If you’ve been thinking about adding a lush and vibrant touch of greenery to your home, then an indoor succulent garden might be the perfect option for you. Succulents are low-maintenance plants that come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colors, so it’s easy to find the perfect variety for your home. Caring for your succulent garden may seem intimidating at first, but with proper planning and maintenance, you can ensure that your succulents thrive in their indoor environment. In this blog, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to get started on creating and caring for an indoor succulent garden.
Planning your Succulent Garden
The first step in caring for your succulent garden is to plan out exactly how you want it to look. Consider factors such as the size and shape of your space, what type of succulents you want to use, and where you’d like to place them. If you’re looking to fill a large area, you might want to include a variety of succulents, from short-stemmed varieties such as string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) to tall-stemmed varieties such as jade plant (Crassula ovata). If you only have a small space, you may want to consider a few low-growing varieties like aloe vera (Aloe vera) or Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii).
Once you’ve decided on the types of succulents you’d like to use, you’ll need to choose a suitable container. Opt for a heavy pot with drainage holes so your succulents can get enough air and water, and make sure the size and shape fits the area you’re working with. You can also increase the aesthetic appeal of your container by choosing a color or pattern that matches the rest of your décor.
Creating a Suitable Environment
When it comes to creating an environment that’s suitable for your succulents, the most important factor is light. Succulents need plenty of bright, indirect light in order to stay healthy, so it’s best to position your container near a south-facing window. If there’s no natural light available, opt for artificial lighting instead.
As for temperature, succulents prefer warm environments – around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal, but they can tolerate cooler temperatures for short periods of time. Try to avoid drafty areas, such as near air conditioning vents, as this can cause them stress.
Watering Succulents
Proper watering is essential when it comes to keeping your succulents healthy. Generally speaking, succulents don’t need to be watered as often as other houseplants, and they should never be left standing in water as this can cause root rot. Instead, water your succulents deeply once every one to two weeks, depending on your climate and the size of your container. To check if it’s time to water, simply press your finger into the top inch of soil – if it feels dry, then it’s time to water.
Fertilizing Succulents
Your succulents will also benefit from the occasional fertilizing session. Choose a fertilizer specifically designed for succulents and cacti, and dilute it to half-strength before applying. Fertilize your succulents once a month during their growing season (generally between spring and summer), but take care to not over-fertilize as this can damage the plants.
Pruning Succulents
Most succulents don’t require any pruning, but if you find that yours are becoming too large or unruly, you can prune them back. This is especially beneficial for succulents with stems that have grown too long, such as jade plant. Simply snip off the excess growth with sharp scissors, making sure to leave a few inches in each stem so the plant can continue to grow.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your succulents become damaged, there are a few things you can do save them. Firstly, determine the cause of the damage – if it’s due to overwatering or too much sun, readjust these factors and give the plant some TLC. If the damage is caused by pests or disease, you can use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to help remedy the issue.
Lastly, if you’re worried about your succulents getting too much light, you can diffuse it by covering the windows in sheer curtains or placing sheer fabric over your succulents.
