Plants are generally very easy to take care of, but succulents excel even more when it comes to their simplicity and elegance. They require very straightforward care, but they still make your space feel more lively and fresh. 

A succulent is a wonderful way to take a room to the next level. A place that was once drab and dull can be made new and unique, and all those who enter will know that you are responsible and take great care of your space. That is a lot to glean simply from seeing a sparklingly healthy plant, but that is the power of the succulent, and that is what makes them so worthwhile.

Pay Attention to the Kind of Soil You Use

Succulents do best in soil that drains any extra water that the plant does not need. This is because a lot of damage can be done in the case of overwatering, and the delicate roots of the plant can quickly suffer. Browning, root rot, and other overwatering-based maladies are all possibilities, but careful watering and an effective potting mixture can both work to keep them at bay.

Many of the best succulent potting soils take the form of a sandy, pebbly mixture which works perfectly for the plant’s needs. That is why Lula’s Garden uses this kind of easy-draining mixture for our stunning succulents. 

When eventually repotting your succulent, be sure to use a soil mixture with great drainage capabilities, as the excess water needs somewhere to go. Many nurseries offer convenient cactus soil and succulent soil, but it is also possible to make it at home. 

Adding pumice to ordinary gardening soil can help it drain easier, as can ingredients like crushed granite and pine. Again, the most important aspect of a succulent’s soil is that it drains easily, so look into options that effectively pull water away from the plant.

Pick a Planter That Has What Your Succulent Needs

Succulents from Lula’s Garden come in stunning ivory planters that make a beautiful asset to any space, and these boxes are also perfect for your plant at the beginning of its life. They are perfectly sized and contain draining soil, making them an all-in-one solution for your new succulent. 

As your succulent ages and is cared for thoughtfully and thoroughly, it will begin to grow. This is a sign that you are doing an excellent job in caring for it! Over the course of a few months, your succulent may outgrow its planter. If this is the case, it is time to reassess your plant’s needs, and repot.

Always Repot Your Plant With Care

Repotting a succulent is a delicate process, as the roots can be fragile. The wellbeing of the roots is integral to the plant’s health as a whole, so be sure to approach this often necessary part of the plant-care process prepared.

Steps Required To Repot a Succulent

It is possible after a period of steady growth that your succulent will become “root bound,” meaning that its roots have run out of available space in the planter to spread and grow. In order to care for the roots and the plant in general, it is best to follow a certain series of steps when replanting.

Remove the Soil From the Planter

After you have removed as much soil as you can, it is time to very carefully remove the succulent from its former home. Do so gently, making sure not to damage the roots. 

Once the plant is out, remove more soil from around the roots, but do not worry if there is still some remaining. It is better to have some of the old remaining soil than to possibly harm the roots. It is alright if some roots are damaged or removed during this process, but you will want to keep as many intact as possible unless you are planting into a succulent garden and need more space.

Prepare the New Planter for a Succulent

The plant’s new home has to be made into a hospitable environment before the succulent can be introduced. During this step, put the new soil into the planter, filling it up most of the way to the top. This will be either cactus soil, succulent soil, or a cultivated mix made at home to ensure proper drainage.

Add the Plant

Now is the moment you have been waiting for—it’s finally time to introduce your plant to its new home. Place your succulent into the soil mixture, carefully incorporating the roots inside it. Making sure that the roots are undamaged and have access to the soil will help get the growing process off to a great start.

Finish It Off

To make sure your succulent is fully secured in the planter, add a little more soil to the top. Not only will this ensure that your plant does not fall and will remain exactly where you put it, but this also means that it definitely has a good amount of soil. Leave a little remaining room at the top for one last layer. 

This last layer will contain pebbles, rocks, or another similar material. Again, this will help keep the plant in place while also creating a beautiful aesthetic effect for your plant. Lastly, be sure not to water your plant for several days after replanting. This allows the roots a chance to recover and return to full strength.

Caring for Your Succulent After It Is Planted

Now that you have gone through the hard part of repotting your succulent, you can return to its regular care routine. In case you need a reminder of best practices when it comes to looking after this low-maintenance plant variety, we have some tips.

Give Your Plant the Right Amount of Water

Water is one of the few basic necessities your succulent requires to survive. It should receive water roughly every seven to ten days. Lula’s Garden provides all succulents with a helpful dropper tool. Use two to four full dropper amounts to hydrate your plant. Place the water near the stem, and the moisture will sink through the pebbles and soil to go directly to the root.

Make sure not to overwater your plant, as this can cause all kinds of adverse effects for your plant. Feel the soil around your plant and determine its moisture level. If it is dry, you should water your succulent. If it is still moist, leave it for a little while.

Give Your Plant the Right Amount of Sunlight

Most succulents require six hours of indirect sunlight a day, but it is important not to overexpose them. Too much exposure to sunlight or too much time in the sun’s direct rays can give your plant a sunburn, causing the leaves to become damaged and turn brown. Keep your plant in a spot where it receives indirect natural light to ensure it stays healthy and gets all the sun it needs.

A Beautiful and Rewarding Plant

Having a succulent nearby connects us with nature, something that we lack all too much nowadays. There is even a word for this phenomenon, and how being close to natural sources makes us feel more centered—biophilia. 

Biophilia is a naturally inherited trait in humans, and it stems from us not having as deep a relationship with nature as we truly need. Having and caring for houseplants is an excellent and accessible way for many of us to rectify this natural deficit and improve our general wellbeing.

Enjoy the benefits of a succulent today! Shop all gardens here. 

Sources: 

How To Plant Succulents | DIY Network

The Complete Guide to Growing Succulents As Houseplants | Gardening Channel

Why Plants Make Us Feel Good | Huffington Post