Try the Cacti and Other Succulents for Fool-Proof Gardening

If your attempts at keeping plants typically result in crispy brown death, succulents might be the answer to your green thumb dreams. Succulents are the Steven Seagal of houseplants.

The special thing about succulents that makes them easy to keep alive is that they store water in their leaves, which is why they look so plump. They are like self-watering plants. Yes, they do need some care, but as far as houseplants go, they are low maintenance.

They aren’t restricted to indoor conditions either, especially  where temperate climate conditions make outdoor living viable for many plant species. During times of extreme cold, however, some varieties may be sensitive to frost.

While cacti, aloe and agave are types of succulents, less prickly species are also available. Aeonium (rosettes which look like daisies with large petals) come in green, yellow, garnet and magenta-black colors. Crassula is available in jade and stacked varieties, in colors of yellow, silver, green and red. Sempervivum are rosettes with slightly pointed leaves. They produce lovely clusters.

There are many varieties of succulents to choose from. I like to mix and match colored succulents in one container to create color and shape contrasts and am especially fond of the ones that look like flowers.

Here are some general rules for the proper care of succulents. While they aren’t needy, a little care goes a long way:

Water:

When it’s warm outside, succulents need more water. Summer and spring is their growing season, so they require water on a weekly to bi-weekly basis. The frequency of watering will correspond to amount of sun exposure. Plants in direct sun may require weekly watering; whereas, plants in some shade may be watered bi-weekly.

The plants go dormant in the winter, so they only need to be watered approximately once every two months. Succulents should never sit in water. Their soil should be allowed to dry between watering. The most common cause of succulent failure is overwatering. Roots rot when they sit in water.

If a plant turns brown or loses leaves, the most likely cause is overwatering. Check the roots to see if they are brown. Sick or dead parts can be removed and the remaining plant placed in fresh soil.

Lighting:

Succulents like light. Though sudden over-exposure can burn them. An under-exposed plant may develop an elongated stem and widely spaced leaves. They can be pruned and moved to brighter conditions if this happens.

Soil:

The best soil for succulents is a fast draining mix. Aeration and drainage will help keep the roots from rotting. Their roots are usually shallow and form a layer just under the soil surface. Fertilizer can be used during summer and spring (their growing season), but should not be used during the winter.

Note: This article first appeared in Santa Cruz Patch in August 2011

Have you had good luck with succulents? Know a good place to purchase plants or supplies? Please share in the Comments below.