How to care for your indoor succulents: Tips and tricks
What's the story
If you're a plant enthusiast, you must have noticed that indoor succulents are all the rage these days.
These low-maintenance, quirky beauties can easily brighten up any space with their presence.
Resilient as they are, they can survive indoors without much effort, making them the perfect choice for a busy person or a beginner gardener.
Here are some practical tips to grow beautiful indoor succulents.
Container choice
Choose the right container
Selecting the right container is essential for the health of succulents.
Ensure that the pot has drainage holes so that water doesn't collect at the bottom, causing root rot.
Choose containers with breathable materials such as terracotta or ceramic that allow moisture to evaporate quickly.
The size of the pot should be proportional to the plant's size, giving it enough space to grow without overdoing it.
Light requirements
Provide adequate light
Succulents need a lot of light to thrive indoors.
Keep them near a south-facing window where they can get bright, indirect sunlight for a minimum of six hours a day.
If natural light falls short, try grow lights made specifically for indoor plants.
Keep an eye on your succulents; if they start stretching towards the light, it may mean the lighting is inadequate.
Watering tips
Water sparingly and wisely
Overwatering is a common mistake while caring for succulents indoors.
Let the soil dry out completely between waterings, and then water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom of the pot.
During winter months or in low-light conditions, reduce watering frequency as succulents enter a dormant phase and require less moisture.
Soil selection
Use well-draining soil mixes
A well-draining soil mix is key for healthy succulent growth indoors.
Use commercial cactus or succulent mixes available at garden centers or create your own by mixing regular potting soil with sand or perlite in equal parts.
This provides proper aeration and prevents water retention around roots, which could cause decay over time.
Temperature control
Maintain optimal temperature conditions
Succulents thrive in warm 18-degree Celsius (night) to 27-degree Celsius (day) temperatures indoors all seasons except winter.
When cooler temperatures are permissible (but not freezing point) they could risk their survival if left under such conditions too long without appropriate precautions taken beforehand accordingly.
As required according to specific environmental conditions prevalent within each individual household setting involved here overall contextually speaking.
Broadly speaking, universally applicable guidelines provided.