Even though succulents do not require too much water, there are some needs you need to fulfill to make them survive indoors and prevent them from dying
Aloe Vera, Christmas Cactus, Jade Plant, Panda Plant, and Pebble Plant are some of the most succulents that are found indoors. If you are a plant lover, you must have some of these in your home as well. The reason why these plants are a common choice in indoor décor is that they can survive with limited water resources.
Even though these plants have the potential to survive in severe conditions, but if you keep them in your home, taking care of these plants is solely your responsibility. Here are some effective tips that will help you take care of the succulents plants efficiently.
Choosing the Right Type of Succulents
Not all succulents can survive indoors. It is a good idea to keep succulents that prefer low light and not direct sun exposure. Choosing dark color succulents such as red, purple, or orange do not survive indoors. They require more light as compared to the light-colored succulents. Naturally, green succulents are a perfect choice if you want to keep succulents indoor.
Succulents Love Light
Even though the succulents can survive with little water resource, but these plants love light. These plants need at least six hours of sunlight to stay healthy. Make sure that your plants get the right amount of sunlight. The baby succulents cannot bear direct sunlight and might die under direct exposure. You could gradually expose them to the sun or place them in front of the window with a sheer curtain.
The Rightway to Water
When it comes to succulents, you have to be extra cautious. You must water the succulents in your home according to the season. During summer and spring, these plants require more water than they need in the winters when they are resting. Overwatering will kill the plant, and it is important to let the soil dry for some time. Insert your finger in the soil, and if the top 1.25 inches are dry, it is time to water the plant. It is an efficient way to determine if your plant needs watering or not.
In addition to this, you need to correct your watering style. You cannot use spray bottles to water the succulents as it may make the roots brittle and leaves moldy. The right way is to water the soil directly. If you have placed the plant in a pot with drainage holes, keep watering it until the water starts coming out from the drainage holes. Use less water if there are no drainage holes in the pot. Another effective way to water these plants is to place the pot with drainage holes in a pan of water. Let the plant absorb the water itself. Keep checking the top of the soil, once it becomes moist, remove the pot from the water pan.
The Ideal Pots
It is best to choose pots with drainage holes so that the plant can drain off any excess water. These pots not only help these plants, but it makes watering these plants convenient for you. You do not have to worry about over watering because the pot will help in draining out the excess water. Choosing a glass pot is not a good idea when it comes to succulents. It definitely looks cool, but it is not a long-term potting solution. The glass pots prevent the excess water from draining out, which makes it difficult for the plant to survive. Airflow is essential for the growth of succulents and using these pots compromises the plant’s breathability.
Choosing the Right Type of Soil
The soil from the yard or the regular potting soil you use for your tropical plants re not suitable for the succulents. The basic soil requirement of succulents is a type that drains. The perfect choice for these plants is the cactus soil, or you could also use a mixture of potting soil, sand, and pumice.
Keeping them Safe from Bugs
When you keep succulents indoors, pests are not a problem, but these plants do attract bugs such as Gnats and Mealybugs. Too wet soil is what attracts these bugs on the plants, and they may lay eggs on it. Spraying the plants with 70% isopropyl alcohol will help you remove the eggs and larvae on the plants. Other than wet soil, over fertilizing is also a factor that attracts the mealybugs. The perfect time to fertilize your plants is summer but try not to use too much fertilizer as it will negatively impact the growth of it by attracting bugs. If one of your plants get bugs on it, you must place it separately as these bugs will spread to other plants as well.
Make sure you are addressing the needs of the succulents you keep in your home. They are not just for enhancing the look for your house but they need. If you plan to keep these plants in your home, you need to ensure that they get the care they need to survive.