This guide is for those who have newly welcomed succulent plants into their homes. We explain the four basic care steps you should take immediately after purchase.
1. Introduction
Succulent plants are loved by many for their charming appearance and ease of care. Bringing a variety of succulents with different shapes, forms, and colors into your home can instantly transform any space into a vibrant and soothing sanctuary.
However, if you're a first-time succulent owner, you might be wondering where to start. Caring for succulents involves several key aspects, including choosing the right soil and pots for healthy growth, balancing sunlight and watering, and repotting.
In this article, we'll introduce four initial steps you should take when you first bring a succulent home. By following these steps, your succulents will grow healthier and fully display their unique charm. Let's get started.
What are Succulents?
Succulents, as their name suggests, are plants with thick, fleshy stems, leaves, or roots that store a lot of water. They are generally resistant to drought, making them easy to grow with less frequent watering.
Succulents come in a wide variety, including cacti, Echeveria, and Agave, with abundant shapes, colors, and sizes. This offers endless enjoyment in choosing and growing them. Their charming appearance has made them popular for interior decorating and gardening in recent years.
Since each type has different characteristics, it's important to understand their specific needs and provide appropriate care. We will now explain the initial steps for newly acquired succulents, one by one.
Important Steps Immediately After Purchase
Once you acquire a new succulent, the first step is to check its health. Examine the color and shape of its leaves and the strength of its stem to check for any signs of disease or pests.
Also, confirm the plant's species. Since the sunlight and water requirements vary by succulent species, identifying the species is essential for proper care.
Next, prepare a new, suitable pot and soil. An ideal pot has good drainage, and the soil should have high aeration and drainage.
Finally, repot the plant. It's important to transplant it into a new pot and grow it in an appropriate environment. When repotting, be careful not to damage the roots.
These are the important steps to take immediately after purchasing a succulent. By checking the plant's health, using an appropriate pot and soil, and repotting, your succulent will grow beautifully and healthily for a long time.
2. First Thing to Do 1: Check the Plant's Condition
When you get a succulent, the very first thing you should do is thoroughly check the plant's condition. Here are the key points for checking its health:
- Check the plant's health: Look for any visible abnormalities. Check if the leaves are shriveled, turning yellow, or have any signs of insect damage. Also, root rot is an important thing to check for.
- How to identify the species and name : If there's a tag or label, check the species and name written on it. If not, ask a salesperson or take a picture and look it up in specialized books or online.
By following these steps, you can ensure proper health management and care for your newly acquired succulent.
(1) Checkpoints for Plant Health
When purchasing a succulent, the first thing to do is check its health. There are five checkpoints for assessing a succulent's health:
Is the base of the plant clean and firm?
Is the soil not wet?
Are the leaves not thin or flimsy?
Is it not etiolated?
Is it free of pests and diseases?
By carefully checking these points, you can select a healthy seedling. Choosing a healthy succulent will allow you to enjoy growing it for a long time.
(2) How to Identify Species and Names
When you purchase a succulent, it's important to identify its species and name. There are over 300 types of succulents, and their care methods vary by species. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of the specific variety is essential for growing it.
Here are two specific ways to identify the species and name:
Check the description on the pot: In many cases, the purchased pot comes with a plant description. You can identify the species and name from this description.
Research online: There are many websites that provide detailed information on succulent species and names. You can use such sites to find out the species and name of your purchased succulent.
Use these methods to identify the species and name of your newly acquired succulent.
3. First Thing to Do 2: Prepare the Right Pot and Soil
To grow succulents healthily, preparing the right pot and soil is essential.
(1) Choosing the Right Pot for Succulents: Succulents are drought-tolerant plants, but conversely, their roots are prone to rot if they remain wet for too long. Therefore, a pot with drainage holes at the bottom that drains well is ideal. For material, terracotta pots with good breathability or plastic pots designed for good drainage and breathability are recommended.
(2) Choosing the Right Soil for Succulents : Choosing the right soil for succulents is also important. It's desirable to select soil that drains well and also contains an appropriate amount of nutrients. Commercial succulent or cactus soil is suitable.
By selecting the right pot and soil, your succulents will grow healthy for a long time.
(1) How to Choose the Right Pot for Succulents
Once you buy a succulent, the first step is to get a suitable pot. The choice of pot significantly affects the plant's health and growth rate.
Ideally, the pot size should be slightly larger than the succulent plant itself. If the pot is too small compared to the seedling, the roots may not grow sufficiently, potentially hindering the plant's overall growth. Conversely, if it's too large, the soil may dry out slowly after watering, which can lead to root rot.
You also need to consider the material. Terracotta pots are aesthetically pleasing and offer good breathability, making them ideal for succulents, but their weight can make them difficult to move. Plastic pots, on the other hand, are light and easy to move, but they offer less breathability.
Finally, always ensure the pot has drainage holes. Succulents prefer moderate dryness, so good drainage is crucial. Without drainage holes, water can accumulate, leading to root rot.
Considering these points, choose the right pot to protect your plant's health and expand your enjoyment of succulents.
Slotted plastic pot
(2) Choosing the Right Soil for Succulents
When considering how to care for succulents, choosing the right soil is a crucial factor. Some species require well-draining soil, and it's particularly important to keep the soil dry during dormancy. If excess moisture remains in the soil, it can lead to root rot and the plant may die.
Key points for choosing appropriate soil are:
Drainage: Choose well-draining soil that doesn't retain excess moisture.
Aeration: Soil with good aeration is also recommended to help keep it dry.
Additionally, specialized succulent soil available at garden centers is recommended. If using general gardening soil, it's important to create a custom mix by adding materials like pumice or akadama soil to improve drainage and aeration.
4. First Thing to Do 3: Create the Right Environment
Succulents are naturally plants that thrive in dry environments, so balancing appropriate sunlight and watering, and managing temperature and humidity are essential.
(1) Balance of Sunlight and Watering:
Succulents love sunlight. However, strong direct sunlight from around the rainy season until early autumn can cause leaves to burn, so shading is necessary. While succulents are generally drought-tolerant, water management is crucial. It's especially important to water only after the soil has completely dried out.
(2) Temperature and Humidity Management:
Succulents are also sensitive to temperature, with an ideal range generally between 15°C and 25°C. However, some species have cold tolerance, so check when purchasing. Regarding humidity, succulents prefer dry conditions, so caution is needed, especially during humid summer months, as high humidity can lead to rot.
These are the ways to create an appropriate environment for growing succulents. Proper management will help you grow healthy plants.
(1) Balance of Sunlight and Watering
Succulents need plenty of sunlight. Particularly, varieties with vibrant colors demand more sun. Aim for at least five hours of direct sunlight daily. However, avoid strong summer sun and provide adequate light either in the morning or with shading.
Watering is best done after confirming the soil is dry. Check if the soil is dry not just on the surface, but all the way to the bottom of the pot. Once dry, water thoroughly, but a crucial point is to wait until the soil is completely dry again before the next watering. While some plants dislike dry conditions, succulents particularly dislike excessive moisture. Caution is necessary as it can cause root rot.
(2) Temperature and Humidity Management
Managing temperature and humidity is crucial for succulents. Ideally, maintain temperatures between 10℃ and 35℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and strive to create a stable environment. Regarding humidity, succulents prefer dry conditions, so particular attention is needed during humid summer months.
Also, there are now ways to manage temperature and humidity using smart home devices. You can link them with your smartphone to monitor the environment of your succulents in real-time. This allows you to constantly check if the appropriate temperature and humidity are maintained or if adjustments are needed.
With this knowledge, you can enjoy growing your succulents healthily.
5. First Thing to Do 4: Repotting
When you buy a succulent, the first thing to consider is repotting.
(1) Timing and Method of Repotting
Repotting succulents is done immediately after purchase, when they become crowded, or to prevent issues like root rot. The best time for repotting is from spring to early summer, but if repotting is necessary, you can do it anytime. Before placing the plant in a new pot, gently shake the roots to remove old soil.
(2) Transplanting Procedure into a Pot
When transplanting, place a layer of potting mix for succulents at the bottom of the pot, over drainage stones if used. Position the succulent at the correct depth, then add more soil around it. For succulents, a water space is not needed, so fill the pot with soil to allow it to dry out easily.
Perform these steps correctly to ensure your beloved succulents grow healthily. Repotting might seem difficult at first glance, but anyone can do it once they understand the procedure.
(1) Timing and Method of Repotting
When you acquire a new succulent, the first thing to consider is "repotting." Let's look closely at the timing and method.
If the seedling is vigorous, there's no immediate need to repot. However, it is recommended to repot during favorable seasons like spring or autumn. This is because commercially sold seedlings are likely planted in production soil, which may have high water retention. For the average person, managing watering intervals and timing with production soil can be difficult, so it's advisable to repot into soil with good drainage and aeration. However, if the purchased seedling is healthy and has no issues during the rainy season, midsummer, or deep winter when temperatures drop below freezing, it's fine to wait until a more favorable season to repot.
If the succulent you bought is unhealthy or damaged and requires urgent repotting, do it immediately.
(2) Transplanting Procedure into a Pot
The procedure for transplanting succulents into a pot is easy and can be done quickly even by beginners.
Preparation: First, prepare a suitable pot and soil appropriate for succulents. Ensure the pot always has good drainage holes at the bottom.
Lay the soil: Place a small amount of soil at the bottom of the pot. If necessary, put drainage stones at the very bottom.
Planting: Place the succulent in the pot and add soil around it. Ensure there's enough soil at the base so that the roots don't directly touch the pot.
Leveling: Use your hands to level the soil evenly. Make sure the soil surface is about 1cm higher than the base of the plant.
Watering: Finally, water thoroughly.
These are the basic steps for transplanting succulents into a pot. This will allow your succulents to thrive in their new home.
6. Next Challenge: Propagating Succulents
There are two methods for propagating succulents: leaf cuttings and division.
(1) Propagation by leaf cuttings: First, we will explain how to propagate by leaf cuttings. Select a healthy leaf and gently detach it from the base. Then, insert it into the soil, water it when the soil dries out, and wait for it to grow. Once sprouts and roots have firmly emerged, repot it.
(2) Propagation by division : Next is propagation by division. Succulents that have grown large can be divided with sharp scissors or a knife. Plant the cut off offsets in new pots.
Don't be afraid to try either method. They are easy ways to propagate, even for beginners, so enjoy building your own succulent collection.
(1) Propagation by leaf cuttings
One way to propagate succulents is by "leaf cuttings." First, select a healthy leaf and remove it from the plant. As a precaution, it must be broken off from the base when removed. Next, place the leaf on top of the soil or insert it into the soil. Water regularly when the soil dries out, and by repeating this process, a new plant will grow from the leaf.
However, not all types of succulents will succeed with leaf cuttings, so you need to choose the appropriate propagation method depending on the type of succulent you are growing.
(2) Propagation by division
Dividing succulents is one way to create multiple plants from a single plant, and it is also suitable for managing succulents that have grown large.
First, when separating new plants from the original plant, use clean scissors, a knife, or a fishing line to cut them. Next, insert them into new soil. Some people dry the cut surface before planting it in the soil, but it's fine to plant it immediately.
Water and you're done. After that, repeat the process of watering generously after the soil has completely dried out.
By following these steps, you can propagate new succulents while maintaining the health of the original plant.
7. Arrangement methods to enjoy
Succulents offer a variety of arrangements to enjoy, thanks to their rich diversity and appealing appearance.
(1) Group plantings
One method is group planting. By planting colorful succulents together in a single pot, you can enjoy their visual richness and three-dimensionality. Also, since each plant has a different growth rate and shape, the appearance changes over time, which is another one of its charms.
Furthermore, succulents can also serve as interior decorations. Not only can you plant them in simple pots, but by creating original pots using familiar items like glass jars or pottery, you can further enhance their appeal. For example, planting small succulents with herbs around the kitchen is recommended to create a natural atmosphere. However, most succulents require sunlight. If they are not shade-tolerant succulents, growing them indoors, even by a window, can cause etiolation or diseases, so caution is necessary.
(2) How to enjoy color coordination
Since multiple succulents can be planted in one pot, you can enjoy combining colors. Choose colorful succulents and try creating visually pleasing arrangements. For example, planting varieties with vibrant red or yellow stems and leaves alongside bluish varieties will create a beautiful contrast. Also, choosing flowering types allows you to enjoy the changing seasons.
The key is to consider not only color balance but also shape and size, arranging them so that their individual characteristics are highlighted. Create your own mini succulent garden and enjoy the colorful changes as it grows.
8. Summary
The four essential steps after acquiring a succulent are:
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Check the plant's condition: Confirm its health and identify its type and name.
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Prepare appropriate pots and soil: Choose pots and soil suitable for succulents.
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Create the right environment: Understand the balance of sunlight, watering, temperature, and humidity, and create an optimal environment.
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Repot: It is important to understand the repotting procedure and repot at the right time.
By implementing these steps, you can keep your newly acquired succulents healthy. In the future, try methods like leaf cuttings and division to expand your enjoyment of succulents.
(1) Review of basic steps after purchasing succulents
To ensure your new succulent thrives, let's first review the following basic steps:
1. Health check: Check if the plant is damaged or has any pest infestations.
2. Pot and soil preparation: Prepare a pot and soil suitable for succulents.
3. Environmental adjustment: Provide a bright environment while avoiding strong direct sunlight, and maintain appropriate humidity.
4. Repotting: After the plant has acclimatized to its new environment, repot it at the appropriate time.
Newly purchased succulents are in a delicate state. By following these basic steps and providing careful care, your succulents will grow healthy.
(2) Suggestions for future enjoyment
Ways to enjoy succulents in the future include easy propagation methods like "leaf cuttings" and "division," and creating your own original group plantings.
For instance, with leaf cuttings, you can enjoy the process of a new plant growing simply by taking a healthy leaf, drying it, and then inserting it into new soil. With division, you can enjoy more succulents by separating a large plant and planting it in a new pot.
Furthermore, by combining succulents of different colors and shapes to create group plantings, you can also enjoy them as interior decor. By freely combining and designing your favorite plants, you can create your own original works.
Through these enjoyment methods, you will be able to discover the deeper charm of succulents.
