"I've even killed a cactus! I have a black thumb!" Does this sound like you? While succulents and cacti aren't necessarily considered difficult plants to care for, if you give them the wrong environmental conditions, they are easy to kill. Don't let that scare you though! They are still great beginner plants, assuming you have or can create their preferences.

     There are a ton of succulents out there. Succulents span many genera, families, even clades. Cacti are included in the group of "succulents," but there is no succulent family. Becoming a succulent is something a plant does to adapt to its environment. That being said, they all tend to have the same basic care, which we will be going over today. Some succulents, like Lithops, have a little different care, which can be found here. The information found in this article will be applicable to most of the succulents you will encounter in stores. Echeveria, jades, haworthia, aloe, euphorbia, hoya, even cacti will thrive by following these care instructions. There is one key point of succulents that can make or break whether or not they will thrive in your home. If your lighting isn't right, they can go downhill quickly. 

Light

     Lighting is everything to a succulent. Think about where they are typically going to be found; the desert. There's not a lot of shade out there for these little plants and they know it. They've adapted to bright light, even some having their own type of sunscreen! When growing succulents indoors, there is no better place for them than a south or west facing window with lots of natural light. If this isn't available in your home, adding a grow light would be beneficial to these plants. Each grow light is different, but most require about 18-24" of space between the plant and the light to avoid sunburn. Follow the directions on your grow lights to ensure they are being used safely. The more light inside, the better!

     If you are growing your succulents outside for the summer, be sure to adapt them to their new outdoor conditions. Indoor and outdoor light are different intensities. Even if your succulent has been growing in your south facing window all winter long, moving it straight to outdoor, full sun conditions can carry risk of sunburn or sun scorch. Instead, slowly acclimate your succulent by either moving it outdoors gradually, a few hours and increasing slowly per week, or put your succulent in partial shade for a few weeks before moving it to a full sun location. This will help it to prevent that pesky sunburn!

Water

     Water is another area where new succulent owners tend to struggle. Believe it or not, overwatering is not the amount of water you give the plant, but how often. Succulents are prone to root rot, so it is imperative that you be sure you are allowing the soil to dry properly. The soil should be completely dry before you water. If your succulent takes up the entire top of the pot, or you don't want to put your finger into the soil to feel how damp, feel the leaves instead. Most succulent leaves are firm when properly watered, without much give. Gently squeeze your succulent's leaves as if you are trying to determine if a peach is ripe. If there is moderate to significant give, it is time to water!

     When you water, it may feel wrong for a succulent, but saturate the soil. When watering, if only small amounts of water are given, then pockets of the soil towards the center of the pot will not be given adequate time to dry, leading to continuously wet portions of the soil. These wet spots will cause your succulent's roots to rot, which can then spread to the entire stem. By saturating the soil, all of the soil is damp at once, which will give the plants plenty of water to uptake. This will also prevent the same pockets of soil to remain damp throughout the watering cycle with the natural drying of the soil. 

     If this watering process makes you nervous, try using a terracotta pot instead of a plastic or glazed ceramic pot! The porous material of terracotta will allow the soil to dry from far more angles than just the top and bottom, like in nursery pots. The quicker your soil dries, the better. Sunlight, wind, and drafts will also allow the soil to dry faster. If your succulent is next to a drafty window, be sure it doesn't get too cold in winter!

Soil

     Succulent soil should be well draining. This will also help to prevent the dreaded root rot. Commercially available succulent soil is a good starting point for most succulents. They can also thrive in typical potting soil, though it may be best to pair them with a terracotta pot to ensure proper soil drying. Potting soil amendments can be added to make the soil even more well draining, but be careful not too add so much that the succulents cannot uptake water. Succulents are slow to drink, they have a lot of leaf to fill! Perlite, orchid bark, LECA balls, and pumice are all great options for making a typical potting mix more succulent friendly! If amending your own soil, it is good to aim for either a half and half mix of organic material, such as peat or coconut coir, and your amendment of choice or 2 parts grit, 1 part organic material.

Common Problems

     Plants are not without their problems and succulents are no exception. While most are disease resistant and grow well without much effort, that doesn't mean they are immune!

Root Rot

     As discussed earlier, root rot is a very common problem for succulents. This is caused by improper watering or soil not drying fast enough. Unfortunately, succulents don't often show symptoms of root rot until is is severe. If you notice that the bottom of your succulent is browning, root rot has progressed into stem rot. If this happens. it is best to "start from scratch." Take your succulent out of the soil and determine if any of the stem is still healthy. If yes, use clean pruners to cut the stem above the rot. Allow your succulent to sit on the counter, out of soil and water, for at least a few days before planting what is left of your succulent into new soil. Consider amending your soil by adding grit of your choice, or using a terracotta pot instead.

Mealybugs

     Mealybugs are white, fuzzy bugs that suck the sap and produce honeydew, which can lead to sooty mildew. Some mistake them for a strange mold due to their appearance. They often hide on the underside of leaves and in tight crevices of new growth. They are easily treated with pesticides, an alcohol mixture, or beneficial insects. For more information on how to identify and treat mealybugs, check out the blog post titled Mealybugs and How to Deal with Them.

Spider Mites

     Spider mites are a common pest in plants that like it a little more on the dry side when it comes to humidity. They are a sap-sucking insect that will leave little pinpoint yellow spots on the leaves and extremely fine webs between the leaves. They can be challenging to remove if not caught early. To learn more about early identification, signs, symptoms, and treatments, check out the blog post titled Spider Mites and How to Deal With Them. 

White, Dusty Substance on Leaves

     If it is on the top surface of the leaf, this is powdery mildew, but if a similar looking problem is on the underside, it is downy mildew. Luckily, they're both easy to treat and prevent. Keeping your area well ventilated is a great way to prevent fungal issues from occurring. When you water, take care to avoid wetting the leaves to help prevent fungal infections from occurring. It is easy to treat with a foliar fungicide spray, such as copper fungicide. Always follow the directions on the bottle when applying any form of pesticide.

Long, Skinny Stems

     If your succulent has long, thin stems that seem to be reaching for the light, it needs more light! Remember, succulents need bright light. Try moving it to a new location or getting a grow light to help it thrive. When plants reach for the light, that is called etiolation. Etiolation can be caught early. If the leaves begin to grow farther apart than when you purchased the plant, it is beginning the etiolation process. This is easily resolved with more light or a grow light.

     Now you have all the knowledge you need in order to take a succulent from surviving to thriving! Succulents are not the easiest plants out there and are not always beginner friendly if their care requirements are not met, so don't let it get you down if a few succulents don't survive while you are beginning the process of learning as you do. As always, if you have any questions on plant care, don't be afraid to reach out! Send photos and a brief description of how you have been caring for your plant to cedarbridgebotanicals@gmail.com and I will be able to help!

Happy Growing!

<3 Gina