ART OF SUCCULENTS
Tips for Caring Succulents
HARDY SUCCULENTS are hardy
zone 3-9 unless otherwise labeled.
Plants shipped in early spring are
dormant. They will appear dull in
color and have some dry edges.
This is normal and when placed
in sunlight they will intensify in
color. Sempervivums change color
with the seasons and each variety
has its own most colorful time of
the year.
Light
Most varieties need at least half a
day to a full day of sunlight. In ex-
tremely hot areas some afternoon
shade is recommended.
Planting
Remove plants from their pots
and plant making sure the soil
level remains the same depth on
the plant. Once established, your
succulents will benefit from a layer
of pebbles or pea gravel spread on
the soil around the plant. This is
also very decorative.
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Soil
Succulents need good draining
soil. When planting in the gar-
den, make sure the area drains
well and is not in a low spot that
would stay wet. For container
planting you can purchase cactus
soil or incorporate sand, gravel or
volcanic rock for better drainage.
The container you are planting in
should have a drainage hole or put
crushed rock on the bottom before
your planting medium.
Watering
After planting, water in well and
allow the soil to dry slightly be-
tween waterings. Succulents don’t
like to have wet feet. When you do
water, water thoroughly.
Fertilizer
Most succulents need very little
fertilizer. Watering with a well bal-
anced fertilizer once a month will
be all they need.
Flowering
Sedum all have different bloom
times and colors ranging from
pink, red and yellow. Semper-
vivums will bloom after the sec-
ond or third year. A flower stalk
will shoot up from the center of
the main rosette with a cluster of
flowers. After the flower dies, gen-
tly twist off the stalk. The main
rosette has put on new offsets that
will fill in.
Uses
The planting possibilities using
succulents are endless. The dif-
ferent colors, textures and habits
make the most interesting con-
tainers and troughs. Succulents
make beautiful rock garden plants.
With a wide variety of bloom
times there is always something
with color.