Plant care: succulents and cacti

Posted by: Author scentandviolet May 22nd, 2020

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Succulents are plants with parts that are thickened, fleshy and engorged usually to retain water in arid climates and soil conditions. We are not going to complicate things with Botany Vs. Horticulture when it comes to classification of succulents, cacti and other water storing plants but will focus here on care of ornamental succulents and cacti (Agavoideae, Cactaceae, Crassulaceae, Didiereaceae)

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Outdoor Care

Succulents require: lots of sunshine, dry soil, little watering.

In Houston area, succulents perform better in pots than in situ. Make sure your soil drains well, and that pot also has drainage holes. If planting directly in garden, you will need to use gravel and sandy soil on the bottom of planting holes. Do keep in mind that succulents spread easily and might takeover your landscape unless contained by borders.

Another issue to consider is that hard freeze can kill your succulent and cacti plants. Since in Houston we only have few of hard freeze days (if any) per given year, covering your succulents temporarily or taking them inside during cold winter will be sufficient. 

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Indoor Care

Ensure your succulents receive plenty of light.

Do not water until the soil is completely dry (Soil is completely dry if you insert your index finger into the soil up to the first knuckle and it feels dry)

Water all around soil until it is fully moist, Wait for the soil to dry out before watering again.

You can replant your succulents once they start overgrowing the pot.

 

How to replant succulents and cacti 

 

How to divide and propagate succulents 

 

 

Scent & Violet, flowers and gifts is a full service florist in Houston, TX offering flower, plant and gift delivery in Houston, Katy, Richmond, Fulshear, Sugar Land, Stafford, and Bellaire. We aim to create fuss-free, everyday shopping source for flowers, plants, and gifts. It is our belief that we can create better relationships through gifting, better environments through plants, and better state of mind through flowers.