A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO GROW LIKE A PRO
By Kassondra Kelly
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO GROW LIKE A PRO
By Kassondra Kelly
Lancaster, Pennsylvania ©2018
CHAPTER 1
What Are Succulents............................................... 10 CHAPTER 2
Succulent Selection Guide...................................... 19 CHAPTER 3
Types of Succulents................................................ 30 CHAPTER 4
Getting Started........................................................38 CHAPTER 5
Build Your Own Terrarium......................................52 CHAPTER 6
Growing....................................................................62 CHAPTER 7
Watering...................................................................70
9
Chapter 7
T
ERRARIUMS ARE LIKE MINI-ECOSYSTEMS. A terrarium is a closed environment, and can actually be used to illustrate how an ecosystem works. Succulents emulate a desert landscape while indoor plants can look like tiny rainforests. Better yet, they’re easy to create, seriously low maintenance and offer great architectural aesthetics for the modern home.
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Materials A glass vessel with a wide opening if you’re choosing succulents Activated charcoal Soil A chopstick Tweezers Fine mist spray bottle Decorative stones, sand or figurines Various types of plants
SELECTING THE RIGHT PLANTS • G enerally speaking you want to pick plants that
can tolerate humidity, since the enclosed nature
•
•
Succulents and cacti can grow in a terrarium, but it’s best to use an open container that will
of a terrarium traps in moisture. Also keep in mind
retain less humidity. You should also add some
that terrarium plants need to be able to tolerate
sand to the potting mix to mimic the plants’ native
low or indirect light.
environment.
C hoose plants that are small enough for your
terrarium. You don’t want the plants’ leaves to touch the sides of the container.
•
Mosses are a common terrarium staple as they’re easy to find and easy to grow. Scottish and Irish moss are two popular, hardy choices
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1 3 2 4 9 Steps To Make A Terrarium BUILD A BASE LAYER
Create the first layer by pouring sand and decorative pebbles into your container. Good drainage is essential for success. Fill no more than one third high.
MAKE WAY FOR THE PLANTS
Using your chopstick or a finger, create indentations in the soil for where you want your plants to go (a long thin tool like a chopstick allows for more control when planting).
TOP WITH CHARCOAL & FILL WITH SOIL
Create a thin layer of charcoal over the top of the first layer (0.5-1cm). Begin to add the soil into your container. Be more generous with this layer than the first, as your plant needs sufficient soil matter to grow – some plants will actually grow extensive root systems. Pat it down with your fingers.
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Note
You can buy ready-made soil from a gardening center that’s perfect for succulents or indoor plants. Activated charcoal is found at pet shops and specialist nurseries
LOOSEN THE ROOTS Remove the plants from their pots and gently loosen their root systems.
5 7 6 POT THE PLANTS
Pop your plants in. If your plants and container are quite small, the tweezers will help you position all the elements. Use the fat end of your chopstick to tamp down the soil around the base of your plants. Use tweezers to help position all the elements. Be sure to keep the plant away from the sides of your terrarium because they’re liable to burn on a hot day.
PLACE NEAR SUNLIGHT & KEEP CLEAN Find a well-lit, sheltered location inside your home. Be gone, dirty glass – simply shoot water on the inside walls to wash off residual soil.
GET DECORATIVE
Sprinkle a final layer of decorative pebbles or sand, and add some cool figurines for a bit of atmosphere.
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A HAPPY PLANT IS A HEALTHY PLANT NOW YOU’RE DONE, HERE’S HOW TREAT YOUR TERRARIUM
•
WITH CARE SO YOU CAN ENJOY
will actually bloom given a cool,
IT FOR YEARS TO COME…
•
S ucculents thrive in bright light, low moisture conditions
dry period;
•
so find a place where they can
“
Your succulents will thrive in bright light, low moisture conditions.
„
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enjoy lots of indirect light — if light is too low, your plants will stretch or become thin and
They need decent air circulation, so avoid vessels with small apertures (I’m looking at to you fish bowls);
•
I ndoor plants will do better in spots that are less bright so they don’t dry out too quickly;
•
These varieties will also do better in containers with smaller apertures, you can even put a lid on them so they’re a self-sustaining terrarium.
D uring the growing phase (spring/summer), water only when the soil becomes dry;
•
D uring the dormant period (autumn/winter), water sparingly;
elongated;
•
S ucculents are sensitive to temperature change — many
• Use a light, gentle formula once a month to fertilize;
• Check the soil moisture level with your finger regularly;
•
N ever use chemical glass cleaner on the inside of the terrarium — this could make your plant sick.
Common Terrarium Mistakes COMBINING SUCCULENTS WITH NON–DESERT DWELLING PLANTS — STANDARD INDOOR PLANTS
HAVE DIFFERENT NUTRIENT, SUN, AND WATER REQUIREMENTS TO SUCCULENTS. I’VE SEEN MANY FANCY NEW TERRARIUMS, LANDSCAPED TO LOOK LIKE MINI—RAINFORESTS THAT ALSO FEATURE SUCCULENTS FOR DECORATION.
W
ithin weeks the plants are
Under watering — while
Sunburn/Heartburn —
dead and the owner is left
succulents can tolerate long
remember, the glass in a
wondering what they did wrong.
periods without water, they do
terrarium will radiate and amplify
Too little sunlight and too much
enjoy an infrequent shower. If
the sun’s rays onto your little
water/humidity are the likely
you notice leaf shrinkage, mist
plants. Sure, plants need light
culprits of this.
2-3 times a week. Indoor plants
but you’d be surprised how badly
will react badly if they don’t get a
a cacti reacts to being cooked.
drink at least once a week.
Don’t put them near a heater
Over watering — some plants HATE wet feet. If the roots rot it can kill the entire plant. So let the
Growing succulents in closed
soil dry out between waterings
terrariums — the environment
and gently mist around once
is far too humid. Keep these
a week.
containers for indoor varieties.
either. Ensure they get both light and shade in moderate quantities.
TERRARIUM INSPIRATION
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INSPIRING, PRACTICAL AND RICHLY PHOTOGRAPHED, THIS COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE OFFERS CREATIVE IDEAS AND DIY PROJECTS USING BEAUTIFUL LOWMAINTENANCE, WATER-WISE PLANTS Succulents are the ultimate easy-care plant: versatile, effortless to grow both indoors and outdoors, and drought tolerant. From Aloe and Agaves, to Senecio and Taciveria, this guide highlights 200 of the easiest, most useful, and gorgeous plants, and shares advice on care and cultivation. Readers will find inspiration for imaginative and exciting new ways to use succulents in striking garden designs, containers, vertical walls, and indoor arrangements, as well as step-by-step projects, such as living bouquets and terrarium ornaments. This is the essential reference for landscapers, home gardeners, and anyone looking for a thorough introduction to the perfect plant for modern times.
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