Growing succulents in containers allow you to bring your little piece of the desert into your home or garden. Succulents look natural in Western decors and landscapes. This diverse group of plants includes stiff upright cacti and sprawling and trailing plants well-suited to hanging baskets and window boxes. Most enjoy a similar environment but check the plant tag to see if your succulent has any special needs.
Containers and Soil
Succulents grow well in almost any container at least 4 inches (10 cm) deep and have holes in the bottom for drainage. Choose a pot about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) larger than the base of the plant for upright succulents. Plant the succulents with spreading or trailing growth habits, such as Holiday Cacti, in a pot 1 inch (2.5 cm) larger than their original pot. Succulents need loose soil that drains freely. Use a commercial succulent potting soil mix or make your own from 4 parts regular potting soil, 5 parts perlite, and 1 part coarse builder's sand. Spread a layer of small river rocks or aquarium gravel over the top of the soil to keep moisture away from the crown and prevent rot.
Placement
Most succulents like bright sunlight and are content to spend their days outdoors in the baking sun or indoors in a sunny window. They thrive in warm or even hot summer temperatures. When first taking a plant out, gradually expose it to bright sunlight to prevent sun scorch. Provide shelter from drenching rains or bring the plants indoors during rainy weather.
Water and Fertilizer
You can water succulents planted in soil draining freely, just like any other container plant. Saturate the soil completely and allow it to drain from the holes in the bottom of the pot. After the excess water drains, empty the saucer so the plant is not standing in water. Allow the pot to dry out completely between watering. Most succulents do not need a lot of nitrogen because they grow very slowly. Feed them monthly with a succulent fertilizer. If you do not want to purchase a special succulent fertilizer, use a high-phosphorous, low-nitrogen houseplant fertilizer mixed at half strength.
Winter Rest Period
Most succulents need a rest period of at least two months in winter. Place the plant in a room with cooler temperatures. Many succulents need winter temperatures below 60 °F (15 °C) to set blooms but do not allow them to freeze. Reduce watering to just a drizzle around the pot's sides or wet the top of the potting soil with a mister when the pot is dry. Withhold fertilizer during the resting phase.
Source: sfgate.com
Links
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus