Succulents and Cactus Indoors
1. Make sure your succulents and cactus are getting enough light, at least 6 hours of sunlight/day. If your plants are in direct sunlight you may need to place a sheer curtain in between the window and your tender plants.
2. Rotate them frequently, especially if they are located in the same place all the time. This will even out the growth on all sides.
3. Succulents draw water from the soil. A well-watered succulent will have plump firm leaves. When thirsty they will pucker and wrinkle.
4. Water cactus from the bottom. Place in a saucer filled with water and let sit for about 12 hours or until it soaks up the water.
5. Water according to season. In the winter months (November-March), succulents go dormant and growing stops, so only water once or twice for the entire season. For cactus, you only need to water approximately every 2 weeks.
6. Water the soil directly with succulents, avoid watering the leaves. It’s best to use a syringe this allows the water to go straight to the roots.
7. Keep them clean. You can remove dirt and dust by gently sweeping them with a small paintbrush.
8. Choose a container with good drainage.
9. Plant your succulents and cactus in the proper soil. Choose cactus soil, or mix potting soil with sand, pumice, or perlite.
10. Pest infestations are not very common with indoor succulents but it could happen. If it does, move infected plants away from other plants and spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol. This will get rid of gnats, mealybug eggs, and larvae.
Succulents and Cactus outdoors
1. Give them room to breathe, allowing air to circulate around them.
2. Provide some shade during the hot months.
3. Always use the right soil. Cactus soil, or mix potting soil with sand, pumice or perlite.
4. Succulents draw up water from the soil. A well-watered succulent will have plump firm leaves. When thirsty they will pucker and wrinkle.
5. Water, but allow the plant to dry out between waterings.
6. Choose a container with good drainage.
7. Succulents and cactus need to be fertilized too. The ideal time to feed your succulent plant is right before, and during the growing season. Early spring through late summer (March-August). A low-nitrogen content, water-soluble fertilizer is best. Use a 5-10-10 blend or 10-10-10 diluted to half strength. You may also use a highly diluted all-purpose fertilizer.
8. Beware of frost…..as the season winds down, be sure to bring your succulents and cactus indoors to a warmer climate to avoid frost.