Succulents are drought-resistant plants that have successfully adapted to harsh, arid conditions. But can I plant succulents outside?
Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, and roots. Since these areas of the plant are retaining water, they may appear fleshier and bloated.
The water requirement of succulents is less due to water storing ability. On the other hand, due to this ability succulents can thrive for a long period without water.
This property makes them suitable for use as indoor plants or as part of a low-maintenance garden in warmer climates.
Though growing succulents indoors is often a choice, they thrive when they are outdoors. They do well outside because they have access to fresh air, ventilation and sunlight.
A popular problem is will succulents survive outside? The simple answer is yes! Growing succulent outdoors is a perfect choice because they survive in sunny areas and warm, dry temperatures and can withstand some neglect.
Now let’s see what we should be concerned about when growing succulents outdoors.
Can I Plant Succulents Outside: Recommended Varieties
Many varieties of succulents can be seen. It is a great advantage to be able to add great diversity without changing the care you give to different varieties.
Sedums, Hens and Chicks, Echeveria, Agave and Graptopetalum are the best examples for the succulents which can grow well outdoors.
The Best Soil requirements of outdoor succulents
In reality, they can thrive in almost any outdoor soil, with the exception of clay-like or compacted soils. But, if you can choose a soil that is very high in nutrients and retains a lot of moisture, it is better for the growth of the plant.
If necessary, backfill the hole with sand or gravel to improve drainage. You should select the right kind of soil, then, you can reduce rot.
Light and Temperature requirements of outdoor succulents
The majority of succulents like to be in the indirect sunlight conditions. Succulents prefer about 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight a day while they are outside.
On the other hand, Sunlight makes for happy succulents with plump, lively leaves that exude wellbeing.
Water requirements of outdoor succulents
Over watering is the huge problem as we talk about watering to succulents. Due to this problem root rot can happen.
Therefore, you should be careful to avoid over watering. It is preferable to water more often but less frequently. Saturate the potting mix thoroughly, then let it dry for a few minutes before watering again.
Succulents grown outdoors will get more sunshine and will dry out more quickly. As a result, they need more water than succulents grown indoors. On the other hand, to keep the leaves dry, pour water directly onto the plant’s base.
You should reduce watering during the fall and winter months so succulents can withstand the cold.
Over the winter months, when the soil is saturated, succulents are more vulnerable to frost damage.So, you should pay attention to watering enough.
- You should water less often but more deeply during the growing season
- It totally saturates the potting mix with water and allows it to drain completely.
- Allow the soil mixture to dry before watering again.
- Watering should be done once a week
- Keep the plants as dry as possible.
Fertilizing requirements of outdoor succulents
Many people believe that since succulents can tolerate a little neglect, they don’t need to be fertilized. Many succulents, like most containerized plants, will benefit from a nutrient-rich feeding regimen.
Fertilizing should be done at least one time per year. you can use a balanced, all-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer that has been diluted to half the strength recommended on the package.
Generally, fertilizer should be done in the spring and late summer. Succulents do not need fertilization during the winter because they are semi-dormant and therefore not aggressively growing.
Pest controlling of outdoor succulents
Although it is not obstructed by pests when it is inside the succulent plant. but, it can be severely damaged by pests when succulents grow indoors.
Gnats are a popular insect. Gnats can usually only appear if the soil is too wet. Gnats can usually be avoided if you use a well-draining soil mix and let the soil dry out between watering.
Mealy bugs are another bug that appears often. They are mean little white guys who cling to your succulents like a lifeline.
If mealy bugs do appear, spray them with rubbing alcohol and pour the alcohol over the soil to remove any eggs they have laid.
Location needs during the winter of outdoor succulents
There are some winter-hardy varieties that do not need a lot of special care. But, many other succulent varieties are difficult to survive in the winter. If you live in a cold climate, you can safely transplant your plants into a container for indoor storage.
Finally, we discuss the right methods for planting succulents outdoors. Container planting is beneficial to succulent plants.
Planting them in pots highlights their distinctive foliage and helps gardeners to move them if growth conditions aren’t ideal.
Succulent plants may be damaged by excessive heat or rain, so the mobility of a container provides much-needed protection from the elements.
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