Succulents are amazing plants that can thrive in harsh conditions. Their ability to store water in their leaves and stems allows them to survive long periods of drought. However, this also means that succulents tend to grow slowly compared to other plants. If you want your succulents to reach their full size and beauty faster, there are some techniques you can use.
Use Fast-Draining Soil
One of the most important things you can do to make your succulents grow quickly is to plant them in fast-draining soil Succulents hate sitting in wet soil, which leads to rot A gritty, sandy soil mix that drains rapidly is ideal. You can buy cactus/succulent soil, or make your own by mixing equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, perlite or pumice. Make sure the pot you plant them in also has drainage holes.
Give them Sunlight
Succulents thrive in full sun. Getting at least 6 hours a day of direct sunlight will maximize their growth rate. South or west facing windows are ideal indoors. Outdoors, plant them in spots that get sun most of the day. Some succulents like Echeveria and Sedum do best with some afternoon shade in very hot climates. Morning sun is better than afternoon sun for these plants.
Don’t Overwater
It’s easy to stunt the growth of succulents by overwatering them. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. The more gritty and fast draining your soil is, the more often you can water. But err on the side of underwatering when in doubt. Look for signs like puckered or wrinkled leaves to indicate when they need more water.
Fertilize Occasionally
While succulents don’t need much fertilizer, applying a dilute balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during the active growing season can boost growth. Look for a fertilizer labeled for cacti and succulents. Always dilute to half or quarter strength and stop fertilizing in winter and extremely hot weather.
Give Room to Grow
Choose a pot that is just slightly larger than the current root ball of your succulent. Having a little extra room encourages the plant to grow faster to fill out its new container. But an overly large pot can lead to issues with soil moisture and slow growth. Re-pot annually in the spring into a slightly bigger pot.
Remove Flower Stalks
It takes a big burst of energy for succulents to produce flowers. Removing unopened flower stalks directs that energy into leaf and stem growth instead. Use clean, sterilized scissors to cut off any emerging stalks at their base. Exceptions are succulents primarily grown for their spectacular blooms.
Propagate for Full Pots
You can fill out a pot and create a bushier, fuller looking succulent arrangement faster by propagating new plants. Take stem and leaf cuttings and then plant them in the same pot to create a dense, multi-plant look quickly. The new propagations will establish and start growing faster than a single plant can fill out a pot.
Give Them a Drink of Seaweed
Soaking succulent cuttings or watering established plants with a seaweed solution can encourage faster rooting and growth. The natural plant hormones in seaweed stimulate growth. Dissolve 1-2 tsp of dried seaweed powder or flakes per gallon of water. Use every 2-3 weeks.
Keep Temperatures Moderate
Extreme heat or cold will slow the growth of succulents. Keep them above 40°F and below 85°F for optimal growth. Consider moving potted succulents indoors or into a greenhouse/cold frame in extreme weather. Keep them away from hot vents indoors in winter. Stable temperatures in the 60-75° range are best.
Allow Time to Mature
Even with the best care, succulents grow at a slower pace than many plants. Have patience, as some varieties will naturally reach maturity faster than others. Avoid over applying growth tricks or you may push tender new growth too quickly, resulting in weak, stretched out plants. Aim to encourage steady, healthy development.
By choosing the right potting mix, fertilizing lightly, giving them sun and room to spread out, and taking other simple steps, you can coax your succulents to grow significantly faster. Just be sure not to overdo it with water, nutrients or heat, as succulents are sensitive. With a little time and TLC, your succulents will flourish beautifully.
HOW TO HELP YOUR SUCCULENTS GROW FASTER | SUCCULENTS CARE TIPS
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