All the tips to growing succulents inside - the easy way!
When life is busy with long hours at work, taking children to sports practice and doing the chores, watering plants inside and out can often be at the end of the 'to do' list or simply just forgotten.
So after having a good look at my garden recently and realising that I just don't have the time to spend watering all the plants, getting a little more conscious of water consumption and being environmentally friendly, I have decided to get a little wiser and plant more succulents!
Little hint... Succulents are the best plants for forgetful gardeners! 😉
But what are succulent plants and what are the best way to care for them, especially inside?
What are Succulents?
Succulents are a very popular indoor plant because they are hardy and they don't need to be watered very often. They have really come back into fashion lately.
The best way to think of succulents is that they have thick, fleshy leaves and the best part is that they store water in its tissues, such as their leaves, roots.
Think succulent... think juicy! 😉
Succulents are not just perfect to grow in the garden but also inside, at the office and they are the perfect gift for someone, as you are not then lumping them with the responsibility to water and look after the plants all the time.
Succulents work really well in pots because they have extensive but shallow root systems and they have adapted to absorbing lots of water.
Succulent plants also are ideal for inside as they like dry humidity and warm conditions, which are often found in homes and offices. They do like direct light but they can adapt to lower light and they do best in a well-draining soil.
So whats not to love about succulents, they are unique, beautiful, they don't need to be watered too often and they even like when the soil dries out between watering!
Having a bowl of succulents growing inside is the perfect way to bring in nature, add some colour and texture and be amazed at the beauty of such a different looking plant.
So what are the tips to growing succulents inside?
The Tips to Growing Succulents inside!
The Container
When selecting the container, pot or bowl, make sure you choose one that has drainage holes. Drainage is really important for succulents.
If you prefer to grow your succulents in other containers such as mason jars, recycled jars, tea-cups, make sure you layer the base of the container with pebbles, gravel or rocks and add some sand. This will help the soil to drain and your succulents to thrive!
Potting Mix
As succulents only take the water they need, the rest of the water needs to be able to be drained away. Succulents need to be planted in well-draining soil, use a potting mix especially designed for them. The potting mix is only a few dollars more than the average potting mix but so worth it in the long run.
Always slightly wet your potting mix first, so the water can drain away before planting the succulents in the potting mix/soil.
Water
Succulents still do need water but they are best watered only when the soil has completely dried from the previous watering. The best way is to allowing the water to drain completely through the potting mix/soil. This will help prevent root rot.
I use a misting bottle (spray bottle) to make sure that they are getting just the right amount of water... not too much and just enough. Thats what makes them low maintenance.
Light
All plants need sunlight and succulents love bright, indirect sunlight. They do not do well in extreme direct sunlight or in the darkness.
Succulents do best with a least 6 hours of sunlight. If your succulent is not getting enough light they may become leggy and stretch toward the light.
Succulent Food
To help your succulents along, you can get cactus/succulent food to give the succulents the nutrients they may not be getting (eg calcium).
The best part is that cactus/succulent food is cheap and will last a long time.
Size
Succulents come in all sorts of sizes, colours and textures. If you have small succulents, they will stay that size unless they are re-potted into a larger pot.
This makes them ideal to add to a pretty bowl or small pot and know they will 'fit' for a while and not become over-grown.
Unique, beautiful and easy to care for!
I know life is busy but just stop and notice a succulent...you just might be amazed!
Do you have any other tips to growing succulents inside. If you do, pop them in the comments below.
PS - Thanks Dmitri!! ....for the cuttings from your lovely succulents, from your home garden. 😃
Enjoy! 😉
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Thank you so much for these great tips. I planted some succulents in ironstone soup tureens about a year ago and they seem to be doing ok, even without the drainage holes. I always assumed it was better not to wet the leaves, but yours seem to not mind it.
Thanks for the blog. I love succulents. They are the most amazing plants. You can grow them from seed, from cuttings, from a leaf. The flowers are gorgeous. They tolerate neglect. Reward you with clean air.
What is there not to like?