How to grow succulents

Location

The vast majority of succulents prefer direct sunlight, but some specific species prefer partial shade or shade. Examples include members of the genus Gasteria, Hawortia, Hoya and Euphorbia, among others. Detailed information on the location of succulents can always be found on the website of the specific succulent species.

If we have the opportunity, we place the succulents outside in direct sunlight, which is very beneficial for the plants. Succulents placed in this way become hardier and at the same time acquire more colourful shades. At the beginning it is a good idea to protect the plants from the first strong sun, because of the scorching of the leaves. We therefore recommend that the plants be grounded or temporarily placed in partial shade in the first few days so that they first get used to direct sunlight. If your conditions do not allow you to keep the succulents outside, place them as close to a window as possible, ideally facing south.

If there is a lack of sunlight, succulents are unhealthily drawn to the light and lose their healthy appearance and natural colour.

Temperature

Indoor plants are suitable for temperatures between 18 and 25 °C. At extremely high temperatures, which are typical for a greenhouse (from about 45 °C), the plants will gradually die. The succulents we offer are not frost-resistant (except in the category of rock plants). Therefore, the temperature should not fall below 0 °C in winter. Ideal winter temperatures are between 10 and 15 °C. However, most succulents can withstand moderate temperatures below freezing for a short period of time if the substrate is dry.

Watering

Succulents do not like to be permanently wet, so water ideally a few days after the substrate has dried out. The leaves are a natural water reservoir and therefore do not need to be watered as often as other plants. They are in fact the camels of the plant kingdom. From spring to autumn we are around two waterings per week, depending on the weather. During the winter we keep watering to a minimum, e.g. once every 14 days with a small amount of water.

During the summer, plants love to be watered in the evening from the top of the leaves. However, if they are watered during the day, there is a risk of sunburn on the leaves. During cooler periods, it is better to water directly on the substrate itself. Whether you choose to water from above or from below in a bowl is not so important.

If aerial roots form excessively or if we observe shrivelled leaves, we recommend watering more.

Even among succulents, there are exceptions with a reverse growth period (they grow mainly in the cold season), e.g. the genera Tylecodon and Conophytum. Again, detailed information on these plants is given on the website for the specific species.

Substrate

We use airy substrates that dry out quickly and are not too rich in nutrients. Substrates with a mixture of sand or gravel are ideal. Pre-mixed substrate can be bought in garden shops, designed for cacti and succulents only.

Fertilizing

Most species of succulents do not need fertiliser to grow. Some succulents, on the other hand, can be fertilised; please refer to the descriptions of the individual plants to find out which ones. If we decide to fertilise succulents, we use a fertiliser designed for cacti and succulents.

Pests

Succulents are generally not plants that are frequently attacked by insect pests. However, if pest problems do occur, spray insecticides (Mospilan or Careo spray is recommended). Biological control can also be used, which does not pollute the environment. These include products against worms (Cryptobug), aphids (Aphipar, Aphidend) or mites (Spidex). Biological products, listed in brackets, are available in the Czech Republic from Biocont.

Among the pests we can encounter, for example, woolly adelgid, silkworm or rootworm. Slugs (especially snails) can also be a problem.

Manifestations during the year

Plants grow most during spring and autumn. Over the summer, when the season is warm, there is a period of stagnation. There are the aforementioned exceptions with a reversed growth period (growing mainly in the cold season), e.g. the genera Tylecodon and Conophytum.

During the winter the plants naturally have more shrivelled leaves, many of which fall off to form a bare stem. Aerial roots are also more common.

Replanting

If you want to repot, do not water for a few days beforehand to keep the substrate dry and make it easier to work with. Repot during spring, and only handle the substrate if necessary during the rest of the year. Water the newly transplanted succulent lightly. A pot about 2 cm larger than the old one is suitable for repotting. We recommend repotting every 2 to 3 years.

Extra care should be taken when repotting succulents that contain specific substances. These include the rubber (milk) of the genus Euphorbia and the alkaloid content of some Senecio species. Their consumption should be avoided, especially by children and pets. However, these are not violent poisons, so there is no reaction on contact with the skin. Just wash your hands with soap after handling.

Life story:
There was a moving in our city hall. One of the grown-up Euphorbia had to be moved. The former mayor accidentally broke off a branch of this plant. He tasted the leaking milk. But he shouldn't have done that. For four days, he said, he felt bitterness in his mouth and temporarily lost his appetite, so he did not enjoy his favourite game feast, which he had been looking forward to for a month.

Reproduction

Plant propagation can be carried out during all seasons. However, spring is the ideal time to propagate most succulent species. Propagation can be done in several ways. If a leaf is plucked and allowed to root, it will grow into a new plant for some species. Other options are cuttings, grafting or propagation by cuttings. If we have seeds, we usually sow them in moist substrate during the winter. During germination, we try to simulate the conditions typical of the species' home range.