succulent , with their resiliency and an array of striking forms , have become favorites in home around the man .

You might already have these undemanding plants perched in cheery corners of your own home , charming with their simplicity of care .

However , despite their stalwart reputation , succulents are not indestructible . It ’s all too easy to fall dupe to well - intentioned care tactic that may do more harm than good .

Woman watering her small succulent in the garden

understand common pitfalls in succulent care could be the difference of opinion between a thriving assembling and a withering one .

Mistake #1: Not Watering Enough

Succulents are know for not needing much water , but a vernacular error is not water them enough . They still need to drink ! The key is to balance it right — not too little , not too much .

Succulents keep water in their leaves , so they set out to turnyellow and brownif they do n’t get enough . They do best with a " soaking and ironic " approaching .

Here ’s what to do : irrigate the soil until it drains out of the bottom , then do n’t water again until the grease is totally dry .

Top view photo of succulents

Your watering routine should be regular but adaptable . The size of your succulent , the character of soil , and your home ’s conditions all play a part in how often you water .

It could be once a hebdomad or less ; just keep an eye on the grease ’s waterlessness . And remember , a little sprinkle is n’t enough for these flora . They wish a good soaking , like the heavy rainfall they ’d get in the wilderness .

record more:5 Tips to Avoid Overwatering Your succulent

Small square pots for succulents

Mistake #2: Putting Them Under the Shade a Lot

When succulents are stupefy in shady spots , they miss out on the energy they require to grow and , as a result , can become light or elongate out , chasing the light they thirst .

This unsatisfying state of affairs is calledetiolation , where the plant contract leggy , the color slice , and the shape gets all skew-whiff .

For most varieties , bright , indirect light will keep them glad . feel a spot near a sunny windowpane where they can bask in plenty of light , but not direct harsh sun .

hokey lighting is a bang-up substitute if your dwelling house does n’t get enough rude lightness . Position these lights about 6 - 12 inches above your succulents and keep them on for14 - 16 hours daily .

If you want to shade your plant , using a shading textile with a rate between 30 % and 50 % will stumble the cherubic spot , letting in the good stuff and nonsense while sink in out the too much toastiness .

Ca n’t find a sunlit spot ? control out these11 Beautiful Succulents That Do n’t want Sun

Mistake #3: Improper Soil and Drainage

Succulents thrive in environment replicating their instinctive habitats , which often meansdry , well - drain soil . The improper mixing can be a dumb killer for your plants .

Fine , dense soil retain wet for too long , which can contribute toroot rotand , at long last , the demise of your plant .

Consider a   soil blend   specifically for succulents , usually containing a   mixture of pot dirt , moxie , and perlite or pumice stone .

drain holes   at the bottom of pots are your succulents ' safety net . They give up excess water to hightail it , insure roots are n’t sit in wet .

A   green goddess without these holes   is like a swimming pool with no drains ; water supply has nowhere to go . If you ’re thinking you’re able to subdue this with less frequent lachrymation , think double .

And with that , we go right on back to the watering schedule . A sunlit , dry room needs more frequent lachrymation than a darker , humid place .

But again , we want to note that this can variegate based on condition and the succulent case . Always check the stain ’s moisture before irrigate again !

study more:5 Tragic result of Using the Wrong Soil for Your succulent

Mistake #4: Wrong Pot Material

You might intend any honest-to-god container will do , but the material of your succulent pot is n’t just about looks — it ’s key to your plant ’s wellness .

Terra - cotta   and ceramic pots are your succulent ’s expert friends . Why?These porous materials provide soil to dry out out more promptly than non - holey stuff like charge card or methamphetamine hydrochloride .

If you unexpectedly pick out a non - breathable pot , your succulents might sit in moist grunge too long .   Your choice of pot can lead to a dread case of base rot or leave your succulent begging for more moisture .

Mistake #5: Not Repotting When Needed

Often , plant parents overtop the signs that a succulent needs a new rest home . Recognizing when to transfer a succulent to a new pot is crucial to see to it it stick healthy .

Watch for planetary house like crowded root poking out of the grunge , water drain too quickly , slowed growth during alive season , and seeable salt and mineral deposits on the stain ’s aerofoil .

If you ’re not trusted , aim to repot succulent at leastonce a year .

And lastly , time of year affair . ward off repot during quiescence period . For most succulents , the best meter for repotting is at the onset of their development flow .

This is usuallyspringfor wintertime - dormant succulent and fall for summer - dormant single .

scan more : Why Repotting Your Succulents Can Be a Risky Move

Mistake #6: Quickly Moving Succulents Between Different Light Levels

Moving your succulents from low indoor spark to bright outdoor sunshine without much thought , or the reverse , can be high-risk . A gradual changeover is essential .

Sudden pic to vivid light can cause sunburn on their leaves , leading to permanent scathe .

Additionally , succulent accustomed to bleak mise en scene may misplace their vibrant colors and weaken if motivate too promptly to bright light .

depart by let on them to slightly brilliant light for a few hours day by day . watch over for signboard of suffering , like wilting or discoloration .

step by step increase their exposure each day . Initially , use sheer curtains or shade fabric to damp direct sunlight , protect your plants during this adjustment stage .

Mistake #7: Mixing Different Types Together

make a succulent garden is kin to organise a potluck ; it ’s important to insure plant compatibility .

When mixing succulents , consider that they may not all thrive under the same conditions .

Group succulents with standardised Christ Within involve together ; some lie with full sunlight , others preferindirect sunshine , and some evenprefer shade .

lacrimation habits also vary ; desert varieties need less water than those from humid climates . Be aware of soil preferences , as succulents accommodate to different soil case in their born habitats .

Lastly , consider each plant ’s growth rule . Some ask space to spread out , while others are fine with less room . Proper spacing will assist all your plants flourish .

Mistake #8: Fertilizing Incorrectly

succulent are like the camel of the works world ; they store nutrients and do n’t need frequent feeding .   But when they do ask a nutrient boost , it ’s crucial to get it correct !

Timing is fundamental when fertilise succulent ; they benefit most from feeding during their growth time of year , typically from spring to fall . Fertilizing outside this time period can clog them with nutrients .

A monthly , light feeding during this active period is sufficient , as over - fecundation can damage their water - conserving structure .

But some succulent , like cacti , may require even less frequent dressing . choose for a well - balanced , water system - soluble fertiliser at half - strength to quash overpowering your succulents — less is emphatically more !

Learning from Our Succulent Care Mistakes

You ’ve now journey through the unwashed pitfall of succulent charge , arming yourself with the know - how to prevent future blunders .

recall , succulents are resilient but not unbeatable . Their survival depends on a delicate Libra the Scales of proper watering , appropriate kindling , careful repotting , and mindful impregnation .

By understand their unique needs and limit , you could help these hardy flora thrive . Your newfound noesis is a will to your commitment to rear these fascinating plants !