Succulents are one of those commonly-grown plants which can adjust in any landscape. Mostly you have seen the charming succulents decorate your bookshelf or make your windowsill attractive.
They are great homegrown plants but you can grow them outside. The fleshy leaves or plump stems or roots can store water in the dry season. Succulents are available in different sizes, foliage colors, and flowers.
You can use them as stunning and focal point plants. They can become a durable groundcover for difficult slope and patio accents.
Where To Plant Succulents Ground Or Planters?
Most of the plants can not survive in the frost in the same way a majority of the succulents can’t tolerate frost. If you live in a cold area then they will die because of outdoor freezing temperatures.
In a cold climate, it is suggested that you should plant your succulents in pots. The reason is that if the temperature falls below freezing point then you can move your succulent plants inside your home.
You can control the frequency of water if you grow your succulents and pot. The soil of the ground is very cold as compared to pot.
If you are living in a warm climate then you can grow succulents in the ground. Make sure the soil Off The Ground should be well-drained so your succulent plants will be safe from root rot you should create a 6 inch Mount using a lightweight soil mix.
If you grow succulent plants in-ground where then they need little care. During hot water, they need more water.
Important Factors For Growing Succulents In The Ground
Some factors are very important in the growth of plants. Sunlight, water, and suitable temperature are prominent needs of plants. If you provide suitable conditions to your favorite succulents then they will grow successfully.
Here we are going to discuss with you some tips which are very helpful during the planting of succulents outdoor in your garden.
1- Planting The Right Succulents
Following are some low-maintenance succulents that enhance the beauty of your garden.
1- AEONIUM
This type of succulent needs more moisture as compared to other types of succulents they can tolerate the harsh sunlight of the summer season this type of succulents are found in the form of flowers and rosettes.
2- AGAVE
If you grow this type in the ground as they grow very quickly. If you grow them in containers then you will see a large number of blooms. Different and huge blooms are magnificent. They can make any landscape attractive as the leaves of this plant are very smooth and sword-shaped.
3- ALOE
This succulent has beautiful flowers which bloom from February to September. The shape of the blooms is tabular and the color is orange, red, or yellow.
The height of this plant is only a few inches. The leaves are smooth, bumpy, and prickly. Moist soil is required for the growth of these attractive succulents.
4- CRASSULA
Such succulents have fleshy leaves which are arranged in a variety of patterns.
Branching stems can be seen on some crassula. Commonly, these succulents are low-growing plants that can be used as ground covers.
5- DASYLIRION
These beautiful succulents are just like palms. Most people become surprised when they come to know that they are succulents. The color of the leaves may be green or greyish with small and sharp teeth.
You can see the small trunks which make them different from succulents. They are fit for dry climates as they can easily grow in the desert and drought-tolerant gardens.
6- DUDLEYA
The lovely flower of this succulent has green, red, purple, or grey fleshy petals. These are low-maintenance plants that you can plant on the slopes of your garden. It is also recommended for a rock garden.
2- The Effects Of Temperature On Succulents
The best temperature for growing succulents is from 40F to 80F. This is a suitable temperature, if it falls or rises then you can see the effect on plants.
On winter days, you have to keep the plants above freezing otherwise they will die. On freezing days, you will see the water inside the plant will freeze. It will result in damaging the plants.
The affected plants will start to rot and when you notice the problem it’s too late. The only reason left behind is to cut out the affected area.
If you want to prevent your plants from frost then you should bring your plants inside your home or keep them in a greenhouse if you planted them in planters or pots.
If you plant them in the ground then you have the option of covering the plants with a frost blanket. This is a thin piece of fabric that is used to insulate the plants from cold.
3- Sunlight
At least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight is needed per day to keep succulents happy. A sunny and bright location is required because if they do not receive the appropriate amount of sunlight, then you will see many problems like elongation.
At this stage, plants start to stretch it to seek more light. In this situation, the succulents produce week stems and show poor growth. If you want to see the true beauty of the plants then make sure they get maximum sunlight.
There is no need for full sun exposure because these plants need indirect sunlight. Heatwaves are challenging to those plants that like humidity. The intense heat is not good for them.
Sunburn damages the plants if you do not protect them. Different parts of your garden are hit by sun rays. You should choose the location according to your plants’ type.
Morning sunlight is better for your plants so choose that location where they get morning sun. You can also grow plants under the shade of taller plants.
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4- How Often Do You Water Succulents?
Succulents are hardy plants that’s why they don’t need water daily. Their fleshy leaves can hold extra water for them. When you see the soil is dry then you can water your succulent plants.
The frequency of the watering depends upon the dryness of the soil. If you see the soil is not dry then you should not water it.
The spring and summer season is the best time for the growth of succulents. At this time, they need more water because they are making new stems, blooms, roots, and leaves.
At that time, they need water 3 times a week but it depends upon the conditions of light and temperature. In the winter season, the growth of succulents top that’s why they need less water.
You should water them at least once or twice a week. If you give them too much water then it will become the reason for their death. Overwatering is not good for succulents so you should avoid it.
If you are growing you are succulent plants in a container then you should give them less water because the soil of the larger container holds moisture for a longer time.
If you are using a small and shallow container it means you have to increase the water frequency because the soil will dry out faster.
5- Soil And Drainage
It is recommended that you should use fast-draining makes whether you are growing succulents in the ground or the planters. Bagged Cactus mix is the best option and it is cheaper.
In case of growing plants in the ground then you have to use your garden soil. every garden has a different type of soil. If you are growing desert succulents that you can decrease the amount of compost and add sand to the soil.
You can also use decomposed granite. If your garden has poorly drained soil then the roots will sit in water.
6- Avoid Pests
Although pests are not attracted towards succulents if you are growing them in the ground then they can become infected with the mealybug. These are white and wingless insects that are found in warm areas or greenhouses.
They like to suck the juice of the plants and you know succulents are juicy plants. If you see mealybugs on succulent plants, then you should remove the infected leaves or branches from the plant.
You can also take cuttings from the unaffected growth and plant them in fresh soil. Bugs may invade the entire plant. In that case, you should get rid of the plant.
Mould is also a problem if you are living in a humid area. You should keep your succulent plants dry so you can prevent them from mold.
7- Humidity
If you are living in a humid and cold area then your succulent plant needs less water. In case you are living in a hot and dry climate, you have to maintain moisture in the soil. So you should increase the frequency of water according to your climate.
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