If you’re working on growing your green thumb, succulents are an excellent place to start. Not only do they come in a plethora of unusual shapes and colors, but most of them are very forgiving to the new gardener. At Organic Mechanics, we love succulents so much that we created a potting soil just for them!
The Basics of Succulent Gardening
Growing a succulent garden is relatively straightforward and oh so gratifying. Many succulents are native to desert regions and have acclimated by storing water in their roots, stems, and leaves.
One of the biggest challenges for people when growing succulents is to actually avoid over-nurturing, so go ahead and take that week-long vacation without a second thought!
If you live where it’s cool, you can grow the plants in pots. These “under the sea”-esque beauties are tougher than they look. They’re able to thrive in some of the world’s most severe climates, making them very tolerant and easy to maintain — as long as you follow a few care tips.
5 Tips for Growing Succulents in Containers
Choose the Right Container
When you choose your container, think beyond looks and select one that will increase your plant’s longevity. The roots of succulents are pretty shallow, which is why they’re able to survive in the shallow bowls you see shelved with succulents. Good drainage is vital, as well, because standing water under their root systems can be devastating to succulent plants. We suggest suggest planting your succulent container garden in a terra cotta or fiber containers. They’re porous and give succulents the breathing space they need to thrive.
Select the Right Soil
Grow your succulents in the right soil and you’re halfway there, in terms of enjoying a healthy garden. Succulents flourish in organic and well drained soil. Some people think succulents are “no maintenance” plants, but they’re really just “low maintenance” plants. They still need some food, which can come from organic matter in the soil, and they need good drainage. That’s why we created the Organic Mechanics Cactus & Succulent Blend. It checks all the boxes for what makes great succulent soil, and even boasts a few extra perks!
Consider Your Design
It’s essential that you start your succulent garden with a clear vision in mind. Coming up with a design plan will help you get precisely the look you’re going for while ensuring the health of your plants. Combining different sizes, colors, and textures is all part of the fun when creating a succulent garden, but there are a few things to bear in mind.
Make sure that you plant sun-loving plants with sun-loving plants, and try to plant slow growers with slow growers and fast growers with fast growers. Many varieties prefer just a few hours of direct sun each day and require protection from the scorching mid-day sun. You’ll want to check the plant tags and ensure that you’re filling your container with compatible succulents.
Given their compact root system, you can absolutely plant succulents close together, but it can be tricky to water the plants and keep moisture levels in check when they’re crammed together. If you leave a little more space between your succulents, they will eventually grow to fill in the gaps. Plus, the increased air flow will keep the soil dryer and the plants happier.
Whatever you choose to do, get creative!
Plant Above the Rim
When planting your succulent garden, make sure the leaves are resting above the rim of the pot, not crammed into the pot or touching the sides. When soil levels are below the rim, water can easily pool, and the leaves will rot, which leads to problems for the rest of the plant. Start by partially filling your pot with soil before placing the succulent roots to see if your plant will sit above the rim or not. If the leaves sit above the rim, fill the remainder of the pot with soil, leaving a tiny bit of space between the top of the soil and top of the pot. Voila!
Think Sunny, Breezy, and Dry!
As a rule of thumb, most succulents appreciate lots of sunlight, good air circulation, and low humidity. A succulent deprived of the sun will become pale, flat, and elongated. If you’re not sure where the best sunlight is for your plant, don’t worry — Succulents will typically tell you by leaning in the direction of the highest sun. Fresh air and breezes keep pests such as spider mites and mealy bugs at bay. Last but not least, water the plants when the top two inches of soil have dried out.
What Makes “Good” Succulent Soil?
We’re soil people, so of course we’re going to talk a little bit about soil to encourage you to use the right soil for your plants. When growing succulents, using the right soil can make a huge difference in the health of your plants. The wrong soil will hold too much water, or will drain too quickly. It won’t have the extra boost that succulents need to stay looking great.
Here’s a little more about the organic cactus and succulent potting soil we created to help your plants grow beautifully.
Benefits of Organic Mechanics Cactus & Succulent Blend
- Moisture Balance
This exceptional blend has science backing up its incredible moisture-balancing abilities. It’s been specially mixed to have astonishing drainage while holding enough moisture to give soil the “spongey” texture that cacti and succulents love.
- Versatility
With this soil, it’s not all about succulents and cacti – You can use this hearty blend to nourish bonsai trees, jade plants, or any other species that require outstanding drainage.
- Biology Retainment
If you’re new to the biochar trend, here’s why it’s all the rage – Biochar is a charcoal compound that, when added to soil, makes it more fertile. It helps plants retain moisture, nutrients, and good microbes in the root zone.
- 100% Organic
This one pretty much speaks for itself. Organic Mechanics Cactus & Succulent Blend is a revolutionary mix of only the best organic ingredients so that you can garden guilt-free!
