Succulents are popular little plants that are fairly easy to care for. Succulents also complement any decor. Potting succulents is a great hobby for avid gardeners who can’t wait out the winter.
However, succulents do need special care during the potting process to help them thrive. If you know exactly what to do, potting succulents is easy. Here’s what you need to know to succeed!
How To Pot Succulents
1. Supplies for Potting Succulents
All you’ll need is your favorite succulent and a planting medium. When potting succulents, be away that the planting medium is the most important route to success. It must consist of half potting mix and half perlite. You should also choose a pot that is slightly larger than your plant, and doesn’t have drain holes. Why should the pot have no drain holes? Because as you care for your succulent, it is best to mimic a drought and flood cycle. Some water should drain to the bottom and stay there for the plant to absorb later on.
2. Perlite for Potted Succulents
Even though some water should drain to the bottom of the pot for later, you don’t want the roots to sit in water. To avoid killing your succulent via root rot, perlite goes into the bottom of your pot first. Drop 1 or 2 handfuls of plain perlite in the bottom before you add planting medium.
3. Use Potting Medium for Succulents
Grab a bucket and mix your own succulent potting medium, if you’re doing it yourself. This requires one part good potting soil to one part perlite. If not mixing potting medium yourself, purchase a potting mix specifically made for succulents. Add the potting mix to the pot to about one inch below the top.
4. Time to Plant
It’s time to put your succulent its new pot. Make a hole in the middle of the potting soil. It should be about the size of the root ball. Gently place the succulent into the soil. Be sure the plant looks level. Use gentle pressure to secure it in place, then cover the roots completely with the soil. Add a little more perlite on top of the soil.
5. Water
After planting, give your succulent a good drink of water and put it in a sunny place. Refrain from watering again until the soil feels totally dry. This could be as long as two weeks, so don’t worry!
What about mixing soil with sand? Then the perlite at bottom?
Yes, you can do that as well! 🙂