Succulents have won many admirers thanks to their stunning appearance and minimal care requirements. However, their popularity has also led to a range of myths about how to care for them properly. Although these misconceptions might seem convincing, following them can sometimes harm your plants.
In this article, we’ll dispel common myths about succulent care and offer practical, evidence-based tips to help your succulents thrive. Let’s unravel these misconceptions together and set the record straight.
Myth 1: They Are Impossible to kill
Succulents are often hailed as resilient and beginner-friendly, seemingly impervious to even the most inexperienced gardener’s neglect. This reputation, bolstered by their robust appearance and minimal care needs, has convinced many that succulents are foolproof.
However, experienced succulent growers know better. Even though they can withstand prolonged neglect more than many other plants, poor maintenance or unsuitable environments might ultimately cause them to die. They are not impervious to bad care; they may falter gradually.
This misconception may have discouraged aspiring gardeners, who, disheartened by their perceived inability to keep succulents alive, give up on gardening altogether. Succulents thrive when given proper care and placed in optimal environments, but they are not invulnerable to common mistakes.
Myth 2: They Thrive Indoors
One of the most prevalent myths is that succulents flourish indoors. Many people are misled by this notion into believing that growing succulents is simple, only to discover that their plants eventually struggle and diminishing over time.
“Houseplants” are referring to plants that adapted to indoor conditions; they usually come from tropical regions where humidity and warmth are abundant. On the other hand, succulents are native to arid areas and have different requirements. They like lots of sunshine and dry air, which is rarely found in indoors.
Succulents can grow indoors given certain conditions, such as lots of sunlight and proper ventilation, but these are often hard to replicate consistently. When you saw your succulents are stretching and grow poorly, it is almost certainly the result of inadequate indoor conditions.
Myth 3: All Succulents Require Full Sunlight
There’s a misconception that all succulents necessitate full sunlight, akin to their desert origins. While most of the succulents from arid environments like Echeverias and Haworthias are used to full day of direct sunlight, others, such as Schlumbergeras (Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti), are native to tropical jungles certainly do not need long hours of direct sunlight to grow successfully.
Most succulents indeed benefit from direct light rather than indirect light, but their specific requirements vary by species. Understanding and replicating their natural habitats are crucial for their optimal growth.
Myth 4: They Thrive Without Watering
Succulents are celebrated for their ability to withstand dry spells by retaining water in their leaves. This characteristic, along with frequent warnings against overwatering, have led to the misconception that they require little to no watering.
While succulents can endure longer periods without water compared to many plants, they do require watering. Prolonged dry spells can stress them, which can impede their growth and making them susceptible to pests and diseases. Proper watering practices—allowing the soil to dry between watering—is essential for their health. If your succulents show signs of shriveled leaves or stunted growth means you have waited too long to water them.
Myth 5: Succulents Are Cacti
Commonly used interchangeably, “succulents” and “cacti” are not synonymous. Succulents encompass a wide range of plants that store water in their leaves or stems, whereas cacti specifically belong to the Cactaceae family, characterized by their unique spines and areoles.
To simplify, all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Understanding this distinction is fundamental when caring for these plants.
Myth 6: They Thrive in Any Soil
Succulents are often perceived as tolerant of any soil type due to their hardiness. However, they are selective about their soil needs, favoring well-draining and airy soil that mimics their native habitats.
It is recommended to use specialized succulent and cacti soil mix designed to improve drainage. There are a few methods you can try to determine if your soil type is good for succulents if you’re not sure. The simplest method is to wet the soil and see how quickly it drains, or you could just smush the dirt together with your hands. It’s probably too dense for succulent plants if it clings together. Planting succulents in overly dense or nutrient-poor soils can hinder their growth and health.
Myth 7: They Can Endure Any Climate
A lot of gardeners might think that succulents can withstand every type of climate, from intense heat to snow. Actually succulents’ tolerances, like those of all other plants, are contingent upon the environmental circumstances in which they are native.
While some succulents species are cold-hardy, others are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations. You’d be shocked at how chilly desert locations can get, particularly at night in the winter. But not all succulents can withstand these circumstances; in fact, a lot of them hate the cold and quickly perish from cellular damage.
Choosing succulents suited to your climate zone and providing appropriate protection during extreme conditions are essential for their survival.
Myth 8: They Require Regular Feeding
Succulents, grown in containers where nutrients leach out quickly, may seem to benefit from regular fertilization. However, their natural habitats are not rich in nutrients, and overfeeding can harm their sensitive roots.
A balanced approach to fertilization—such as an annual half-strength application—is usually sufficient to support healthy growth.
Myth 9: They Need Large Containers
Succulents prefer snug containers that constrain root growth, promoting healthier growth above ground. Overly large containers would have extra soil that may retain some extra moisture which can lead to root rot and hinder overall plant health.
Choosing a container just slightly larger than the succulent’s current size ensures optimal growing conditions.
Myth 10: They Don’t Require Pruning
Pruning is an overlooked aspect of succulent care, essential for removing damaged or diseased parts and controlling growth. While less frequent than with other plants, pruning can significantly enhance succulents’ overall health and appearance.
Incorporating pruning into your succulent care routine ensures they remain vibrant and vigorous.
Myth 11: They Can Be Neglected
Lastly, succulents cannot thrive on neglect alone. Despite their reputation for resilience, they require proper care and attention to flourish.
By dispelling these myths and understanding the true needs of succulents, you can cultivate a thriving collection with relative ease. With the right care, both indoors and outdoors, succulents can indeed lead long and fulfilling lives.