Plant succulents: how to do it

When it comes to planting succulents, both in a pot and in the ground, there are two options. The first is to plant from seed, that is, sow as is done with the vast majority of plants. This is a process that does not offer special complications, but given that succulents are usually very slow-growing plants, the most common is to opt for the second option, which is to transplant succulents from a sucker or cutting.

Succulents tend to produce suckers or daughter plants at the foot of the original plant, which are very easy to separate and transplant, so this is a very common option when multiplying or reproducing succulents. Their cuttings also usually root successfully, so the method is comfortable and very simple. Prior to plant succulents in pot It is important to make sure that we have everything we need and then follow these steps.

1. Prepare the pot: pots and containers of any material can be used, but the most recommended with these plants is clay. This material allows a good circulation of air and even water, helping to avoid one of the greatest dangers of succulents: excess humidity. For this same reason, it is vital that the pot also has drainage holes through which it can eliminate excess moisture.
2. Mix the substrate: it does not need to be very rich in organic matter or nutrients. The important thing is that it is light, loose and offers the best possible drainage. You can use special substrates for succulents, but if you prepare the mix, a base of gravel or sand in the pot and a significant part of coconut fiber in the substrate are great options. Also, adding some perlite will also help. Learn more about How to make substrate for succulents with the guide that you will find in this link.
3. Prepare the succulent: When planting a new plant or performing a transplant, remove the succulent or sucker very carefully from its original pot, taking special care with its roots, which are fine and delicate. Also, it is advisable to try to clean them as much as possible of old soil, especially if you just bought your succulent. It is probably not suitable land for it, and it is convenient to free its roots and untangle them as much as possible. If you see rotten or unhealthy roots, use properly sanitized pruning shears to cut them off.
4. Plant the succulent: fill the pot with the substrate and plant the succulent in it, making sure that the first leaves are not in direct contact with the ground, to keep them away from moisture. A top layer of rocks or gravel will help in this regard as well. Also, if you are going to try to take a cutting from leaves or branches, you can improve its chances of rooting by leaving it in water for a week before planting it, so it will start to develop roots and be more prepared for the soil.
5. Wait to water: After planting, allow a couple of days to pass before watering so that the roots have time to recover.

Outdoors, the process is not so different. follow these steps for succulent plants in soil:

1. The soil is very important, so you should prepare a layer of at least 20 cm of substrate for succulents so that the plants do not have problems developing or accumulate moisture. Also keep in mind that it does not get too close to other plants that you have in this area, respect several cm of distance between each one.
2. It provides a superficial layer of volcanic rock or some other material that isolates the aerial part of the plant from the humidity of the soil.
3. Be sure to remove old soil from the roots if you are transplanting or cutting, such as potted succulents.
4. Plant the succulent making sure to place the roots down and slightly stretched out.
5. Fill with more substrate until the plant stands on its own and is straight, but remember that if possible you should avoid the first layer of leaves touching the ground.
6. Don’t water until a few days later, especially if the soil on the ground was already somewhat moist. And so you already have a succulent planted in the soil of your garden.

Now that you have your succulent planted in a pot or soil, follow these succulent care tips:

• These plants are very resistant and their undemanding care makes them very suitable for beginners or amateur gardeners but without much time. However, there is one point that cannot be overlooked: succulents do not tolerate excess moisture. Watering them too much or providing soil without good drainage will cause the plant’s roots to rot and, quite possibly, to lose it.
• Do not water your succulents until the substrate is dry.
• If the pot has a drainage plate, remove the excess water after watering and never leave it accumulated.
• Try not to wet its leaves when watering them.
• Locate the plant in an area where it receives light, but not during peak hours if you live in a climate with very strong sun.

We recommend these other gardening guides from EcologíaVerde on the care of succulents and the types of succulent plants.

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