Thursday, August 22, 2013

How to Grow Succulents

growing succulents, container gardening

I am telling you you cannot go wrong with succulents. Even without a green thumb they are easy to grow and keep alive and enjoy for a very long time.

They tolerate lots of heat and my wall containers get full summer sun but I water only about once or twice a month and even less in winter. How can you go wrong with that?

growing succulents, container gardening

Tea anyone? This chipped tea pot and mug now grace the patio table. Because of no drainage holes in them I put a layer of small rocks on the bottom and then filled with soil. With no drainage you have to be careful to not over water. These get a little dab of water about once every three to four weeks.

grow succulents, container gardening

Almost any container is suitable for succulents. The are very shallow rooted and grow for years without needing to be repotted.

growing succulents, container gardening

So here are some tips to remember:

1. Plant succulents in regular potting soil.
2. Water sparingly.
3. They grow in sun or shade but tolerate full hot sun and prefer only partial shade.
4. Feed with water soluble plant food about twice a year, once in spring and fall.
5. Add more potting soil twice a year when you feed.

You can see where my little succulent fountain began and how much it has grown in a year here.




11 comments:

  1. Those are exactly the kind of plants I need for the lake house since we come and go so much. They look like the kind of plants that could be left for a few weeks at a time with no problem. Great idea!

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  2. I only have one, but would love to have more. They are very easy. Love yours!
    xo Kris

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  3. Kim exactly. They really thrive on neglect.

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  4. I miss all the succulents I had in my garden in AZ. They were so beautiful like yours. Here in NY, they would freeze.

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  5. I hate to admit this - but I didn't even know what a succulent was!

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  6. I have a few of these they are good for hot spots.
    Merle....

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  7. I just bought some hens and chicks and love them! Thanks for the great info!

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  8. I love them too! I'm getting ready to do a post on them this week. I have had great success but this year there something is eating holes in the leaves of one of mine (forgot the name)and I don't know what to do about it.

    Love this post!
    Amber

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  9. Great tips! Thanks, I'm going to try growing these myself. Love the idea of using any type of container. I have just the one I think I'll use!
    Have a great week!
    Sharlotte

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  10. I love them too and have a sunny bed dedicated to succulents. Sedums are my favorite. Thanks for sharing your pretty planters. Dropping by from Met Monday. Hope you'll come see my grandson's playroom.

    Allison
    Atticmag

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