Succulents Care

Growing succulents at home is a fun and interesting way to spice up your home or garden. They not only look good but also require very little maintenance. But because succulents are a popular choice, there must be some reason behind their popularity. 

While these advantages of having a succulent outweigh the disadvantages, there is no denying that some downsides do exist. As such, it would be only fair to take an objective look at both sides of the coin before committing to a lifelong relationship with succulents.

So, what are some of the pros and cons of having a succulent? Succulents make your home look more attractive and interesting. This is all thanks to their low maintenance requirements and the interesting shapes that they take. They can be used in pots, planters or beds to create an aesthetic appeal that will catch the attention of everyone who visits your home.

On the flipside, succulents can be a little tricky to grow indoors, especially if you live in colder climates. Another disadvantage of succulents is their slow growth rate. While some species do exhibit fast shoot and flower rates, they still take much longer than other types of plants. 

While succulents are a great addition to your home garden, they also come with their fair share of challenges. This article will look at both sides of the coin, helping you to decide whether or not you will want to grow succulents in your garden.

Pros of Having a Succulent at Home

1.     Improves air quality

Succulents have the ability to cleanse your home of pollutants and other harmful gasses as they help the air become fresher. They are excellent at absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. The process is known as photosynthesis, where plant cells use sunlight as an energy source to turn water and carbon dioxide into simple sugars.

Succulents are also capable of filtering out toxins, dust and pollen to provide clean air to breathe. This is especially beneficial for people who suffer from allergies or other respiratory ailments. Breathing in fresh oxygen will help you feel more energetic and lively throughout the day.

The next time you feel like something is not right with the temperature in your home, don’t simply rely on your air conditioner to resolve the problem. Instead, try adding some indoor plants to create a healthier living environment. Just a small number of indoor plants can make a huge difference in absorbing harmful chemicals in the air such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and other toxins. What makes succulents ideal for this purpose is that they don’t require much effort or maintenance.

2.     Medicinal properties

With the growing popularity of alternative medicines that are both safe and inexpensive, succulents are becoming very popular in this segment of the health industry. Succulent plants are widely used to provide relief from pain, anxiety, nausea, muscle spasms and even conditions like tuberculosis.

Succulents were first used by ancient Egyptians as a remedy for minor health issues such as fungal diseases, digestive problems and even earache. Modern-day succulents can be used to treat colds, sore throat, acne and other conditions when taken in the form of teas or even creams and lotions.

Succulents also help in conditions like obesity as they are effective in weight loss. They do this by boosting the metabolism and reducing appetite by increasing the amount of good bacteria in your gut.

Even if you don’t have any ailments now, it’s still a good idea to add succulents into your home because you never know when one might strike. If you have respiratory issues, succulents can be the perfect solution to improve your breathing and overall health.

3.     Drought-resistant

There is no doubt that drought has become a huge problem all over the world today. With some regions being affected by searing temperatures that reach as high as 50 degrees Celsius, it is a blessing that succulents don’t require much water to survive.

The good news is that they are able to store enough water in their leaves and stems so they can still thrive even without access to water for months on end. If you live in areas where there is a lack of rain, succulents are the ideal plants to grow in your home.

Unlike your conventional home plants, succulents only need to be watered once every few weeks. If you overwater your succulents, however, it can lead to root rot or even yellow leaves if the water remains stagnant in the pot for too long a time. Always check which kind of lighting and temperature that your particular succulent needs prior to purchasing them to ensure that they will thrive well indoors.

4.     Easy to multiply

Succulents are a very simple and fun plant to propagate, sometimes even making it more interesting than simply buying them from a nursery. Succulents can easily reproduce by forming offshoots or also known as “pups”. In fact, keeping plants on their own roots can be difficult compared to a few cuttings.

Propagation can be a challenge for most house plants, but not with succulents. You can easily cut the leaves and/or roots of your succulent to ensure that you have new plants.

If you are looking for a unique way to celebrate life and your love, succulents are the ideal plants as they offer high-quality cuttings. You can easily grow several new succulents from just one cutting. All you have to do is take three or four-leaf sections with some roots attached and place them on a cut surface of a healthy stem.

5.     Improves your concentration

You might not be aware that succulents can actually help you become more focused and attentive at work when placed in areas where high-level thinking is needed. How this works is by the plant’s ability to raise serotonin levels found in most parts of our bodies. This is because of the bright colors and forms of succulents. Colors like red, yellow and orange exude a high amount of energy that encourages you to concentrate more on your work.

Succulent plants can be placed in an office desk or even at home near your study table to help stop any distractions from occurring while you work. This action is called is called “biophotons” where the plants produce specific wavelengths of light. This way, succulents actually improve your brain power to allow you to focus more while working instead of being easily distracted by other things. Succulents are also known for their ability to increase creativity and also instill a sense of positivity to your environment.

6.     Can be edible

One of the biggest reasons to have succulents is for culinary purposes. The leaves and sweet roots of the plants are full of water, making them a good addition to your diet. The major compounds found in the leaves contain fiber, vitamins A and C as well as essential oils that our body needs. Of course before eating them, make sure that they haven’t been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.

However, it should be noted that not all succulents are edible. Find out which of your succulent plants are edible before eating them. Some of the notable edible succulents include the Jade plant, Aloe Vera and some Agaves. There are also edible cactus species like the Mexican Opuntia and Mediterranean set Spineless Prickly Pear.

Cons of Having Succulents At Home

They can rot easily

Another risk of succulents in the home is that they can easily get affected by fungus and rot. This is because succulents require very little water to survive, especially when compared to other plants. When you overwater your succulents, this means there will be too much moisture in the pot or soil which leads to damping off. To avoid this, make sure that your plants are watered regularly in small amounts.

If you notice there is a brown patch on the succulent leaves, this could also be due to overwatering. Watch out for signs of root rot as well, which can also become quite an issue when dealing with succulents.

Succulents, especially when they are not watered well, could become dehydrated easily. There is a sign for this as the leaves turn a pale lime green shade and begin to fall off from their stems.

They are slow growing

When you get succulents, they tend to grow very slowly which means that it might take almost half a year before it reaches its full maturity. Succulents are very easy to grow as they require no fertilizers and are relatively free of diseases.

This is why you should not expect your succulents to reach the desired height and size in just a short span of time, especially if you want them to live for many years. They might be slow growing but they are sure to live for many years. The ultimate goal of having succulents is so that you can use them as a houseplant and not just ornamental in your garden.

Can be harmful to pets and children

The sharp spines found on the leaves could be very harmful if handled without care, especially by children and pets. The spines can be more than harmful to the skin as they can also scratch and scar it, causing an uncomfortable sensation when touched.

Succulents are not like other plants that can grow indoors or outdoors in our homes because of their tendency to attract pests. They have a high insect attracting property that even mosquitoes find them irresistible. These pests are more than just a nuisance as they can also carry diseases that could be transmitted to your pets especially if you have any in the house.

Needs a spacious location

One of the reasons why you should only grow succulents outdoors is because of their tendency to attract diseases. If you put them somewhere with people and animals, they may be exposed and get infected.

Succulents need a spacious location because they can grow very big over time, especially when planted in the ground. Because of this, make sure that you are not growing them too much near small children or pets so that they will not accidentally hurt themselves.

Some bring bad feng shui

Some people don’t like the idea of having succulents because they believe it brings bad luck or feng shui, especially when added to a crowded space. It is believed that they attract negative energy and loose money out of your bank account. However, this belief may only be applicable to those who have a weak constitution. The idea of bad feng shui may be just to encourage homeowners to get rid of succulents in order for them to sell their products.

Can be toxic

Some succulents are actually toxic especially if you ingest them or even touch the sap from their leaves. Take note that not all succulents are edible, so make sure to take care of which ones you grow in your garden or house. You can still enjoy the beauty of succulent plants without giving yourself a hard time.

If you eat succulents that are immature or have been exposed to harmful chemicals, there can be adverse side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. This could lead to dehydration and problems with your stomach. Children and pets are the most at risk when it comes to succulents because of their tendency to taste everything they touch. It is your responsibility as a parent or pet owner to make sure that they will not get into contact with these succulents unless you want them to be in trouble.

How to Get the Best Out Of Succulents

Even with its pros and cons alike, there is no denying the succulents are getting popular by the day. As such, there are better ways you can make your succulents work for you despite the challenges that come with the same. For better interaction with your succulents, you need to have an idea of how they grow and their requirements.

1. Keep them grounded whenever possible

Letting them live in the ground is better compared to keeping them as container plants. First of all, they will be exposed to more sunlight which will help with their photosynthesis.

Also, planting them in the ground will help you have better control over their growth. Once they grow bigger than what you expected, it is easy to move them and replant them somewhere else without having to dig up the entire plant from its roots.

2. Exposure to sunlight 

Succulents need a lot of sunlight and do not like being exposed to low levels of sunlight. They could turn yellowish if they are somewhat shaded by something such as a tree.

If you want your succulents to be healthy, the best time to water them is during daybreak or late in the afternoon when they have been exposed enough to sunlight. You should also water them when the soil is dry.

3. Getting rid of pests

Pests on succulents canbe a nuisance especially if you have a large succulent collection. Once your succulents get infested with parasites, it would be a good idea to use natural methods first before resorting to chemical pesticides. You could for instance, carefully remove the infected leaves and apply insecticidal soap to avoid further spreading of these pests.

4. Use a cactus potting mix

The use of this type of soil is very helpful for your succulents because it contains all the nutrients and water retention they need to grow healthy. There are different types you can choose from such as the ones made up of gravel or sand. Cactus potting mixes also improve your succulents’ drainage since it is well-aerated enough. A good soil mix should look like soil from your backyard with an addition of gravel or sand. Mix the organic and inorganic parts properly until you get a thick slurry that is free from clumps.

5. Be careful with overwatering

Succulents can easily get contaminated so make sure to water them when the soil is dry and not too much such that their roots could rot. Proper watering is often neglected by succulent owners, so if you’d like to take care of your plants the right way, try doing it more and more so that they would not get into trouble.

Also, avoid using fresh water in watering your succulents because they have different water requirements. If you want to be sure, use rain runoff or distilled water in order for them to thrive.

Conclusion

Succulents can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. There is no denying that they come with huge benefits to your garden and home. On the other hand, they can be potentially dangerous to animals and humans alike unless you know how to take care of them well without any accidents happening to anyone.

By mastering the art of properly looking after your succulents, you stand a much better chance at succeeding in your attempts. Take your succulent growing journey a notch higher by following expert advice from experienced arborists around you or better still, try implementing the tips mentioned above. This will be a major step forward in growing succulents like a pro.

Succulents are amazing plants that can help bring in the much-desired ambiance to a home. However, this can only be possible by not only choosing the right succulents but also understanding the best position for your succulent at home.

The best position for your succulent in the house will be dependent on a number of factors. These may include the size of the plant, amount of light needed and its growth pattern. You want to ensure that your plant serves its purpose by complementing the overall décor of your room.

So, where should your succulent sit in the house? In most cases, succulents are positioned by the window where enough sunlight can be achieved. This is especially so for succulents that need good lighting. Placing a succulent in a Southeast facing window helps it tap maximum light within the day. However, succulents can also be positioned by the entrance, balcony or anywhere within the house by providing grow lights as complementary light sources.

Positioning succulents by the window

One of the greatest characteristics of most succulents is their constant need for light. When grown indoors, the best place for these desert plants to sit would be by the window. Ensure that you place your succulent in a southeast-facing window as this is the best position for access to natural sunlight. I

n cases where a southeast-facing window is not available, find the ideal window where the succulents will get access to sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

East or south-facing windows are ideal sources of light for your succulents because they filter in just the right amount of light for the survival of your succulents. Through these, your plants will receive indirect bright sunlight all through the day.

In cases where there is little space by the window, you may consider using a table attached to the window. This will provide enough space for a couple of plants within the same window space.

Common succulents to grow by the window

Zebra cactus – This is a small, zebra-like succulent native to Africa. Considering that it takes a small space, the succulent thrives best when placed by the window. Use a small, shallow pot since its roots do not grow deep into the soil. Take care not to expose it to direct sunlight as it may easily wither and eventually die off.

Aloe Vera – This medicinal plant that has been used to treat sunburns and other conditions for centuries works best when paced by the window thanks to its love for maximum sunlight. Considering its prickly nature, however, ensure that your windows are high enough and out of reach for children and pets.

Crown of Thorns – Otherwise known as Euphorbia Milii, this little flowering succulent is native to Madagascar, and its blooms can last all year long provided it gets enough sunlight. Placing it by the window helps it tap this light source while ensuring that it gets your attention on matters of watering and fertilization.

Placing your succulents on the balcony

In most cases, you may realize that your balcony has enough space to do a bit of gardening. As such, succulents will be the best fit to thrive here. Planting your succulents by the balcony will not only help it achieve sufficient light but also improve the overall outlook of your balcony and the house as a whole.

When planting succulents by the balcony, ensure that they are out of reach from children and playful pets. These could easily destroy the plants and hinder their growth pattern and speed. The balcony offers a safe space for large succulents that may not fit by the window as this would usually be a spacious area of your house. To access light, ensure that your balcony has access to sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

Common succulent to plant by the balcony

Christmas cactus – The Christmas cactus portrays a unique growth pattern that your balcony can best accommodate. With time, it spreads out and produces attractive flowers, especially during the holidays.

Ponytail Palm – Being among the large succulent category, the ponytail palm is ideal for your balcony. Otherwise known as the Elephant foot palm, this succulent features a swollen stem base where it stores its water during dry periods. This means the plant can easily thrive even under neglect.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana – This is one of the best flowering plants you can get for your balcony. It thrives best in warmer climates and comes in a variety of colors. For better blooming, ensure the succulent gets at least 6 hours of sunlight.

Positioning succulents by the entrance

As they say, first impressions last. If you believe succulents should make a statement about your home, then you may want to position them near the entrance of your house. Here, they become more noticeable, especially for visitors.  This would work best for flowering succulents as they can be used to complement other flowering plants by the entrance.

Even so, always ensure that your house’s entrance area has enough light access. In cases where access to light is limited, you may consider moving your succulent to a good light source for a couple of hours every day.

Growing succulents in the living room

Your living room is one of the most important spaces in your home, and it deserves some love. So why not bring in a little piece of nature to the heart of your home by using succulents? Succulents will effortlessly add beauty to your living space, thanks to their unique growth patterns and tolerance to neglect.

For this space, you can grow small-sized succulents to help maximize the little space available. Being the heart of the home, your family and visitors will appreciate the sight of such plants within the room. Growing succulents in the living room also help offer them enough attention in terms of watering, fertilization and access to enough light.

Growing succulents in hanging pots

Succulents grown in hanging pots can be placed anywhere in the house as long as they get access to enough sunlight. This is especially so in cases where you have limited space within your house. However, it is important to note that growing succulents in hanging pots or baskets depends on the plant’s growth pattern. 

Some of the common succulents you can grow on hanging baskets include:

String of bananas – This indoor succulent stands out with its banana-like leaves and long tendrils. Regular pruning is, however, advisable to keep prevent it from overgrowing.

String of Pearls – This is an exceptional houseplant that thrives best in hanging baskets by the entrance or in the living room. Always ensure it gets access to enough light.

Burro’s tail – This succulent native to Mexico stands out with its fat trailing stem. Its pretty gray-green or gray-blue leaves can grow to 2 feet.

For hanging baskets, you need succulents with shallow rooting systems. However, you can always repot your plants in cases where you notice they have outgrown the pot.

Growing succulents with grow lights

Grow light is an artificial source of light that helps replace the need for sunlight. With this, you can position your succulents anywhere within the house without worrying about light sources. Grow lights also come in handy during the winter season when sunlight is hard to come by.

Currently, there are various types of grown lights, thanks to technology. Some of the common types include fluorescent grown lights, light-emitting diodes and high-intensity discharge and metal halide.

After picking your preferred type of grow light, find an ideal space in your house where you can install the lights and position your plants accordingly. While at it, ensure that there is a reasonable distance between your light source and the plant. Too far and the plant may suffer from insufficient light, too close and you risk burning your succulent.

Succulents are interesting plants, both in their natural environment and indoors. This is especially considering their drought resistance and adaptation to arid areas. When growing succulents at home, it is important to ensure that you replicate their natural environment as much as possible.

This is especially so in regards to access to sunlight or light in general. Other conditions that need to be taken into consideration include soil and watering. Based on these, it is important that you take time to identify ideal positions for your succulents in the house.

These ensure that they are not only noticeable easily but also make it more convenient to tend to them. With the right positioning, your succulents will thrive and give you that pealing look that compliments your overall home décor. 

Is your cactus dying from the roots? Has it started to grow horizontally or have leaves that are dried and falling off at random? It could be dying from the bottom. Noticing that your cactus is dying from the roots is one of the dreaded moments of all cactus gardeners. Luckily, there’s still time to save it if you act fast.

For some reason, cacti can die from the bottom moving towards the upper part. They don’t just dry out; they literally wither away like their roots are rotting. Some of the causes of this slow death could be overwatering, poor soil drainage, or disease and pest attack. Some of the ways to save a cactus that’s dying from the bottom is to control watering, fertilize, re-pot, and remove the rotting parts.

This article will look at the possible causes of your cactus dying from the bottom and help you figure out what to do in each situation.

Reasons Cacti is Dying from the Bottom

Below are some of the common reasons why cacti are dying from the bottom up.

Overwatering

Overwatering is one of the most common reasons for your cactus to die at the roots. Cacti usually store water in their stems, and they can shrivel up like prunes if they dry out too much. However, there’s another reason why these cacti look like prunes.

Overwatering causes the roots to rot, which then eventually kills off the plant. With overwatering, water can collect in one area and become stagnant. The roots will eventually start growing horizontally through this standing water and become soggy, which leads to decay. It’s best to bury your cactus in gravel so that the water can drain.

Disease Attack

If your cactus is houseplants, they may be infected with root rot. Since the infection originates at the roots, you won’t be able to tell that anything’s wrong right away. The leaves will wilt for no reason, and while it looks like your plant has died from lack of water, it has a slow-moving disease.

If your cactus is outdoors, the culprit may be a fungal disease. This causes the roots to become overly soft and mushy because they’re rotting away. The best way to prevent this type of infection from taking hold is to keep your cactus as dry as possible, especially during rainy seasons.

Insect and Pests Attack

There are probably thousands of different types of pests that love to feed on cacti. The main ones are mealy root bugs.  These aren’t actually insects; they’re a type of scale that feeds on the roots and stems of your cactus instead of sucking away their sap. It looks like white cottony balls around your cactus, and brown or black spots usually accompany it on the stems.

Moreover, some types of slugs and snails also love to chomp down on cacti. These guys can do a lot of damage, especially if the plant is outdoors.

Poor Drainage

If your cactus is placed in a container with tiny drainage holes, then it’s going to stay wet longer than it should. This can cause the roots to rot and lead to death from the bottom up.

You’ll notice that when you water your cactus, some of the excess water stays at the bottom of the container rather than draining away. If you see a water ring at the bottom of your container after watering, then it’s time to re-pot your cactus and use a pot with better drainage.

How to Save a Cactus Dying From the Bottom

As long as your cactus is not dead, you can still save it. There are many ways to start saving your cactus, including the most basic and best practice.

Repotting

You can sometimes save dying cacti by re-potting them into healthier soil. Make sure that you use a new potting mix that should contain no organic matter whatsoever. You don’t want any bacteria or disease spreading to the roots.

When you re-pot your plant, https://transparentpharmacy.net make sure that the container or hole is fairly large so that water can drain away easily. You should also ensure there are good drainage holes in the bottom of your pot to prevent sogginess.

Fertilize Your Cactus Correctly

It’s best to use a cactus fertilizer for desert plants, as these fertilizers are more balanced. You can also spray organic copper foliar spray on your plant once every two weeks. This will help fix the problem by feeding your plant and reducing the number of insects attracted. Also, make sure that you don’t give an overdose of fertilizer, especially if you’re going to water your cactus with rainwater.

Get Rid of Pests and Slugs

If you find white cottony balls around your plant which look a bit like lint, then it means that you have root mealy bugs. Not only are they unsightly, but they also cause damage to your cactus. To get rid of them, use a cloth or cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol and wipe away the pest’s eggs as well as any other visible evidence you can find.

Stop Overwatering Your Cactus

This is an obvious tip, but it’s best that I state it here nonetheless. Don’t over-water your cactus. It’s true that during dry periods, cacti will need to be watered more, but the truth is that too much water can lead to root rot and other problems. Hold watering during the cold months, and when you water your plant, ensure that the soil is completely dry before watering it again.

Clean Your Cactus

Not only does this look good, but it can also help prevent pests from taking hold of your plant. Simply use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to wipe away any grime. You can use a very small amount of dish soap and water to scrub away any bugs attached to your cactus for outdoor plants.

Remove the Rotting Parts

If your cactus is too far gone, you need to remove the dead parts of the plant. You can either cut them off using sharp scissors or simply pull out any soft areas using a clean, dry cloth. Cutting the rotting parts out will allow the healthy tissue to grow around its edges. As long as you’re careful when doing so, you won’t damage the rest of your plant.

Adjust Sunlight and Temperature

One of the best ways to help your cactus recover is to adjust the lighting and temperature it receives. You should place the plant in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight, but not too much at once. During winter, consider setting up a grow light to give your cactus an artificial source of UV rays. Also, try to adjust the temperature so that it’s somewhere between 50ºF and 80ºF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you save a dying cactus?

If your cactus is dying from the bottom, you can save it. The key to saving your plant is replanting your cactus and taking care of it until it regains its vitality. If done correctly, your cactus should come back in about two weeks or less.

Should I water a dying cactus?

You may still be able to save a dying cactus by watering it. But before you do, make sure that the soil isn’t too wet and that your cactus gets a lot of sunlight.

If you’re not going to be spending time with your cactus for a while, consider placing it in an area with lots of sunlight but no rain. This will ensure that water doesn’t get into its soil and kill it.

Should I fertilize a dying cactus?

If you’re going to water your cactus after noticing that it’s starting to die, wait at least two weeks before giving your plant any nutrients. This will give the roots time to recover from whatever killed them in the first place so that they can absorb nutrition from the fertilizer.

What can I do with a dead cactus?

If your cactus is too far gone to recover, then there are two options you can consider. If you have a green thumb, you can try to take cuttings from the healthy parts of the plant and, if successful, use them to create an entirely new one. You could also dig up the roots and place them in a pot.

Summary

Cacti can survive in a variety of environments. But they can also die easily in the wrong ones. Cacti are resilient plants and, as long as you’re careful to adjust their needs as it grows over time, your cactus will live happily for years without much intervention from you.

But when your cactus does start to decline in health, there are plenty of things you can do to help revive it and keep it alive. These things include ensuring that your cactus is planted in the right environment, watering it at the appropriate times, and removing dead parts of the plant. As long as you’re careful and attentive to detail, you won’t be able to go wrong when taking care of a cactus.

Plants are a great hobby to have in your home. It is not only a soothing hobby to be interested in, it also has been proven to make your home a better place. For beginners, succulents are the best choice and watering from the bottom is one of the best methods to use for them.

Watering your plant from the bottom up can be a simple process but there are a lot of things to consider when you are using this method. You will want to know the best route that will keep your plant healthy and avoid root rot.

You will be surprised how effective watering from the bottom up can be and it will take little to no time from your day. All you need is a few things and you can begin this process.

How To Water Succulents From The Bottom

If your succulent still resides within the thin plastic pot, this is good. This will be easier for you to water the succulent from the bottom up. If your plant is in a regular pot, check to see if there is a hole at the bottom. You will need to have a way for the water to access the roots that isn’t via the top.

What You Will Need

Once you have your succulent in a pot where water can access from the bottom up, you are good to go to begin the process. Here are a few things you may need to complete this process:

• Wide tub or basin or container to set the pots in.
• A towel
• Water
• Timer of some sort

Gather all these things and your plants. Once you have done this, you can begin the process of watering your precious succulents.

Steps To Watering Your Succulent

You have everything gathered, now it is time for you to nourish your little greens of life. Here is what you need to do.

• If you haven’t already, remove the inner pot from your decorative pot.
• Lay a towel out.
• Grab the basin and fill it with water, about two inches deep (just enough to cover the base of the pots).
• Set your succulents into the basin.
• Let the succulents soak up the water for about 15 minutes (larger pots and plants may need a little more time).
• Check the topsoil to see if it is moist. If it is, you can remove the plant from the water basin.
• Pull the plant from the water and set it on the towel to dry.
• Let the plant dry for about 5 minutes.
• Place succulents back into the decorative pot.
• Make sure your succulents have enough sunlight.

This is an easy process, and you don’t have to keep an eye on the plants. There is an alternative to this method if you would like to not worry about air drying and placing the succulents back into their original pots.

Alternative Method

For this, you will need to have an inner lined pot that has holes to give water access to your succulent roots and soil. Then you will need a larger pot that can house your plant along with the inner lining.

Fill the bottom of the larger pot with about an inch of water. You don’t want to add too much water as it could overwater your succulent. Succulents don’t need a lot of water like other plants because they house water within their leaves.

Place the inner pot and plant into the larger one, and the roots will soak up the water as time continues forward. You won’t need to water your plant for a while with this method, and it will prevent root rot.

Try not to waterlog your succulents, though. They need fast-draining soil and shouldn’t sit in water for long periods. Just give enough water that doesn’t soak the entirety of the roots. This is how you can get root rot.

When Should You Use This Method

You don’t necessarily need a reason to use this method. This method is great for ensuring all the soil has water and not just the top layer, but there are moments where this method works best for a plant.

Here is when you should use this method over watering from the top:

• When the plant is root-bound.
• When the soil is extremely dry.
• When the soil becomes hydrophobic.
• To avoid damaging farina.
• To prevent bacteria from growing on the leaves.
• To prevent fungus from growing on the leaves.

How Often Should You Water Succulents

Succulents aren’t like other plants because they can last longer without water compared to other plants. To decide when you should water your plants, you have to consider the size of the pot.

If the pot your succulent is in is larger than the plant itself, you won’t have to water it as often. If the pot is a little smaller, you will need to water it more often. Also, take into consideration how much soil is in http://www.canadianpharmacy365.net the inner lining. The less the soil, the more frequently you have to water.

You also need to take the environment into play as well. In a dryer atmosphere like the West Coast, you will need to water the plants more often, while in a more humid environment, you don’t have to water as often.

You should water these plants for about 1 to 2 weeks. A good rule of thumb is to put your finger into the soil. If the soil has moisture, your succulent is still all right, but you should probably water it if there is no moisture.

Why Water From The Bottom Up

Watering from the bottom up can help with many aspects of the plant. Here are the many reasons this method benefits  your plant:

• Helps build stronger roots.
• Prevents fungus and bacteria growth on the soil’s surface.
• Avoids damaging the plant.
• Reduces the chances of root rot.
• More efficient watering.

If you have trouble with the amount of water to give your succulents, this process is a great way to feed them. You will find that it is more efficient with less chance of negative outcomes.

Signs Of Overwatering

Succulents can easily be overwatered. Often a rookie mistake with succulents is overwatering the plants. There are many signs you can look out for, like the following:

• Wilting leaves
• Discolored leaves
• Leaves may become translucent, soft, and squishy.
• Leaves are falling off.
• Shrunken, shriveled plant.

If you notice a change in your plant’s leaves and color for the worse, then you may be overwatering your plant. Check the roots for any signs of root rot. If there is root rot, you will need to cut the diseased roots to further damage your plant.

Signs Of A Healthy Succulent

Your plant will always tell you when it needs something. When your plant is naturally thriving, it will show you this. Here are some signs to look for when your plant is doing well:

• Papery brown leaves (it just needs thinning).
• The color is vibrant.
• Leaves aren’t drooping or becoming squishy.
• Your plant is getting too big for its pot.

Pay close attention to your plant. It will tell you when it needs water and when it has too much water. If your plant is changing in any way, it is trying to tell you something.

Outro

Succulents are a wonderful plant to damage your plant further due to their easy nature and little to no upkeep. Watering them from the bottom up is a great way to make taking care of them even simpler. There are many benefits to this process, and you won’t want to go back to the traditional method.