MY MEDALLION
Plants immediately bring a sense of warmth and hominess into any space. However, without a bit of knowledge about how to care for them, it can be difficult to ensure your plants survive. Luckily, succulents are easy to tend to if you follow a few simple tips. Read on for our guide to growing succulents in your home.
Don’t Over Water
Since watering is one of the ultimate ways to show care to your plants, it makes sense that your instinct is to water often. However, succulents store moisture in their leaves and can go weeks between waterings. In fact, soil and roots that are overly damp are more often the cause of death for succulents than lack of hydration. The best way to tell if your plant needs watering is the finger test. Touch the soil, and if the top 1.5 to 2 inches are dry, your succulent is ready for some moisture.
Make Sure Your Plant Drains Properly
This goes hand in hand with our first point: the soil and roots of your succulent will suffer if they are too wet. A pot with a drainage hole is key. Make sure your pot is placed on a dish to avoid spills as the water moves through the container. Water your plant deeply, since proper drainage means your succulent will absorb what it needs and release the rest.
Rotate Your Plants
Succulents love the sun so much that they lean towards its rays. Rotating your plant every few weeks ensures all of its leaves receive the sun’s nutrients and also keep its growing straight. If you find your plant is growing at an awkward angle to get more light, it may be a sign that you need to find another spot for it that’s brighter.
Know What Kind Of Light Your Plant Is Receiving
What exactly is bright indirect light? If you place your plant a few feet away from a window, does that still count as direct light? One of the first things to understand about light quality is which way your window faces. South- and west-facing windows receive direct light, while an east-facing window receives some direct light. Northern windows have indirect light since the sun never crosses directly in front of them. However, if you have a large north-facing window with an unobstructed view, it’s a good spot for a plant that likes bright indirect light. The further your plant is placed from a window, the lower the light will be.
Keep Your Succulents Clean
If your succulents get too dusty or dirty, this can interfere with their ability to absorb light and air. Every month or so, gently wipe them with a damp cloth to ensure they are clean and healthy.
Succulents are not only wonderful household companions, but they’re generally easier to grow than many other plant varieties. Remember our simple tips and you’ll be reaping the rewards of a green thumb in no time! Thanks for reading and be sure to follow along on the Medallion blog for more lifestyle tips.
