Succulent Success! Choosing your materials: Succulents Choose a succulent plant that fits your style, and the location. It is important to know if the location will get a lot of direct sunlight, or just a little, throughout the day.
Containers The succulent container should have a pre-drilled drainage hole in the bottom, and be one to two inches wider than the original pot that the succulent came in. Shallow containers are recommended, particularly for smaller succulents.
Soil Use a specific succulent potting soil, or make your own potting mix by using a general potting soil and adding perlite or pumice. Generally, a 1:1 part potting soil to perlite or pumice ratio is recommended.
Planting your succulent: 1 Check the roots for defects or presence
of insects. If root bound, gently tease apart the roots.
2 3 4
Gently place succulent in container and add soil around the roots. Use a chopstick to gently pack soil around the root system. Do not plant deeply. Wait a week after planting before watering. Then, water deeply until it runs through drainage hole. To complete your potted succulent, add a top dressing. You can use shells, rocks or glass, be creative. Do not use black-colored materials in the low desert regions. They will retain heat and may cause damage to the plant.
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Upkeep: Only water succulents when the soil is dry. Use a moisture meter to help determine next watering period. Fertilize potted succulent periodically and when actively growing. Use a complete fertilizer and follow directions on package. Apply fertilizer at half strength.
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Desert Landscape School is here to help! Desert Landscape School (DLS) is here to help! Join the DLS Hub for complimentary access to Garden Growing Guides, How-to videos and online microcourses. Find tips and information for how and when to water your plants and the best times for planting. Visit the DLS hub at desertlandscapeschool.org
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