Caring for succulents indoors this winter means not coddling them as you would African violets, ferns, and others.
Though many including Sempervivum and Pedilanthus develop their best foliage colors during the colder days.
Many succulents get very leggy and weak if not given bright light. Exceptions such as Sansevieria, String Of Pearl, Ponytail Palm, and Hoya tolerate fairly low light levels.
A very successful indoor succulent garden will be in or near an east, south-west window that gets a few hours of direct sun.
For the plants whose leaves scorch in direct sun, providing them with shade or a sheer curtain, You will even find success in a south- or west-facing window.
Because many succulent species grow slowly indoors, especially in the cooler, darker winter months, they don’t need any fertilizer until the spring or summer.
Take Your Succulents Outdoors On Nice Days!
Succulents have incredible shapes, colors, and textures, that fascinates most of us.
The high tolerance of moderate light, low humidity, and weeks of neglect.
Succulent houseplants such as a mother-in-law’s tongue(Sansevieria) or Kalanchoe has graced many windows sills, or are gifted.
A perfect example is Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) because it simply won’t die. Making it the perfect gift-giving item.
But that does not mean you do not have to show them a little love! Take them outdoors when the temperature allows. Click to read Are Succulents Okay Outside In The Cold?
Old-hand gardeners know that indoor succulent plants require a certain amount of neglect.
Planting succulents indoors are not different from other plants in pots.
In their arid or seasonally-dry native lands, they developed the ability to store their own water supplies within fleshy leaves, stems, or roots. Especially in the winter months.
Make sure any vessel or pots have drainage holes or lay them on their sides after watering to allow excess water to drain out.
You may mist the plants more often instead of dumping water on the foliage or take a chance or drowning the roots. Click here to read our recipe for The Perfect Solution For Healthy Plants.
When first planting succulents in pots, choose a well-drained potting soil such as a ready-made cactus mix.
For a really good DIY succulent potting mix that won’t stay too wet, add extra pumice, sharp sand, grit, or perlite to help drainage without breaking down with time.
One of the best suggestions we have heard is to use pool filter sand.
When potting succulents, you will notice how shallow and brittle their roots are.
Gently loosen other soil, and sift the new soil around the roots, using your fingers or blunt end of a pencil to tamp it lightly as you go.
You should cover the surface with sand or gravel or grit to prevent the succulent leaves from rotting.
It is always suggested that you allow the plants to dry out a few days before watering. It is easier to kill a succulent by over watering it.
