Oops! Succulent growing blunders to avoid

Succulents are tough little plants that are often labelled as easy to care for - just set them and forget them, right? Well, not quite! If you’ve ever wondered why your succulents aren’t living their best life, here are some common mistakes to avoid.

October 10, 2024

Succulents do need some TLC, and many people unknowingly make mistakes that can leave their once-thriving plants looking a bit sad.

No drainage holes

Cute, trendy containers can be hard to resist, but if they don’t have drainage holes, your succulents are in trouble. Without proper drainage, water pools at the bottom, turning your succulent’s roots into a soggy mess. These plants thrive in dry conditions, so when they’re sitting in water for too long, root rot isn’t far behind. If you notice yellowing leaves or a foul odour, repot your plant in dry, fresh soil made for succulents.

Misting instead of watering

Some plants love a good misting, like your lovely ferns or air plants. But succulents? Not so much. Misting can lead to rot, especially on those plump, moisture-filled leaves. Instead, give them a proper drink by watering the soil directly when it's bone dry.

Not watering enough

Yes, succulents can survive in dry conditions, but they still need water from time to time. Don’t just give them a light sprinkle and think it’ll do the trick. Underwatering can cause your succulent to shrivel up, shed leaves, and generally look like it's seen better days. When the soil is completely dry, give it a good soak (again, a container with good drainage is essential).

Not enough sunlight

Succulents are sun worshippers at heart. They need plenty of bright light to thrive. While some can tolerate low light conditions (we’re looking at you, snake plants), most succulents will stretch out, grow ‘leggy’, or just give up altogether if they don’t get enough rays.

If your succulent looks like it’s reaching out for more light, that’s a cry for help! Move it to a sunnier spot or invest in a 'grow light' if you’re short on natural sunshine (such as indoors or in the shade).

Pairing them with the wrong plant buddies

Succulents don’t make great roommates for plants that have different needs. Putting your water-hungry fern with a drought-tolerant succulent is a recipe for disaster. The succulent will likely drown in the consistently moist soil, while the fern might suffer from dryness. Stick to creating succulent-only communities, and if you love mixed planters, make sure each plant has similar water and sunlight needs.

Ignoring air circulation

While succulents don’t need constant fussing, they do need good air circulation. Placing them too close together or near heating/cooling vents can create dry or stagnant conditions that are harmful to your plants. Keep them spaced out to allow for airflow.

Forgetting about the sunburn

Yes, succulents love sunlight, but too much direct sunlight - especially for young or freshly potted plants - can cause sunburn. This shows up as black or brown spots on the leaves. If your succulents are used to living indoors or in shaded areas, ease them into direct sunlight gradually to help avoid this.

Letting pests take over

Succulents might seem invincible, but pests like mealybugs can still find their way to these hardy plants. Mealybugs are small, white, and fluffy-looking insects that can be wiped away with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Succulents are sturdy, but even the toughest plants need a little bit of care. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll help your succulents live long and healthy lives.

Just remember: Drainage, sunlight, the right amount of water, and some personal space are key!

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