Some like it hot and succulents are some of those plants. Most succulents are native to dry desert areas which means they do well in the heat of the summer around here.
Succulents store water in their leaves, stems and other structures which give them that unique look that we love. Meanwhile, they essentially water themselves in a slow-release manner. What more could a gardener ask for? If you're a lazy gardener (meaning you're not a huge fan of getting out that hose and watering very often), this might be your best bet to add a little green flare and eclectic texture to your landscape this summer. Succulents were born to thrive! In our books, this makes them the ultimate vacation plant.
Whether you're planting your outdoor succulents in the ground or in a pot, they'll need well-drained soil to grow. We suggest using a special potting mix made for succulents or cacti. It may also be helpful to top that with small rocks or pebbles to reduce weeds and conserve the moisture in the ground. In almost all cases, you'll want to plant your succulents in a place that receives as much sun as possible. There are, however, a few varieties that can tolerate a little bit of shade. Read the labels when you're selecting yours to be sure they're a perfect fit for the spot you have in mind. In the winter, most succulents will need to be brought inside so consider using containers to plant your succulents in.
The surest way to kill your succulents is overwatering. Keep an eye on yours and do a little finger test every once in a while. If the first two inches of soil are dry, it's time to water again. This will be dependent on the amount of rain they receive and the humidity levels.
Be sure to remove dead stems when needed to keep your succulents looking pretty!
It's time to grab a few plants of the desert. Summer is just about here! So plant your garden full of them and plan your vacation a little longer than you originally intended. Don't worry! Your plant babies will do just fine without a sitter.
Looking for a little help finding the right succulents for your garden or terrarium? Visit us at Garden Supply Company and we'll be happy to help you find the right one or two or three for you.