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All About Succulents!

Table of Contents

Introduction 3 What are Succulents? 4 Watering Succulents 4 Best for Succulents 7 Best Containers for Succulents 8 Containers with Drainage Holes are Best 8 The How-Tos of Watering 9 Detecting Signs of Stress In Succulent 12 6 Easy To Grow Indoor Succulents 14 Lighting 16 Propagating Succulents 17 How To Propagate From A Succulent 17 Best Options for Leaf Propagation 18 Ideal Temperatures for Your Succulent Plants 19 Fertilizing Succulents 19 General Care of Succulents 20

Pests and Other Problems 21 Summary 22

Introduction Have you routinely heard that succulents are easy to care for, yet whenever you have one, it dies? Or perhaps you have a green thumb with all other plants and want to add succulents to your collage. Whatever your succulent story, we are here to help!

All About Succulents is going to share with you the important basics of succulent care and the differences among plants in this quick, comprehensive guide.

What are Succulents? Succulents are plants that can survive in an environment with limited water resources. The word succulent is derived from sucus, a Latin term meaning or juice. If you have ever noticed, succulents have fleshy thick and/or stems. This is where they store water, enabling them to survive arid areas. Many people use the terms cacti and succulent interchangeably but they are not the same. The is a succulent plant, but not all succulent plants are cacti.

There are many varieties of succulent plants that offer unusual colors, shapes and textures, making them a great choice if you are looking to expand your variety of and adding to your decor.

As with any plant, succulents require proper soil for nutrients, water and sunlight. The assortment of succulents range in size, color, shape and more; some of which require more attention than others. Here we will review the basics of caring for succulents indoors. So, whether you are a first-time succulent owner or already have a few plants but have begun encountering some issues with your plants, we will cover it here!

Watering Succulents Perhaps one of the most challenging parts of properly caring for succulents is knowing how much water is needed. This, in fact, is often where people encounter issues with succulents, from overwatering to underwatering.

Succulents hold water in their leaves, stems or as a means of reserving it for a , so daily watering is not necessary. However, they do still require water, and this is the part that can become tricky. Because succulents are able to retain water in their various parts, overwatering can result in the plants absorbing too much water and leading to rot. If this occurs, unless the rot is detected very early, the plants usually die as there is little that can be done once the rot begins.

On the other hand, succulents are also frequently underwatered due to the misunderstanding that they do not need much water. Thus, the common understanding that succulents don’t require much attention is not exactly true.

There is a wide variety of succulents, some of which are much easier to care for than others. Proper watering of succulents is dependent on the plant as well as the soil and container it is planted in. If you have succulents planted directly in the ground, the care will be quite similar as well.

Containers and Soil The watering techniques are determined by the type of soil and container succulents are planted because some retain water more so than others.

Store Bought Succulents Let’s consider for a moment the succulents that are available at the big box chain stores. Perhaps you have even purchased a few. No doubt you have been awed by the beautiful combinations of the plants that are carefully placed in an accent container. Some contain single succulent plants while others have three to five different types, each accenting the other. Upon seeing the beautiful arrangements you decide to purchase it for your home; only to find within a few weeks that the plant is no longer healthy looking and eventually dies.

This scenario has occurred for many of us and can result in frustration at the very least. Regardless of any challenges you may have with a green thumb, the demise of these plants is not likely your fault. These pre-planted succulent arrangements are typically sitting in a standard mixture of potting soil that have a small amount of perlite or pumice. Succulents fare best in that allow oxygen to flow to the roots, and unfortunately, those that are planted in the basic soil quickly become overly saturated with both water and nutrients, so try to avoid these.

If you do have succulents planted in this soil, plan to repot as soon as possible and remove as much of the potting soil from the roots as you can. The richness of this soil is not the best environment for succulents.

Best Soil for Succulents Succulents require a soil that allows for airflow around the roots of the plant, as well as good drainage that will help alleviate the issues of over saturation. The best soil for succulents will consist of a mixture of large particles such as crushed granite, pine bark fines and turface, all of which promote the airflow, allowing breathing room for the roots. Ultimately, there are as many soil mixtures for succulents as there are for any other plants and as you learn more about succulents you will find your favorite. The reason we mentioned the three above ingredients is because the combination of them typically work well for most all succulents.

Turface: A fired clay that has the ability to retain some nutrients while also promoting drainage.

Pine Bark Fines: A form of mulch made from the bark of Southern pines. The texture promotes water flow and the it provides protection for plants.

Granite: This helps prevent the soil from compacting which is important since succulents need optimum airflow.

You can create your own soil mix by combining equal parts of these three components and planting your succulents. While store bought soils for succulents are widely available, many of them still contain an overabundance of standard potting soil. However, if you do opt to use the store bought mixtures, either the cactus or succulent and plan on adding additional perlite. Also because of the heavier soil in these mixtures, airflow in the system will be reduced so be sure to keep regular check on the soil moisture to prevent over watering.

Best Containers for Succulents As we have previously mentioned, good water flow and drainage is crucial to having healthy succulents and for that reason, it is best to avoid pots without drainage holes. While it is not impossible to have healthy plants in these types of containers, it is more difficult, and best left for those who have lots of experience growing succulents.

Containers with Drainage Holes are Best Containers with one or more drainage holes allow air into the soil from the bottom of the container and will also prevent the soil from remaining wet for long periods of time. Most all of the terra cotta pots come equipped with drainage holes making them a great choice for planting succulents. Other decorative containers, including those made of porcelain or ceramic can be drilled, adding your own drainage holes, since many of them do not come pre-drilled. If you desire something easy and convenient, yet decorative too; then perhaps the best option is to select a terra cotta pot with a pre-existing drainage hole and placing it into a decorative container of your choice. Each time you water the plant, simply remove it from the decorative pot, being sure to remove any standing water to prevent mold growth.

Drilling a Drainage Hole Obviously some care needs to be taken when drilling a hole into a pot. The best way to drill a hole into a ceramic pot is with a diamond tipped drill bit; for plastic, resin or metal containers a series of holes can be created with a hammer and nail.

Containers without Drainage Holes Many of the most beautiful pots do not have drainage holes and it would be understandable if you’re hesitant to create your own drainage holes. In this instance, there are a few things you could do so your succulent stays healthy. The key is to avoid standing water when drainage is not possible.

You do have the option of adding gravel to the bottom of the pot which will help remove the moisture from the soil and promote better air flow, but a never ending moist environment will develop into mold growth or gnat infestation. When using an

enclosed container do not saturate the soil as much and do not water as frequently. The skewer test may prove beneficial in this scenario for testing the soils moisture level.

Pot Materials The materials that pots are made from can actually affect the health of a plant. Plastic is porous, therefore it can breathe to a degree and if no drainage holes are present, they can be added without a hassle. Plastic planters come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors and they are generally more cost efficient and lightweight compared to other materials.

Ceramic and terracotta plants are ideal for succulents because both materials promote air flow and evaporation. The pots that are made from these substances are sometime painted or glazed, which interferes with the breathability of them, but overall succulents do well in them. Some cons about the terracotta and ceramic pots are they tend to be more pricey and they are not as durable as plastic. The mere design of containers from either of these materials can weigh quite a bit and if they take a fall, they tend to shatter.

Metal containers work well if drainage holes are added. Also, in the form of metal, you can truly get creative in shapes and sizes and even repurpose a variety of containers. The one warning to share with metal containers is that they rust when in contact with water. Another downside is that metal containers do not regulate temperature well and if your succulents sit in a window sill, the metal can become extremely hot if in direct sunlight. If this occurs long enough, the soil and plant roots may suffer the effects of the temperature fluctuations.

Container materials are limited only by your imagination. We have all seen people plant in wheelbarrows, old shoes and purses, coffee cans and horse troughs. Choosing different items for planting containers can accentuate decor and allow you to express your personality through creativity. With any container you choose, be sure to address the basics of plant care so your succulents will thrive.

The How-Tos of Watering Now that you have your succulent in the best types of soil and container, it is time to discuss watering techniques. As you water your succulent plant, saturate the soil from

the top, and continue until water flows from the drainage hole. No further watering is required until the soil is completely dried out.

The rate at which the soil dries out is dependent on several factors including the temperature of the room, the amount of moisture in the air and how much sun the plant receives. Because of these varying factors, soil can dry out anywhere from a couple days to several days. Therefore, check the soil moisture regularly and water once the soil is dried out from top to bottom.

Allow the Roots to do Their Job The roots of succulents are designed to soak up all water resources in preparation of withstanding drought, so let them do their job. When the plants are living in the right soil and you practice these watering techniques, then the roots of the succulent will become strong. Basically, they will absorb as much water as possible when you water the plant and as the soil dries out, the roots grow deeper into the soil.

While some people spritz their succulents with water, this actually prevents the roots from growing larger and stronger and instead they become thin and do not grow deep into the soil. Again, let the roots do their job, water the soil until it is well saturated and let the roots soak up the water along with the nutrients derived from the soil.

Avoid Watering the Tops of Plants When you apply water to the plants, it is best to water the soil, rather than pouring water directly over the plants leaves and stem. While getting the tops of plants wet does not mean instant death, it can increase the likelihood of rot if water remains standing directly on the plant, especially when there is limited airflow. Again, let the roots do their job in soaking up the water.

In lieu of watering the soil directly, there are watering stones available specifically designed to absorb water, which is then soaked up by the soil. The watering stones also help prevent water from pooling on the plant itself and it reduces the occurrence of the soil being moved around due to direct contact with water.

Watering Frequency The succulent plants will not need watering until the soil is completely dried out. Keep in mind that this frequency will change depending on the environment. If the plants are near ventilation in your home, whether heating or air conditioning, the airflow will naturally be increased for the plant, so it may dry out faster. Also, depending on the temperatures, plants will typically require more water in the warmer temperatures than during the months of cooler temperatures.

The top of the soil will naturally dry out before the bottom of the soil, so keep check on it regularly. As you begin making your own observations, you will become familiar with the routine that your plants thrive best in. For example, some plants can remain in soil that is completely dried out for a day or two before watering. Sometimes this method further prevents overwatering, but some plants begin to shrivel quickly in the absence of any moisture. Most likely it will take a bit of experimentation on your part since there are so many variables.

Testing Soil for Dryness Attempting to test soil for dryness merely by touch is not the best option. Instead, try using a wooden skewer, inserting it from top to bottom and leaving it for a few seconds. When you remove the skewer, if there is any moisture at all, check in again after a couple more days and water only when the soil is completely dry.

Another option is to check the weight of the container. This, of course will take practice on your part and requires you becoming extremely familiar with the plants. Obviously as the soil dries out, the container will become increasingly lighter. Whichever method you choose, with a bit of tenacity, you will get a feel for the length of time it takes for your plants to dry out and you’ll no longer need to check so frequently.

Growing Season As with any plant, succulents have an active growing season as well as a period of time in which they go dormant. During the dormant season of a plant, the rate of growth will slow down considerably as will the amount of water the plant requires. While the dormant season of indoor plants is much less drastic than those outdoors, it occurs nevertheless. During the dormant season, continue to use the same watering techniques, but adjust the frequency in which you water according to the soil dryness because it will ultimately remain moist for a longer time period during the plant’s dormancy.

Differences in Species Some succulent species have thicker leaves and stems than others, which affect their need for water. While the roots are the primary source of water retention for succulents, water is absorbed throughout the plant. Typically the plants that have thicker leaves do not require watering as often as those with thinner leaves and stems. Also, if various species of succulents are combined in the same arrangement, they will need careful monitoring. When plants are healthy, those with the larger root and leaf systems will be more hearty and able to withstand dry soil for longer periods of time. However, in this scenario, you will need to determine the watering schedule that works best for your plant combination.

Detecting Signs of Stress In Succulent Plants Having healthy plants means knowing when to detect signs of stress from your plant. The plant will actually tell you if it needs more or less water; it merely requires you learning the signs to look for.

When a plant has an ample supply of water, the leaves will be plump and firm to the touch and there will be no signs of wrinkles or yellowing.

The Right Amount of Water Sometimes visible signs of wrinkling in plant leaves occurs in instances of under watering as well as over watering, so learn to test by touch. A quick and gentle squeeze of the leaves will let you know if you are overwatering because the leaves will feel soggy and limp.

Signs of Over Watering Over watering is easily done and while damage from over watering is sometimes difficult to reverse, it is worth a try. There are a few telltale signs that you are over watering your succulents.

● Leaves fall off at the slightest movement. This occurs because the leaves have absorbed too much water, making it difficult to remain attached to the stem. ● Yellowing or transparency of the leaves is another indication of oversaturation. ● If the leaves have a sogginess or droopines to them, inspect the plant near the soil and stem and check for black areas and if present, this is a sign of rot. Sometimes a plant can be saved by away the black areas and replanting the top healthy portion of the plant, after it has dried out and calloused over for a few days. ● If your succulent is planted in standard potting soil, try replanting it in new soil. Be sure to wash away the soil from roots and avoid using soil that will retain too much water or prevent airflow for the plant’s root system.

Every plant will have leaves that eventually die, and in a healthy plant this will occur near the base of the plant while the top remains beautiful with new growth.

Damage from over watering is not always reversible, but it is worth a try. As soon as you notice symptoms of over saturation, take steps to help your plant dry out. Unfortunately, when succulents are purchased from stores or a nursery, the damage from over watering is not apparent until after you’ve had it for a while. If you buy your plants from a store, especially a box store, check that the soil is not overly wet. While you are assessing the health of the plant, also check for signs of yellowing, black spots or leaves falling off.

Signs of Under Watering People often mistake that succulent means the plants love a -like environment and fail to provide the plant with enough water. Just as plants display symptoms when being over watered, the same is true for under watering. Earlier we mentioned that leaves near the base of the plant will naturally fall off as new growth occurs; so don’t mistake this as a sign of under watering. When a plant is starving for more water, the leaves will wrinkle and feel dry to the touch. The wrinkling that occurs with underwatering will not be mushy but can be soft. In addition to wrinkles, if you notice spotting on the areas of new growth, it too is a sign of underwatering.

An under watered succulent is much easier to revive than an over watered one. If there are leaves on the plant that do have spots, or dry scabs, those will not clear up, but it will not be apparent on new healthy leaves. If a plant is under watered, you can also check the stem of the plant and if it feels stick-like it is dehydrated.

If plants have encountered under watering, be sure that the soil is thoroughly soaked at each watering interval, then, as per the watering technique recommended, allow soil time to completely dry out before the next watering. When a plant is able to recover from being under watered, you will notice new plant growth and healthy, revived leaves within just a few days after a good soil soaking. In some cases if a plant has starved for water too long, the stem will be crispy and will likely not recover.

Succulents need water and finding the perfect amount of water can sometimes be tricky. However, when you question what the right amount of water is, it is better to under water rather than over water.

6 Easy To Grow Indoor Succulents Indoor succulents enhance the atmosphere of both home and office and there are several varieties to choose from. When you are first starting to grow succulents, it is best to opt for species that do not require a lot of maintenance.

#1 Snake Plant The snake plant or trifasciata is a plant that requires very little maintenance and thrives well in low light areas. It has slender green leaves that grow tall and pointy.

#2 Gollum Jade This plant, also referred to as the argentea, and in the world of succulents resembles a . It consists of green tube-like leaves with tips that are tinted red. This succulent sometimes produces that are with or pink.

#3 Zebra Wart The scientific name is reinwardtii that is green with white stripes, hence the name zebra.

#4 A String of Pearls This perhaps is one of the most beautiful and easy-to-care for succulent plants available. When added in with a combination of other hearty succulents, the string of pearls, aka Rowleyanus will add a touch of softness to the mix.

#5 Tiger Jaws This too is a pointy leaf succulent that is adorned with “teeth-like” spines along the outer edges of the leaves and is referred to scientifically as tigrina.

#6 Hen and Chicks This succulent, also called Echeverria, consists of short stumpy leaves that grow in clusters similar to a and is easy to take care of.

While these are some of the more common succulents that do not require a lot of know-how or maintenance, they will definitely add liveliness to any room decor. There are endless varieties of succulent plants to choose from, some of which have brighter colors, but a general rule of thumb is the brighter the plant, the more light it requires. Oftentimes, indoor lighting is limited so it may be better to add the harder-to-care-for plants to your display after you have learned the basics with the heartier plants.

Lighting All living things need light and your succulents are no different. While the heartier plants are able to endure lighting inconsistencies more than others, a light source is still necessary. Finding places indoors that provide enough natural sunlight for plants can sometimes be challenging.

Fortunately, direct sunlight is not required, but succulents do need an average of six hours of light every day. Choose the areas in your home that provide the most lighting. If you have south-facing windows, that will be the best option. Avoid the mistake of sitting your plants directly in the window sill because the glass of the window will soak up the heat of the sun, which can actually burn the leaves of your plants. If plants do get burned, the leaves will have black or brown spots on them from being scorched by the sun.

When plants are receiving an ample amount of sunlight, the leaves will maintain a healthy coloration and will grow plump and compact. In contrast, for plants that are starving for sunlight, the leaves will grow long, thin and misshapen in an effort to reach towards the light. Finding the perfect lighting indoors can be a challenge versus outdoors where lighting can come from all directions throughout the course of the day. This is yet another step in your personal experimentation in determining the perfect scenario for your indoor succulent plants.

Lighting and Plant Coloration In the section where we discussed the easy-to-grow plant options for beginners, another commonality among these varieties is the primary coloration is green. The brighter the plant leaves, the more sunlight it requires to remain healthy. When brightly colored plants do not receive enough sunlight, they do not necessarily die but they may lose their color.

Additionally, when succulents enjoy great lighting conditions, the outer edges of the leaves may show signs of pinkish or reddish tints, known as blushing. Naturally, as you add to your succulent collection you will want to enjoy the brighter colored plants as well so just provide them with a well-lighted environment.

Grow Lights As An Option Grow lights can be a good option for a lighting supplement. However, this form of lighting will not serve as a replacement for natural sunlight. The use of grow lights will definitely provide increased light exposure to your succulents; and if you have plants that have stretched out in an effort to find more lighting, making them thin and leggy then this additional source of light may be just what your plants need.

In general, when using grow lights, the plants seem to gain the most benefit with lighting placed directly above them versus to the sides. Keep in mind that when using supplemental lighting, you should only burn them during the day because succulents require some darkness. To reiterate, natural sunlight is always the best option and your plants will be much happier as well.

When and if some of your succulents do become leggy, or stretched, you can always use it as an opportunity to propagate your plants and expand your indoor succulent garden, or gift them to someone.

Propagating Succulents Some succulents are more easy to propagate from single leaves than others. Propagating in summary is clipping the leaves from the succulent and allowing them to dry out for a few days. After that, simply place the dried leaf into dirt and let it grow.

How To Propagate From A Succulent Leaf Healthy leaves can be removed from the plant by gently twisting until snapping away from the stem. A healthy, complete removal of leaf from stem will not leave any portion protruding from the stem. After removal the leaves will need to dry out for a few days in a warm lighted area away from direct sunlight. This can be on a dry surface or atop dry dirt. Following the two to three days of drying out the leaf, place it on top of soil. Unlike the mature succulent plants that require soil to dry out between watering, the leaves that you plant need to stay damp until roots develop. Using a misting bottle during this process works great.

Within three weeks, you will notice new growth on the leaf, however it is not time to plant the babies in soil until the propagated leaf has turned brown and fallen off.

Best Options for Leaf Propagation Not all succulents produce new plants from leaves. To try your hand at propagation, for the first time, choose from one of the three plants listed below.

#1 Ghost Plant - This is one of the fastest growing succulents and new growth is easily started from a single leaf.

#2 Fred Ives - This succulent is purplish in coloration and not only is it simple to grow from a leaf, the plant itself produces lots of new growth all alone.

#3 Jelly Bean Plant - The leaves on this plant are shaped similarly to a jelly bean, hence the name. It is green, often with tinges of pink or red on the ends and is the third of the three succulents to propagate from a leaf.

Once the babies have used all nutrients from the propagated leaf, it will dry out and turn brown. This typically happens after eight weeks or so and is an indication that the new plant can be potted.

Propagating with Offsets Offsets are those little plants that peek out of the soil around the base of the main succulent plant. These offsets are often referred to as “pups.” The offsets can be separated from the parent plant at the base of the plant, by gently pulling them apart, keeping the root system in tact. Once this is done, the offset plant will need to have all dirt removed from the roots and dried out for two days in a warm area with indirect sunlight. After the roots of the offset plant have calloused over, they can be planted in their own pot.

Propagating your own plants is a great way to expand your collection, so enjoy experimenting!

Ideal Temperatures for Your Succulent Plants Succulents grow best in mild temperatures in the range of 70 degrees fahrenheit. The more your plant remains in a consistent temperature, the healthier it will be. Most succulents cannot tolerate temperatures below 40 degrees or above 90 degrees. Fortunately, with indoor succulent plants the temperatures will not fluctuate as much as an outdoor climate can; however, if you decide to move plants outdoors during the warmer temperatures, be mindful of the various species. Some plants prefer warmer temperatures more than others.

Fertilizing Succulents Sometimes it is surprising to realize that people think having succulents equates to “no care required.” Just as with the misunderstanding that water is not necessary, some people fail to realize that fertilizer is necessary to. All plants need fertilizer for nutrition and this is especially true of indoor plants.

While some outdoor plants can receive nutrients from the grounds soil, when plants are in containers, both outdoors and indoors, the soil in which they grow has no way of acquiring more nutrients unless we physically add those nutrients. Hence, the need for fertilizer in order to keep your succulents healthy.

Fertilizer does not need to be added often; typically once every three months, being sure to avoid fertilization during the dormant stages of your plants. Too much fertilizer can actually do a plant more harm than good, so start with a diluted fertilizer such as a 10-10-10.

General Care of Succulents The basics of a healthy succulent include plenty of indirect sunlight, steady temperatures, a good soil mixture that enhances oxygen and the right amounts of water. When succulents are happy and healthy, they will grow and some will . In this section we will review maintenance that may become necessary for your succulents.

Should I Repot My Plants? Succulents will grow and if you want to encourage that growth, than transfer the plant to a larger pot, but not too large. If you increase the container size too much then the roots of the plant may grow fast as they enjoy the extra space, but the plant itself will not grow larger. It is best to replant in a pot just slightly smaller and then move up incrementally as the plant grows.

However, if you prefer the succulent stay smaller, keep it in a smaller pot. The lack of area for the roots to grow will stunt the growth of the plant.

What Do I Do With the Babies? Some succulents produce new along the stems. These new shoots, or rosettes will do fine if you leave them alone or you can remove them to increase your number of succulent plants. Depending on the species of succulents that you have, you may quickly discover that more babies are produced than you have room for. When that happens, turn them into a gift and share with neighbors and loved ones!

When Succulents Bloom Seeing the little flowers on succulents can be fun! Enjoy the extra colors while they bloom, which may be for just a few days or a few weeks. As the blooms dry up and die, simply cut them from the plant and discard. Succulent blooms are intended purely for their beauty; no propagation is possible from the blooms, so just admire them while you can.

Pests and Other Problems In addition to creating the perfect environment for your succulents so they will thrive, there are a few pests and other problems that you may encounter.

Gnats Gnats may be small but can be very annoying and will quickly grow in quantity. If gnats are flying around your plants or ones you are considering for purchase, be forewarned that they are indicative of over watering. These little buggers enjoy wet soil and will lay tons of eggs on your plants, if given the opportunity.

While gnats do not cause direct harm to your succulents, you will want to get rid of them quickly. In addition to helping the soil dry out which helps your plants and makes for an undesirable environment for the insects, you can pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on the soil’s surface to kill them. Another option is to mix a combination of dish soap and apple cider vinegar, placed in a shallow container near the area the gnats are swarming. The smell of the vinegar will attract them and the dish soap will prevent them from escaping.

Mealy Bugs Mealy bugs are sometimes attracted to succulents and will appear in the form of growth that resembles white rice or small web-like looking sacs on the leaves of your plants. This is an infestation that can quickly spread to other plants. Just as the isopropyl alcohol will kill gnats, it will also take care of mealy bugs and eggs that are in the soil. However, taking time to replant the infected succulent in fresh, new soil is sometimes the best option. If you choose this route, carefully rinse away all pre-existing soil to avoid transferring any eggs.

Roots Are Growing On Stems This is a sign of happy and healthy plants and no reason for alarm. The roots on stems are called aerial roots and it is a common occurrence among a variety of succulent plants. They develop as a reaction to humidity in the air and on occasion they may be a

sign that the plants roots beneath the soil are not receiving enough water. In this instance, review the watering techniques and pay closer attention to the plant and re- adjust the watering schedule, if necessary. The aerial roots can easily be pulled off without causing harm to your plant.

Black Spots on Leaves Black spots on leaves can be a sign of the plant being sunburned from direct light. If you opt to place your plants in a window sill or direct sunlight, they should set at least a foot away from the glass, as this acts like a magnifying glass and can result in burns on the plant. Another reason black spots may occur is when the plant is under watered, as reviewed in the section on under watering. In either instance, the black spots will not go away but the leaves can be removed without causing damage to the plant.

Summary Succulent plants are beautiful and once you get familiar with the preferences of each of your plants, it will become easier with each new addition. There is no lack in styles and textures with the multitude of varieties in succulent species. Our hope is that this guide has provided you with useful information to grow and propagate healthy succulent plants.