A succulent plant can be difficult to care for, but there are a few things you can do to help it grow. These include watering it, fertilizing it, and isolating it from spider mites or pests. These simple care tips will help you take care of your new succulent in no time.
Whether you’ve been gifted a succulent or you picked up a echeveria at the store, it’s important to learn how to care for succulents. We talked to Caro Langton and Rose Ray, the authors of House of Plants: Living with Succulents, Air Plants, and Cacti about how to create more eco-friendly homes. In their new book, they also share photos and illustrations of what they consider the chicest houseplants around.
Watering a succulent plant
To get the most out of your succulents, you should water them regularly. Ideally, you should water them every other day. However, if you have a smaller plant, it may need more frequent watering. You should also check the moisture level of the soil regularly. Wet soil makes the pot heavier, so it’s important to check this every couple of weeks.
You should use a half-strength balanced fertilizer about once a month. However, don’t overdo the fertilizer or water your succulents during hotter weather. They’ll likely rot. To ensure success, soak the soil well and then wait at least two days.
Fertilizing a succulent plant
Fertilizing a succulent plant requires some care. If you do it incorrectly, it may not grow properly or may even die. A succulent plant’s health depends on the type of soil it is in. A well -drained soil is essential for succulents. Regular watering will ensure that your succulent plant grows well.
Before you fertilize a succulent plant, read the directions on the package. Different fertilizers are designed for different plants. Some should be used in water and some should be mixed with soil. Some succulent fertilizers are slow-release and should be mixed into the soil when planting the plant. You should also follow the recommended dose for each fertilizer.
It is best to use a fertilizer that has a high ‘N’ ratio. This helps encourage stem and leaf growth. A low ‘P’ ratio is okay, but you don’t want it to be so low that it kills the plant.
Isolating a succulent from pests
Before you add a new succulent to your collection, it’s important to isolate it from pests and disease for two to three weeks. This will give you time to remove insects and diseases and repot the plant in a clean succulent pot. It’s also important to keep the surrounding soil clean. Dust, leaves, and other debris can provide hiding places for pests and disease.
The most common pest for succulents is the mealybug, which can affect different parts of the plant. Mealybugs can feed on the plant’s tissue and hide in ribs or tubercles. They can also live on the spines of cactus plants and suck their juices. If you suspect an infestation, you should check your plant every few days.
Isolating a succulent from spider mites
The first step in treatment of spider mite infestation is to isolate the infected plant. Symptoms of infestation include discoloration, rips, and falling leaves. Spider mites are small and hard to notice until they have become a significant population. You can use diatomaceous earth to dehydrate them and apply chemical treatments. You can also try adding predatory insects like lady beetles or wheel bugs to your plant to control the mite population.
One way to avoid being attacked by spider mites is to keep the soil clean and moist at all times. Succulents may harbor these insects, which can also spread to nearby plants. You can also use sticky traps to control adult insects.
Isolating a succulent from mealy bugs
There are several techniques for isolating a succulent plant from mealy bugs. Early detection is important for successful treatment. Mealybugs are most common on the back of leaves. If you spot a mealybug, you can use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol to remove it. Take care to leave no live mealybugs on the plant.
First, clean the plant thoroughly by rinsing it under a strong stream of water. After rinsing the plant, you should wash the pot with hot soapy water. Once you are done with this, replant it in a fresh pot. If you don’t have a fresh pot, repot the succulent in a pot you have cleaned and sanitized. Moreover, use fresh soil when planting the succulent. Don’t reuse old soil as it is an ideal habitat for insects and diseases.
