With little effort, succulents can look so good. But they still require attention. Discover how to not only keep them alive but get them to look good and thrive. Wrong. Their watering needs are minimal, but they still need it to survive. If you live in a region that doesn’t get much rain, water succulents regularly during their periods of active growth. This would be spring through fall. Container plants can be watered about once a week. Occasionally, let the hose drench the pot until water flows out, to remove built-up salts from the soil. While some succulents are forgiving and will grow almost anywhere, even in clay, it’s best to give them optimal growing conditions for healthy roots and beautiful plants. Amendments vary according to your type of soil; consult a local nursery or garden professional. Tip: the color of the plant is a tip-off to its light needs. For example, shade-loving succulents are usually in hues of yellow and green. Sun lovers are more reddish and orange. If your area is experiencing lots of rain and your succulents are in pots, move them under eaves to avoid over-saturation, or bring them inside. Frost is another matter. Pay attention to freeze warnings. Cover with a cloth or plant under a tree, which protects succulents during the winter and summer. Gerry Whitmon / Getty Images Some are so forgiving of soil conditions that they can grow almost anywhere that has at least some soil in which they can attach their roots.
Buds that won’t openDistorted growth Cotton-like attachments to rootsTiny insects on new growthPaprika-like dots on leavesBrown bumps on stemsCollapsed outer leavesHoles in leaves
The culprit? Insects. Some gardeners believe that hardy succulents and cacti are resistant to insects. Unfortunately, the bugs will munch pretty much any plant. Consult a master gardener site online or buy a book about succulents and cacti to help you identify the symptom, insect, and solution. Many have pictures for accurate ID. To treat: remove the infected tissue and put the succulent in a separate container until new, healthy growth appears. To prevent spreading to other plants, thoroughly clean your tools after using them on infected succulents. Another disease that affects aloes, gasterias, and other succulents causes pockmarks on leaves, along with bruised-looking tissue. The remedy: mix two tablespoons of ground cinnamon per pint of isopropyl alcohol, shake well, leave overnight, strain through a coffee filter, then spray on the plants the next day. If this doesn’t work, you may have to use a systemic disease control, available at nurseries and online.
