during the spring and winter months. This not only helps avoid root rot but also encourages the plant to bloom. The Schlumbergera species requires higher humidity, and you can achieve this easily through a humidity tray. Do this by filing gravel on a waterproof saucer and filling it halfway with water. You can then position your cactus on the gravel surface.
Transplanting/repotting a Christmas cactus
Transplanting a Christmas cactus works best after the blooming season. Usually, this would be later winter or early spring. Repotting a Christmas cactus when blooming is a recipe for disaster because the chances of survival are slim. Once the roots look a little too crowded, then it is time to repot in order to help improve it chances of blooming within the right season.
You should never repot your Christmas cactus when the plant is blooming.
Prepare some wall draining soil and get a sizeable container with a drainage hole to help drain off any excess water.
You can then remove your Christmas cacti from its old pot with some soil ball. Loosen the roots lightly and wash some excess soil away with water. Replant your cactus by ensuring your root ball is at least one inch below the new soil mix. Water it sparingly and place it is a shade with enough light for 2 to 3 days.
How to get a Christmas cactus to bloom easily
What is a Christmas cactus without is flowers? Every cactus enthusiast knows too well that a Christmas cactus without its ability to bloom is as good as dead. While most Christmas cacti will bloom naturally when the right season comes, others may not follow the same pattern and may not bloom at all. As such, you ought to device practical ways to ensure your cactus blooms when the holiday season comes around.
Understand the ecology of the plant
The plant may be called a cactus, but has nothing to do with the desert. Unlike its cousins, the Christmas cactus is, indeed, a forest plant. As such, its ecological needs reflect those of any other forest or tropical plant.
Notably, the Christmas cactus thrives best when potted correctly. You may see the need to plant it in a small pot and repot it later to a larger container as need arises.
Light and temperature
These are two basic factors that will determine the overall health of your Christmas cactus. The cactus flowers more easily and brightly when placed in a cool environment. For better results, expose your cactus to at least 16 hours minimal light and at least 8 hours of enough light per day. This, in essence, means even at night, do not turn on any form of light for the plant as this will break the dark cycle required for better blooming.
For the case of temperatures, the Christmas cactus prefers around 61 degrees. Avoid exposing the plant to hot or cold air drafts. All you need to do is place your cactus in a cool room. A window seal is preferred as an ideal location for better lighting. In some cases, the plant will grow flower buds but would later fall off prematurely. This is usually a case of too much water or lack thereof. In some cases, lack of hair humidity will cause the same.
As long as you meet the light and temperature requirements, it should be easy to get your Christmas cacti to bloom. Other notable factors you may need to keep in mind include the following:
Fertilization – Once the flower buds appear, use high potassium fertilizer every two weeks.
Soil – Use quality soil mix high in humus and other essential nutrients for your cactus. You may opt to make your own mix or buy ready commercial soil mix from reputable dealers.
Transplanting – For better results, consider repotting your Christmas cactus every year. Do this just after the flowering period.
How to propagate a Christmas cactus
A Christmas cactus is always a sign of joy whenever the holidays are nigh. As such, one is never enough. You want to have as many of these as possible. Talking of propagation, there are three basic methods you can use to propagate your Christmas cactus:
Propagating upright in soil – This is ideal for large cuttings with good whole ends. Let your cutting callous for about two days. This is an important step to help spur rooting. You can then place your cutting deep into fresh potting soil. Water sparingly and wait for about 3 weeks for the roots to develop.
Propagating on flat soil – This is ideal for cuttings with damaged bottoms. Here your goal is to spur rooting at the middle point of your cutting rather than the bottom. After letting it dry for two days, place your cutting flat on top of your potting soil. Ensure that there is a good contact between the soil and the cactus for better results. The cutting should root within 3 weeks if given the right moisture levels.
Propagating in water – This is by far the fastest method to propagate your Christmas cactus. Take a good cutting and let it dry for a good callus before dipping the bottom end in water. Within two weeks, your cactus will be rooting already. You can then take the cutting and plant it in good potting soil. This is a delicate method and any slight mistake will see your cutting rotting away. Nevertheless, it is worth it.
Apart from these, you can propagate your cactus by its seeds. For better results on seen production however, cross pollination is advised.
The Christmas cactus has always been a darling to most cacti enthusiasts. With the right care, you can rest assures of colorful blooms, just in time for the holidays. However, this doesn’t come easy. It takes good care and expertise. The three types of Charismas or holiday cactus can be confusing but a keen look will reveal the differences. Nevertheless, they serve the same purpose of making our holidays as colorful as it can get. Whether you opt for the Schlumbergera or the Rhipsalidopsis species, this is a cactus plant you do not want to miss in your collection.
It is difficult work to cultivate healthy succulents. In fact, many equate it to an art form. Certain things need to be done in order to develop a plant and keep it flourishing no matter what environment it might be in at the time.
Succulents are unique plants in that they do not need much water. They are resilient and can withstand some tough conditions. However, that does not mean that they do not need some tender loving care along the way. Please continue reading to learn some golden rules regarding watering succulents that you will want to keep in mind.
Important Information About Succulents
Before you get started on the path to maintaining a thriving array of succulents at home or in the office, there are some things that you should know.
Keep in mind that although succulents store water, they still need to be watered regularly.
Succulents store water – These are resilient plants, so they are always storing extra water that they do not need. They do so in their leaves, roots, or stems. This allows them to survive even when they go as long as a month between watering.
They still need to be watered – Just because succulents are known to thrive in drought like conditions does not mean that you can neglect the importance of watering them. You will want to develop a regular watering schedule and work to maintain it.
Avoid overwatering them – Succulents can only store away so much excess water. You do not want to overdo it, so consider using this guide as a way to know how to more effectively water your succulents so that they can thrive in virtually any condition.
Watering Your Succulents Indoors
Many people are naturally drawn to succulents because they are easy to maintain when kept inside. This is also what makes them such a popular choice for the office.
Some of more the popular succulents that can be kept indoors include:
SedumsHens-and-chicks
Jade plants
Kalanchoe
Aloe vera
Snake plants
Cactus
Many people who keep succulents inside make the mistake of just giving them a little splash of water every once in a while. This is not the best course of action. Instead, you will want to have such plants in a small pot that has a drainage hole at the bottom.
When growing succulents indoors, use pots with a drainage hole and water the plants until excess water starts to drain.
The best thing to do is to follow a set watering schedule. Give your succulent a good soaking until the excess water begins to come out of the hole at the bottom of the pot. The key here is not to leave too much excess water on the roots, as this will end up rotting them. You will then let the soil dry out completely before you water again. That is all there is to it.
Once you have finished watering your indoor succulents, please make a note to yourself to check each one of them in a week or so. You just need to feel the soil with your finger. If it feels damp, then you can probably wait another week before checking again.
Different Seasons Bring Different Indoor Watering Schedules
The interesting thing about succulents is that they tend to require more or less water depending on the season you are in. This is important to know because it impacts their ability to grow and flourish into the beautiful plant you were hoping they would be.
You should consider seasonal changes and climate when creating a watering schedule for your succulents.
Spring – This is the time of the year that most succulents will actively grow. As such, you will find that you will want to water your plants a bit more often than normal. Of course, this will become obvious when you notice the soil drying out more quickly between watering than it does during other parts of the year.
Summer – You might think that your indoor succulents need more water during the hottest time of the year, but that is not correct. In fact, this is the time of the year when you will be watering these plants the least.
Fall – Watering will depend on where you are located, so just keep checking the soil to determine when you should add some more.
Winter – The amount of light during the winter months will decrease. This will put your succulents into a dormant period where they will not go through much water at all. Follow the watering requirements listed earlier, and then just wait until the soil becomes dry.
Watering your indoor succulents may not be an exact science, but it is not a difficult process either. Keep in mind that the size of the container you keep your succulent in will often determine how much water it needs. Small pots that are rather shallow may necessitate more frequent watering than larger pots will.
Watering Your Succulents Outdoors
There are many reasons why you might want to have your succulents outside. When that time comes, there are some things that you will want to keep in mind.
When planting succulents outdoors, give them shade and avoid placing them in direct sunlight.
Give them shade first – It is true that succulents love the sun, but they do need to become acclimated to it first. You will be doing them a favor by first planting them in an area that is partially shaded.
You can move them later – Once your outdoor succulents have become used to the sunlight outside, you can then move them to an area of the yard that is much sunnier.
Avoid areas that are too intense with the sunlight – As you look for places to plant your succulents, you will want to stay area from those parts of the yard that get the most intense sunlight in the midafternoon.
They do need more water – Since the water will dry out more quickly thanks to the increased sunlight, you will need to water any succulents that you have planted outside.
The amount of water depends on outside conditions – It is difficult to say exactly how much water your outdoor succulents will need. It depends on what part of the country you are in. Check the soil every week. If it is bone dry, you need to water. If it is still moist, then they are good.
Special note for shallow containers and cactus – If you have any succulents planted outside in a shallow container, you will need to water them every few days. This same principle applies to any cactus that you might have outdoors as well.
These are the general principles to keep in mind when watering any succulent that you plant outside. These are plants that can last for years if you will manage the mix of sunlight and water that they get.
Watering Succulents Planted in the Ground
There are also plenty of occasions to plant succulents in the ground around your home and garden. Sedums are the perfect example of a succulent that can thrive in such conditions. How often you water them will depend on:
The conditions outside
How grounded the roots are
In essence, the longer the succulent has been in the ground, the less water it will require. To begin, you will probably want to water them at least once every week.
Succulents that are planted outside will eventually be able to live for quite a long time under even the driest of conditions. This is particularly true for those succulents that have been in the ground for more than a few seasons.
Growing succulents in the ground will require that the soil is well-drained. If you find it difficult to get the moisture out of the soil, you might want to consider moving them to a bed that has been raised. You can also mound up the soil in the locations around your yard where you are going to plant the succulents.
If you decide to use mounds, it is recommended that they be one to two feet each. You will also want to use a compost mix that has been aged well. Mix it with perlite in order to give the succulents every possible opportunity to thrive in even the harshest of conditions.
Keep the soil healthy, give them a good soaking from time to time, and you will find that your succulents stay vibrant from one season to the next.
Special Watering Tips for Your Succulents
Now that you have a general overview about how to water succulents depending on where they are located, it is time to get a bit more specific. As you can imagine, the amount of water that you provide your succulents is important, as is the frequency with which you do it.
There are some additional tips that you will want to follow in order to give your succulents the best possible environment in which to grow and make you happy in the end.
Pots Need a Drainage Hole
Since it is so important that you not overwater your succulents, it is recommended that you grow your plants in a pot that has a drainage hole. While you can eventually do away with practice once you get the hang of the watering process, this is a way to better mitigate the flow of water that is provided to the succulents.
To be fair, you can certainly grow succulents in a pot that does not have any such drainage hole. However, it is a bit tricky to do so because there is a risk that water may accumulate at the bottom of the pot. When this happens, the soil will stay wet for far longer than healthy for most succulents.
Using a pot without a drainage hold also requires more attention to your pot. You will need to monitor the amount of moisture in the soil much more closely. This may also alter your watering schedule.
Remember that part of the beauty of succulents is that they do not require much time. Stick with a pot with a drainage hole, and you will be much better off in the end. If your pot does not currently have such a hole, you can easily add one by using a diamond tip drill bit.
Soil Type is Important
When it comes to succulents, not all soil types are created equal. You have to keep in mind that any type of succulent can actually rot rather quickly if they are just sitting in water. This is why it is important that you use soil that is known for its ability to drain quickly. This means that soil will not retain water, thus allowing the roots the room they need to breathe.
If you use fast-draining soil combined with a pot with a drainage hole, you will not need to worry about making a mistake when watering. This is because the materials you are using will do much of the work for you.
If you have decided to plant succulents, get some porous potting soil and use fluffy materials for fast drainage.
You can easily find the right type of soil for your succulents when you go shopping at a local garden supply store near you. It is not expensive, and it will do wonders for the vibrancy of your succulents in the end.
If you are the type of person that likes to do things yourself, you can make your own fast-draining soil mix by combining the following:
Porous potting soil
Various types of fluffy materials – Perlite or pumice tend to do rather nicely.
Inspect the Soil Before Watering
It would be easy to say that all succulents require the same amount of water, but that simply is not accurate. Some will require a bit more water than others, so you need to pay a bit of attention to what is going on. The beauty of succulents is that they tend to tell you when they require more water.
If you notice that the leaves are wrinkling and dropping quite rapidly, that indicates that you need to add some more water. However, you do not want to water your succulents too often. It is a delicate balancing act that you will perfect with practice.
Always inspect the soil (dryness or wetness) prior to watering your succulents.
The principle here is to check the top of the soil. If you notice that it is bone dry, then that is an indication that you need to water some more. Give the succulent a good soaking, but then leave it alone. It needs time to completely dry out before you even think about watering it again.
With succulents, less is better. In other words, it is better to underwater the plant than it is to overwater it. When you first start outgrowing succulents, it is best to water about once every other week or so. Take a look at how they react to the water, and then adjust the schedule as needed.
What Type of Water Does a Succulent Need?
This might sound like a strange question, but the type of water that you use to water your succulents is an important consideration as well. Believe it or not, the best type of water for succulents comes from the sky. That’s right – rainwater is best. If it is not raining, then distilled water is a close second best.
You might be wondering why this is even an issue. It is because tap water tends to contain many types of minerals that can be harmful to your succulents. These include magnesium and calcium.
As minerals can be harmful for succulents, use rain water or distilled water to keep them hydrated.
Over time, these will build up around the soil. You may also notice mineral deposits on the leaves. They leave a dastardly white dot that detracts from the appearance you have worked hard to create.
If you have a lot of succulents around the house, you might want to consider collecting rainwater during the appropriate season. That way, you will always have some on hand when you are ready to water. This is yet another way to really take care of your succulents and help them become as vibrant as they can be.
Where Should You Water?
The next question becomes where you should put the water in the first place. With succulents, you want to water directly at the roots. Make sure that you do not spray or put water directly on the leaves. That is not beneficial at all.
Avoid using spray bottles when watering your succulents.
When it comes to watering your succulents, here are some key things to keep in mind.
Leave spray bottles out of it – Since succulents don’t need much water, many people make the mistake of simply using a spray bottle and misting the leaves. This provides nothing of substance to an adult succulent. It requires water directly in the roots, so use a watering bottle or can.
Leave the leaves alone – You want to avoid watering the leaves. Water tends to stay on the leaves for far too long, causing them to rot over time. Stick to focusing on the roots and giving the soil a good soaking.
Avoid watering when it is humid, raining, or very hot – These are all times when watering your succulents can do more harm than good. Wait for ideal conditions, check the soil, and then water if it is time.
Morning is best – The best time of the day to water succulents is early in the day. Avoid watering at lunchtime or in the early afternoon.
Rainwater is best, followed by distilled water – If at all possible, use rainwater when you set out to water your succulents. If not is available, distilled or filtered water is beneficial as well. Avoid using tap water in order to prevent mineral deposits from developing on your plants.
What Type of Pot is Best for Your Succulents?
When it comes to watering your succulents, it is important to have the right type of pot for the occasion. This is how you can be assured that water is dispersing to where it needs to be and that you do not overwater.
Here are some of the various types of pots that you have to choose from.
Concrete Pots
Concrete pots are actually perfect for cactus and various other types of succulents. This is because water evaporates quickly in concrete, thanks to its porous nature. However, you will want to make sure that there are some drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
Due to the porous nature of concrete pots, they are among the best types of containers for succulents.
Concrete pots last for a long time. They are also excellent in terms of insulating plants against any sudden changes in temperature. Since concrete is also able to absorb heat, roots are protected better against frosty periods.
Do keep in mind that concrete pots are a bit on the heavy side. They can also break quite easily, so make sure you are careful when handling them.
Terracotta and Ceramic Pots
One of the main benefits of these types of pots is that they look great. Put a succulent in one, and it can quickly become the centerpiece of any room in your home or office. Like concrete, terracotta and ceramic are also quite porous. This makes them perfect for any area that is not well ventilated.
Similar to concrete, one of the downsides to terracotta and ceramic is that the pots are quite heavy. They are also prone to breaking if not handled properly.
Plastic Pots
This is probably the most common type of pot to keep your succulents in. They are so easy to move, and they make it a snap to water the plants in. You will want to make sure you get the type of plastic pots with drainage holes already drilled in the bottom.
You will love the fact that plastic pots are not fragile. You will also have many different colors and shapes to choose from. This makes it easier to create just the look you are hoping for with your succulents.
One downside to plastic pots is that they are not as breathable as you would find with a concrete or terracotta pot. However, fast-draining soil combined with those drainage holes we have been talking about will take care of this problem.
Wood Pots
You can get really creative with these. Wood pots are very attractive and can really bring your succulent alive when kept either inside or outside. Woods pots do not heat up like some other materials, meaning you do not have to worry if your succulent ends up in direct sunlight for part of the day.
One issue with wood pots is that they will tend to deteriorate quite rapidly when in certain environments. Because of this, most people will only use wood pots when keeping their succulents indoors.
Metal Pots
You might not think of metal pots when it comes to housing your succulents, but they are really trending right now. Consider copper and brass pots. They can really provide a nice accent to many places in your home or office.
The disadvantage of metal pots is that they can rust. Obviously, this is not good for the health of your succulents. To keep this from happening, you will want to line the bottom of the pot with plastic. This will help prevent water damage.
Metal pots are also best for indoor use only. Putting them outside will heat up your succulents rather quickly since metal is a heat magnet.
Just the Right Amount of Water Please
This is what your succulents are screaming out at you. One final golden rule for watering succulents is that you want to avoid over or underwatering them.
While succulents are rather simple to take care of and they can last for months with water, they can also die a quick death if their roots are flooded. The following advice will help you avoid doing that.
The Problem with Overwatering
Succulents tend to store water within their leaves and stems. This is different than other plants that depend on a complex root system to survive. This is an evolutionary design, as succulents can now survive in arid environments where they may not get much water for months at a time.
To prevent the leaves and roots of your succulent from rotting, give them just enough water to thrive.
While it is nice that you come along and take care of them, you do not need to feel sorry for them. Give them just enough water to be happy, but do not drown them. If you overwater a succulent, their roots and leaves will rot. They can become like a balloon that is overfilled with air. Do not do this to them.
The Problem with Underwatering
Since succulents can go so long without water, many owners make the mistake of thinking that they can just leave them for months at a time. You do not want to neglect your succulents. The leaves will dry out. This not only creates an ugly looking plant, but it results in death as well.
To avoid underwatering your succulents, put in on your internal schedule to test the soil every week or so. This is all you need to know whether or not you need to give them some water. If you do this, then the leaves will stay healthy and vibrant for quite some time to come.
Wrap-Up
After reading this guide, you should now know all there is to know about watering succulents. There really is not much to it, but you do need to pay attention to them from time to time. If you do that, then you will end up with a great indoor or outdoor plant that really adds to the overall ambiance quite nicely.
The worst nightmare of every gardener is to see the plants they’ve worked so hard to care for slowly dying. One of the most common causes of plant deaths is root rot. Sometimes root rot can attack so carefully that you only realize it after it has done too much damage. To save the plants, you have to identify root rot and treat it before it affects the entire root system. But how does root rot look like?
While rot mostly attacks the roots, its effects are usually noticeable on the plant’s upperparts. You might notice wilting stems, yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or wet potting mix. These signs are visible, and you don’t have to pull off your plant from the soil to inspect it for rotting. But if you notice any of these signs, you’ll have to consider un-potting the plant and checking the roots.
If you’re wondering what rotting roots look like after un-potting your plant, this article is for you. Let’s have a look at how to root rot looks like and what you can do about it. Here are answers to all the questions you might have concerning root rot.
What is Root Rot?
Root rot is a common condition that attacks plants from the roots causing them to decay and eventually die if not solved. Causes of root rot include fungi infection or lack of oxygen. Most of these causes occur from waterlogged soil, which causes the plant to suffocate.
If your cactus is dying, root rot might be one of the reasons.
The roots are the lifeblood of every plant, and if anything is not right, the whole plant suffers. Every plant needs oxygen for essential processes such as photosynthesis. Lack of oxygen prevents the root cells from producing a key molecule that saves and transports energy in cells. With time, the roots will start dying and will not uptake essential nutrients.
What Does Root Rot Look Like?
While you’re likely to see signs of root rot on the stems or the leaves, sometimes that might not be the case. To be sure that your plant is suffering from root rot, you might have to inspect the roots themselves. Here are some of the things you’re likely to come across when you encounter a rotting root.
Decaying Smell
A foul smell may not be a visible sign of root rot, but it’s an obvious sign that all is not well with the roots. A healthy plant usually has an earthly smell. But when you notice that you can’t stand the smell that comes from the roots when you un-pot your plant, that’s root rot. Your rotting plant may emit a rotting eggy odor.
Soft or Mushy Roots
A healthy plant has creamy white roots, which are very firm. If you notice that the roots are rather soft and mushy, it’s a good indication that you’re dealing with root rot. The softness and mushiness of the roots occur from excessively soggy soil. This causes the fungal spores to multiply rapidly, causing the healthy portions of the root to turn brown and become mushy.
Roots Detached from the Plant
Sometimes the roots may be too affected that they easily fall off from the plant when you touch them. It’s devastating to see the roots falling off the parent plant. This might be a sign that the rot has become so severe that there’s very little you can do to save the plant.
Root rot might cause the roots to separate from the cactus itself.
Other noticeable symptoms of root rot include;
Yellow leaves
Leaves falling off from the plant
Brown splotches on the leaves
Wilting stems or leaves
Unhealthy or malnourished plant
Black or brown roots
Stunted growth
What Do People Mistake Root Rot For?
When the roots start to rot and people see signs of a dying plant, the first thing that comes to mind is a lack of water or nutrients. Here are the two main things you’re likely to mistake root rot for.
Underwatering
Many people think that the plant is turning yellow or not growing as it should because it lacks enough water. Sometimes you might think your plant is underwatered when in the real sense, it’s overwatered. This can be confusing because the plant shows almost the same visual signs when underwatered or overwatered. An example of this is usually wilting leaves.
When you assume that your plant is wilting because it lacks enough water, the chances are that you’ll begin to water it. You’ll give the plant more water than it needs, which will further escalate the rotting problem. The plant will become waterlogged and suffocated. This will eventually cause its death.
Overwatering your cactus plant might lead to root rot.
Lack of Nutrients
Other people mistake signs of root rot for nutrient deficiency. When the plant tends to have wet soil even with enough sunlight, and you can’t see signs of pests, the first thing that comes to mind is lack of nutrients.
Mistaking root rot for lack of nutrients gives rise to another bigger problem altogether. You’ll probably decide to give the plant a water-soluble fertilizer. And you’ll mix water, soil, and fertilizers; hence, end up overdosing the plant. You’ll add extra water on the soil that’s already waterlogged. This means you’ll wet the soil even further and escalate the rotting problem.
Causes of Root Rot
You’ll only save your plant if you know the problem and the cause. Here are common causes of root rot that you’ll likely come across.
Overwatering
One of the common causes of root rot is too much water. Plants have different water needs, and sometimes you might think it needs too much water when that’s not the problem. Plants like cactus need very little watering. Sometimes you may think you’re doing them good by watering when you’re destroying them.
When the soil under your plants gets oversaturated, it will become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Once you give fungi and bacteria some space to thrive, you won’t be able to prevent root rot.
Underwatering
If you think overwatering is the only problem, then you’re mistaken. Your plant can also suffer root rot when you don’t give it enough water. When you stop watering your plant, the roots will begin to shrink and shrivel because of the dry soil. When you finally realize that the roots are so dry and decide to flood them with water eventually, you’ll overwhelm the already fragile roots causing them to rot.
Poor Soil Drainage
Poor soil drainage is when the water you give your plant only remains on the surface. When your pot lacks drainage holes, water won’t escape, and you’ll end up with too moist soil. This means that your plant will suffocate due to the lack of oxygen, which will cause the roots to rot. You should consider adding rocks and pebbles to the bottom of the pot to increase drainage. You should also avoid pots that have no holes.
Ensure that your cactus pot features drainage holes to prevent your plant’s roots from rotting.
Oversized Pots
If you’re a gardener, you’ll always think that your plant needs enough room. But using too big a pot is the worst mistake that can ever make. A big pot is one of the causes of root rot. Excess soil around your plant is the biggest source of problems. Those empty spaces between the soils can cause waterlogging, which will eventually invite bacteria.
Planting Too Deep
Many plant species don’t appreciate it when you plant them too deep. If the roots were to go deep, the plants would rather do that by themselves as they grow. Other plants need to root along the stems, and that means when you bury them deep in the soil, you’ll be interfering with their growth. Ensure you check your plant’s growing specifications so you don’t lower its depth so much.
How to Deal with Root Rot
It’s devastating to see that the plants you’ve worked so hard to tend to begin to rot and eventually die. But you must know that not every root rot leads to death. If you identify root rot early and the cause, chances are that you’ll be able to save your plant.
If you can still see some white and firm roots in your plant, the chances are that you can still save it. You can bring your plant back to health by replanting it with good and fresh soil. But you can only replant and save your plant if not all of it has turned mushy. If the entire plant is mushy, it will be too late to save it.
For replanting to be successful and for you to save the plant, you should be careful with this process. Make sure you get rid of all the parts of the root that have become mushy and brown. Use a sharp pair of scissors to do this. After removing the damaged parts, replant the plant within a few hours. After the process, dispose of the rotten parts and sterilize the scissors so that the fungi don’t spread.
Summary
Identifying how to root rot looks like is the first step towards treating it. You should take immediate action when you notice that your plants are not growing as they should. The telltale signs of a sick plant include wilting stems and yellowing leaves.
Ensure you don’t overwater underwater or give it improper drainage to protect the roots from rot. Act quickly so the rotting won’t affect the plant too much to a point where you can’t save it anymore. You don’t want to wait until it’s too late because this will mean losing all your hard work and precious plant.
Cactus is a popular desert plant that has recently gained much prominence in homes. Apart from the cactus, there are succulents. In most cases, these two terms are used interchangeably, and this begs the question, are cactus succulents? To better understand this, it is only fair we understand the definition of a succulent. A succulent is any plant with the ability to store water in its juicy stems, leaves or roots during plenty to be used in time of drought.
So, is cactus a succulent? By virtue of its physical features, the cactus is a succulent. However, the word cactus is used to denote its botanical family (Cactaceae). A succulent is a broader group that includes a number of other botanical families. So simply put, all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.
Cactus is derived from the word Kaktos which essentially means ‘spiny plant’. Later, the name Cactaceae was coined to identify a group of plants that exhibited peculiar traits like storing large amounts of water in their stem, hairy or prickly coverings and limited or no leaves.
The major difference between succulents and cacti is that a succulent is a broad group of families, which includes Cactaceae.
One can easily identify cacti, albeit with rare exceptions, from their leave-less appearance. This is a result of their struggle to thrive under harsh climatic conditions. Their stems are modified into pads, cylinders and joints that help store water in times of drought. The spikes and bristles come in handy for protection against herbivores. This is one of the adaptations for survival in the wild. Most of them feature brightly colored flowers, and some produce edible fruits.
It’s all in the leafs
While most succulents feature notable leaves, cacti do not have any. However, during the seedling stage, cacti have leaves, and some will sprout on new growth, albeit for a short time. With time, they shade these leaves to help avoid water loss through evaporation. Most cacti will change shape in the course of their growth as they adjust to the prevailing conditions. They also feature accordion-like ribs that expand to accommodate more water without bursting and will contract without losing shape as the plant uses up the water.
While succulents have plumpy leaves, cacti feature sharp spines.
On the other hand, the evolution of succulents like hawthorias, aloes, echeveria and drassula happened under less severe conditions compared to cacti. Most succulents have leaves, but these are also adapted to dry climatic conditions. Their leaves would become flattened gradually by water-storing tissues. These leaves are covered with horny or waxy materials that help reduce water loss through evaporation.
Variety of climates
Most succulents can be found in desert and semi-desert areas, especially in the warmer parts of the world like Africa and Mexico. However, others like sempervivums and sedums thrive in colder regions and can be found in rocky slopes.
Most deserts of the world are home to succulents, but not all succulents are desert plants. A number of them exist in forests, mountains and near rivers, seas and lakes. For instance, in the semi-arid regions of America, Africa and Asia, most succulents thrive, but they can also be found in rain forests. The following are some of the notable succulents and their native regions:
Aeonium – Africa, Madeira and Canary Islands
Agave – The Americas
Cotyledon – Africa
Aloe- Africa, Atlantic Islands, the Mediterranean
Crassula – Africa
Dudleya – Mexico, coastal California
Gasteria – South Africa
Echeveria – the Amricas
Faucaria – South Africa
Kalanchoe – America, Africa and Southeast Asia
Sempervivum – Southern and Central Europe, North Africa
Cacti are believed to have evolved over 30 million years ago in North and South America. This explains why most cacti species are native to these regions, and it stretches from western Canada to Patagonia. On the other hand, succulents are native to every continent apart from Antarctica. The adaptability of these plants is unmatched. In fact, they can sometimes be found as epiphytes that grow as parasites to other plants.
Taking Care Of Succulents
Succulents have been known to make excellent houseplants. This is especially so considering the popularity that cacti have gained in the last few years as both garden and indoor plants. With the right propagation and potting according to their variety and family, succulents will need little attention. As long as they have access to enough sunlight, they can thrive even without frequent watering regimes.
This said, it is important to appreciate that each succulent variety has its specific care tips. However, the rule of thumb is always to ensure you have the right soil mix for your succulent. Talk to your botanist about your succulent and should be in a position to advise you on the best soil mix for your plant. Nevertheless, always ensure the soil mix is dry enough before watering. This will help reduce cases of root rot that can be detrimental to the life of your succulent.
Water and lighting needs
Depending on the humidity, drainage and temperatures in place, watering once a week is ideal for most succulents. Always be on the lookout for signs of over-watering. These may include leaves looking mushy or soggy. In other instances, the leaves may change color.
The majority of succulents love bright light, but you should avoid placing them under direct sunlight.
Most succulents thrive best under a bright light. However, you do not necessarily have to expose your succulent to direct sunlight. Placing it by the window will do just fine. You may see the need to move them around just to see how they adapt to the various conditions. In cases where getting sunlight is a challenge, you can opt for grow lights to help offer the much-needed light for healthy growth. Some notable signs of light deficiency in succulents include leaves stretching out and pale flesh.
Propagating Succulents
Succulent can be a source of joy when grown indoors. As such, you want to have as many as possible. Luckily propagation of succulents is simple. Depending on your variety, succulents can be propagated by seeds or vegetatively.
You can propagate succulents from seeds or through vegetative propagation.
Propagating succulents from seeds can only be possible with successful pollination. While in the wilt, this would be done by wind insects and birds. However, when grown indoors, you may need to practice cross-pollination by hand to increase your chances of getting healthy seeds.
On the other hand, vegetarian propagation can be done by using cuttings, pads or offshoots of the parent plant. These would then be replanted by spurring rooting in separate containers. These cuttings would, however, require a healing period called callousing before transplanting. This helps increase the chances of rooting by avoiding the risk of rotting.
Common Succulents You Can Plant Indoors
Apart from cacti, there are multiple other succulents that can be grown indoors. The type of succulent to go for will depend on the climatic conditions and overall home décor of your indoors. Hereby some common indoor succulents:
Aloe Vera – This is a common succulent that can sometimes be confused for a cactus, thanks to its appearance. Apart from improving your home décor, aloe vera has been used from time immemorial to heal burns and relieve pain.
Burrows Tail Sedium – This succulent thrives best when grown in hanging baskets. It works perfectly with medium to high light.
Panda Plant – This is a type of kalanchoe and is most popular for its soft, fuzzy leaves that help complement home décor.
Ponytail Palm – Often confused for a palm tree, this succulent stands out with its bulbous trunk that helps store water. This is most ideal for busy individuals or those who travel frequently.
Snake Plant – This extremely hardy succulent is resistant and can handle a lot of abuse. Water sparingly with breaks in between to allow the soil to dry out.
Crown of thorn – This thorny succulent has gained much prominence thanks to its unique shape. Water the plant as soon as one inch of the soil feels dry. Too much dry soil, and you risk losing its leaves and flowers.
Pincushion Cactus – Its name notwithstanding, the Pincushion cactus is not a true cactus but falls under general succulents. It is part of a group of around 200 ball-shaped succulents. It thieves best under extremely high light.
Cacti, just like the rest of succulents, may not need much attention, but following the common care tips will help improve their health. Most succulents are slow-growing and will thus need the patience to reach maturity. When grown at home, it is important to understand its ecological needs.
While most succulents would thrive in the deserts, others do best in cold conditions. With this in mind, it becomes much easier to determine the best conditions even when grown at home. Unlike cacti, most other succulents have leaves and would make their food through photosynthesis, just like any other regular plant. As such, exposure to sunlight is vital for their survival.
Growing a perfect cactus garden is easy and achievable. It feels less like of a chore compared to other garden plants since they require just a bit of general care. They require little to survive, with requirements that are easy to cater for, even for those who consider gardening tedious. Constructing a cactus garden can appear a child’s play, but it is not entirely a mindless venture. Crucial factors come into play when growing the dream cactus garden.
So, what are the basic tips for a perfect cactus garden? Going into the cactus gardening business clueless could cost you. Cacti differ significantly from your average plants. They have different biology, growth needs and grow in an almost unfathomable ecological setting. Their cultivation regime would never resemble common mesophytes. A perfect cacti garden can be achieved by;
Choosing the right cactus species to grow
An appropriate container to grow it in- size and make
Correct positioning of your cactus and using correct type of soil
Are you planning to create a cactus garden and wondering where to start? This guide will help you understand how best to create one, right from choosing an ideal species, containers, soil and positioning.
Choosing between indoor and outdoor cactus landscaping
It all boils down to the choice of the cactus species you choose to grow. This decision is influenced by where you want to grow the plant. Growing an outdoor cactus is easy; growing an indoor cactus will come with a few extra steps. If you live in a sunny, hot area, cacti will naturally thrive with much ease. Garden landscaping is less tedious and requires minimal effort. Most of the work is done for you by nature; watering the plants will not be necessary. The only task you might have to do is to nourish your cacti with cacti fertilizer at least once a year. Cactus does well grown on a hill because of the sloppy gradient that will help improve the drainage. Deeper holes will be required to make up for the lack of slope on a flat yard so that the water can drain deeper away from the shallow roots into the ground.
When planting cactus plants outdoors, you might not even need to water them. Simply use a fertilizer to nourish the soil.
There is bounty of ideas on how to pull off outdoor cacti landscaping. You can choose to grow cacti surrounded by small shrubs and flowering perennials. To achieve the desert landscape appearance, grow your cactus in a sea of crushed stone and pebble. Barrel cactus, organ pipe cactus, prickly pear, blue candle, cow’s tongue cactus, and blueberry cactus are classic species for outdoor cactus landscaping.
If you hail from a rainy and humid area- conditions that can be detrimental for the cacti growth, you may be better off growing your cactus indoors. Cacti are desert plants. As such, always ensure you provide them with adequate sunlight for better growth by placing them in an ideal position where the sun rays can easily get to the plant.
Take hints from the cactus species and its natural environment
The characteristics of your chosen cactus can offer some pointers on how to plan your cactus garden. Consider their most appealing features. For a blooming cactus, for instance, placing it in a strategic position would help flatter the plant and consequently decorate the room accordingly. Cacti flowers can bloom better with extra care. Notably, their desert-growing counterparts flower less often thanks to the unbearable, hot weather.
You should always consider natural environment and growth patterns of a cactus before planting it in indoors or outdoors.
Consider the growth pattern of your cactus. Is it a winding epiphyte? These do best as hanging cactus accentuating the room with exoticism and uniqueness. Cacti size matters a lot when choosing the location. A small cactus would most likely look presentable planted in a pot placed on a window sill or your office desk. Growing cactus requires patience and, ultimately, knowledge on the plant’s biology. Cacti are a slow-growing breed and can remain in the soil for years. For fast-paced visible growth, avoid growing cactus from seeds but instead use their shoots when propagating.
No written rules mandate that cacti should be grown in pure breed or as an assortment. The most attractive cactus gardens are grown in a variety. Provided that they have similar growth requirements, cacti can make room for one or more succulents in the pot. These pot partners must, however, have similar care and size requirements.
Location
The positioning of your cacti is vital for its growth. This is especially so for indoor plants. Pick the brightest part of the room or corridor to grow your cactus. Most cacti would thrive basking in the sun for at least 6 hours a day. Position you cactus in an easily accessible area for better attention. For instance, you can place your container by the main door to your house. Subject to your preference, you can lay out your garden bed in a circular, triangular, semicircular, or rectangular shape.
Potting style
Creating an authentic cactus garden requires that the pot you choose is aesthetically pleasing and practical. An ideal cactus pot is one with adequate root space and has at least one drainage hole. Drainage is crucial for desert plants. Remember, root rot invades plants that are potted in poorly draining pots. For ornamental purposes, choose pots that are relevant to plant size. Cacti are shallow-rooted plants made to take up the little water trickling down the soil. As such, it would be unnecessary to use a ridiculously huge pot unless the cacti being propagated is respectively huge.
Make sure your cactus pot has a drainage hole so that excess water drains out of the soil.
Grow each shrub in their pot for large shrubs. Smaller shrubs look good potted in one container. Other cacti varieties are more appealing when grown in multiple pots and arranged together. An assortment of small cacti would look good growing from terracotta or rustic bowls. In fact, you can pruce up your garden by growing a mix of colorful perennial flowers. Dangle down rattail cactus,orchid, and Christmas cactus from hanging baskets or tyre tubes. Decorate your walls by growing tall, gigantic cacti alongside them.
Allow your creative genius to run wild when choosing your ideal pot. Container gardening thrives on your creativity and willingness for experimentation. Even in regular gardening, few species fit the mold to be grown ideally in a container, but cactus makes the list. Remember you do not have to go for commercial containers when starting out. You can make a pot out of a cup, old boots and even toy trucks. Otherwise, you may opt for a cactus terrarium. The cactus terrarium is planted in the open to keep humidity from destroying the plants. Do not forget to line their inner bases with gravel to improve drainage.
Soils
The cactus’ native habitat should inform you of the type of potting soil you require. Adhering to this information is crucial to avoid further repotting of a plant that has deteriorated in health with little to be done, far down the cactus’ growth journey. For pure desert breeds, it is advisable to capitalize on the grit, while for forest cacti, adding peat will improve the plant’s growth conditions. Peat helps to hold the soil together, while grit improves drainage and aeration. Regular soil holds too much water and is, therefore, a bad idea for cactus.
Since regular soil holds too much water, use a suitable soil mix for desert and forest cactus plants.
Cacti thrive on well-drained and properly aerated soils. Soils with high water retention are detrimental to cacti roots adapted to thrive on little to no moisture. Cacti readily absorb moisture- even from dew and moist. The excess water left in the soil once the roots have taken in enough leaves breeding grounds for fungus and bacteria that cause root rot. Water these plants in moderation; at least once a twilight, just enough to keep the peat from drying out. When dry, the soil becomes hard and absorbing moisture afterwards is taxing for cactus roots.
To avoid the hassle, you can purchase cactus potting soil or prepare some yourself from the garden. For young cactus roots, cactus potting mixes from garden centers and nurseries are a better choice as these young roots have a more challenging time getting accustomed to regular soil.
How to make you own soil mix
Would you rather prefer a DIY cactus mix recipe? You can easily do this by mixing one-third coarse sand, one-third of pumice, and one-third of regular soil. This particular soil recipe helps achieve the desired texture, drainage, aeration, and compactness for the cacti species. Before pouring in the soil mix, line the pot’s base with gravel and pebbles to improve drainage further. Making your own soil mix helps reduce the costs that would, otherwise go into purchasing the commercial option.
Outdoor gardening will require a drainage test to make sure that the grounds are ideal for the cactus. Dig up holes less than a foot deep on the ground and add water. If the water still stands after 30 minutes, add rocks and sand in the holes, which will alleviate the drainage problem. An outdoor cactus garden may require less cactus soil mix, assuming the soil outside is gritty.
Cactus is an exciting gardening option for a change. To spruce up your gardening portfolio, try the most respected plants of the desert. They require almost less of everything than your regular plants except for sunlight which Mother Nature gives for free. The easy-going, low-maintenance cacti can turn anyone into an enthusiastic garden keeper following these few simple steps. They are tried and tested methods by expert gardeners by which you can achieve that enviable dream garden. Keeping a plush out-of-this-world cactus garden is fulfilling and a source of pride.
