I know in my last post I said I would be doing a picture frame garden project but I thought some background on succulents, which is what I'll be using, was necessary first. Succulents are amazing plants and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. In my opinion, they are one of the best plants for indoor garden because of their usually small size and aesthetic appeal. First, let's address one of the main problems succulent carers have, overwatering. This might come as a shock to a few of you because the standard belief is that water is what helps plants grow so, why would more water be a problem? Yes, water is important to a plant's life but succulents and other plants need a healthy amount of it. Especially succulents, "Soil kept too wet prevents air from reaching the
roots and they die, leading to soft rot." (Association). The book Urban Gardening For Dummies also suggested looking out for puffy stems and leaves or shriveled looking leaves. To save your succulent reduce watering and if that doesn't help try unpotting the plant and check the roots. "If the roots are alive and the soil is dry, give the plant water and it should respond. If the roots are dead and the soil is wet, your succulent is in trouble." (Association). Overall, it's better to fallow the 'better safe than sorry' rule and not risk watering. Succulents are able to recover from under watering but you can remove water from them.
In the pictures, I featured some of the succulents I'll be using for my upcoming picture frame garden post.
Do you have any succulents at home, and if so, what are your favorites?
Comment below and I'm happy to answer any more questions you might have!
Association, National Gardening., et al. Urban Gardening For Dummies. John Wiley & Sons, 2013.
In the pictures, I featured some of the succulents I'll be using for my upcoming picture frame garden post.
Hi Emma. My family has a huge succulent garden in out backyard. Just before winter we uproot them all into pots so you don't get too soaked in the winter and early spring. Your techniques would work great for an indoor garden.
ReplyDeleteThe reason I choose indoor gardening for this blog is that I'm currently unable to garden outside due to problems with the soil. But when I do start my own outdoor garden, your advice will definitely come in handy. If you have any more outdoor tips, let me know!
DeleteHi Emma. I do not have any succulents, but i do have a small cactus that i water occasionally. Do you have any recommendations on How often and how much i should water it? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat question, the method I use is to check whether I need to water a cacti is to use your finger and poke into the dirt, if you feel moisture then don't water it. You can also use a chopstick and see if it's wet when you pull it out or if dirt stuck to it.
DeleteHi Emma! Your post is really informative, and I realized that I've over watered so many of my past succulents ! Do you know if some succulents take more water than others, or do they all need the same amount of water?
ReplyDeleteHey Emma! Succulents are supposed to be one of the easiest plant to take care of so I felt pretty bad after killing three different ones! You post makes me feel better that my problem is a common one. I was wondering about air plants and how much water they need. I already killed one and want to prevent more violence in the future... Thanks - Ella
ReplyDelete