Succulents an easy plant to beautify the home

Tips for succulent plants

Succulent plants grow just as well potted as they do in wild soil.

The variety of groundcovers, perennials and larger tree-type plants offers gardeners a wealth of options

Shape, texture and color can vary in each specimen, often resulting in some wildly different plants.

Preparing the soil is the first step for gardeners. Use a well-drained, sandy loam. If your soil is already rich in clay, try to mix in some dolomite to break it up. It can also be mixed with river sand, which succulent plants tend to love.

No compost needs to be added to the soil, and fertilizers should be kept to a minimum. Potting mix must be free-draining if you want to grow the plants in containers instead of directly in the soil.

Most succulent plants are sun-lovers. Planters should remove any large trees or other obstructions to help the plants meet their sunlight requirements. Though some survive in partial shade, very few can thrive in full-shade.

Succulents are not easily pruned. Make sure to plant them farther apart than you would plant equivalent perennials.

Remember to remove dead flowers, leaves and shoots. Leaving them attached increases the risk of plant diseases associated with decomposition in the main trunk.

Prune the succulents to remove anything that looks weak. Deadheading is another way to maintain the healthy plants.

Dust your plants using a hairdryer on a light speed. Dust can settle between the spines and that makes it very difficult to keep the plants dust free. Using a blow-dryer can simulate natural wind and keep the plants healthy.

Brackish (water with a high sodium or sodium carbonate content) or hard water will leave a residue of mineral salts that could build up and become detrimental to the plants. Flush the plants with fresh water regularly.