Succulents are perfect for imaginative plant compositions in beds, tubs and flower pots. In order for the bizarre beauties to present themselves perfectly, they should be professionally planted in the ground. All important questions about the skillful planting of succulents receive a precise answer here.

Succulents look pretty in a terrarium

Which location do succulents want?

The large plant family of succulents comes from the sun-drenched, warm regions of the world. Therefore, they all prefer a sunny to shaded location with at least 4 hours of sunshine a day, at least in the summertime. Most succulents are sensitive to cold, so they prefer to be cultivated below normal room temperatures. A few, hardy species can withstand temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius outdoors if they are equipped with moisture protection.

Leaf cacti are an exception. These come from tropical rain forests in which perpetual twilight prevails. Schlumberga species and varieties, for example, like to be placed in a semi-shady, warm location.

Can I prefer succulents?

Not all succulents are suitable for growing from seeds. The best results can be achieved with cacti and sempervivum, which often flower in our regions and thus produce fruit with seeds. Early spring is the best time to sow seeds in a bright, warm window seat. However, you should have a lot of patience, because it can take up to 12 months before the first seedlings can be pricked out.

Planting succulents in bowls or tubs - how does that work?

Succulents not only prove their uncomplicated character when caring for them. The planting is easy even for the inexperienced home gardener. How to do it right:

  • Spread a layer of expanded clay (€19.73) or pebbles over the bottom opening in the pot or bowl as drainage
  • Fill in a thin layer of succulent soil
  • Plant the potted young plants by maintaining the previous planting depth
  • Press the substrate down and spray with soft water
  • Water for the first time after a regeneration phase of one week

Please note that numerous succulent species are armed with thorns. Therefore, wear non-spiky gloves if necessary.

What should be considered when planting in the bed?

Please choose a sunny, warm location with well-drained soil. To prevent waterlogging outdoors, fill the bottom of the planting pit with a 1-2 cm thick layer of grit or pebbles as drainage. Enrich the excavation to a third with lime-free quartz sand or lava granulate (13.99€) for good permeability. If you have planted the succulents in the garden, the soil should be provided with a gravel cover. This trick prevents the rosettes from coming into direct contact with the ground, so that rot cannot form after a rain shower.

What is the composition of the perfect succulent soil?

The ideal succulent soil should primarily be slightly acidic, well-drained and lean. Since normal potting soil does not meet these criteria, specialist retailers offer special succulent or cactus soil. Would you like to mix the substrate yourself? Then a mixture of 40 to 60 percent humus and 40 to 60 percent inorganic components such as pumice, expanded clay, lava granules or lime-free quartz sand has proven itself.

When is the best planting time?

Planting time for succulents in pots is from spring to autumn. Only during the winter dormant phase should the plants not be exposed to this stress, especially since rooting is delayed for an unnecessarily long time. To plant houseleek, succulent, cactus and other plants in the bed, please wait until the beginning/middle of May when there is no longer a risk of ground frost.

Always harden succulents for outdoors - this is how it works

Succulents are not used to direct sun when planted in a bed or on a balcony. Even desert cacti can suffer irreversible sunburn if they are suddenly exposed to the sun's rays. Therefore, please subject the plants to an acclimatization phase. For this purpose, succulents remain for 8 to 10 days in the partially shaded location in the garden or on the balcony. This precaution applies to young and adult specimens alike.

Multiply succulents - how does it work?

Almost all succulents are easy to propagate. From A, like Aloe to Z, like Zamioculcas, the following methods have emerged as promising:

  • Kindel or cuttings: cut off, plant in a pot with succulent soil and care as usual
  • Leaf cuttings: cut off, taper at the cutting point and pot
  • Sowing: soak seeds, sow, sieve thinly and spray with soft water

Cut kindel, cuttings or leaf cuttings, please let the cuts dry for 1 to 2 days. On the mother plant, dust the interface with charcoal ash or rock dust.(14.13€) It is important to note that you always use sharp, disinfected tools.

tips

Small succulent species such as houseleeks or cacti are perfect for the trendy shabby chic. Fill old shoes, moss-covered clay pots or a disused cooking pot with succulent soil to arrange the succulents inside. As long as there is an opening in the floor as a water outlet or a drainage system to prevent harmful waterlogging, the exotic pieces of jewelery feel in good hands inside.

Category:

Vegetable garden