How to grow healthy succulents
1. Know the growth season of your succulents – succulents can be categorized into at least three types
1) Summer type
- Growth period: from May to September
- Suitable temperature: 15°C - 35°C
- Dormant period: winter
e.g. agave, aloe, kalanchoe
2) Spring/Autumn type
- Growth period: spring and autumn
- Suitable temperature: 10°C- 25°C
- Dormant period: winter
e.g. echeveria, graptopetalum, sedum
3) Winter type
- Growth period: from November to April
- Suitable temperature: 5°C- 20°C
- Dormant period: summer
e.g. aeonium, senecio, conophytum
2. Don’t water them too frequently – however, when you water them don’t be shy
1) Water them only if they are thirsty.
2) If you don’t know when to water them, use the weight of the pot as a measure. Weigh the pots before and after you water. It gives you an idea of timing when to water them.
3) When you water them, give them plenty so that they can get fresh water and air in their pots.
4) Don’t leave them in saucers full of water.
3. Know their cold tolerance
Most of the succulents cannot survive in frosty and frozen condition. Some succulents, for example some types of sedum or sempervivum, may survive in a harsh conditions. The recommended minimum temperature for succulents is 5°C.
4. Avoid them becoming leggy
Most succulents love sunshine (as we do) especially when they are in their growth period. Leave them in a sunny place as much as you can but be aware, too much direct sunlight may cause scorched leaves in particular types of succulents (and other houseplants).
