Brighten Your Space With Succulents

I don’t know about you but the winter months give me cabin fever. I feel the need to change the scenery around me but hopping on a plane is out of the question and I can’t open the windows to paint. One way to change the scenery around you is by adding a succulent to your space. These adorable plants are small and easy to care for. Place them in a bright planter and wherever you place you succulent immediately feels brighter.

For the many different types of succulents visit Succulents and Sunshine. They do an awesome job listing the types with photos AND there is a TON of information

Succulent Care

(from www.simplysucculents.com)

Zones

HARDY SUCCULENTS are hardy zone 3-9 unless otherwise labeled. Plants shipped in early spring are dormant. They will appear dull in color and have some dry edges. This is normal and when placed in sunlight they will intensify in color. Sempervivums change color with the seasons and each variety has its own most colorful time of the year.

Light

Most varieties need at least half a day to a full day of sunlight. In extremely hot areas some afternoon shade is recommended.

Planting

Remove plants from their pots and plant making sure the soil level remains the same depth on the plant. Once established, your succulents will benefit from a layer of pebbles or pea gravel spread on the soil around the plant. This is also very decorative.

Soil

Succulents need good draining soil. When planting in the garden, make sure the area drains well and is not in a low spot that would stay wet. For container planting, you can purchase cactus soil or incorporate sand, gravel or volcanic rock for better drainage. The container you are planting in should have a drainage hole or crushed rock on the bottom before your planting medium.

Watering

After planting, water in well and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Succulents don’t like to have wet feet. When you do water, water thoroughly.

Fertilizer

Most succulents need very little fertilizer. Watering with a well-balanced fertilizer once a month will be all they need.

Flowering

Sedum all have different bloom times and colors ranging from pink, red and yellow. Sempervivums will bloom after the second or third year. A flower stalk will shoot up from the center of the main rosette with a cluster of flowers. After the flower dies, gently twist off the stalk. The main rosette has put on new offsets that will fill in.

Uses

The planting possibilities using succulents are endless. The different colors, textures, and habits make the most interesting containers and troughs. Succulents make beautiful rock garden plants. With a wide variety of bloom times, there is always something with color.