Some basic tips for succulent beginners to help you avoid detours in care
First, let's understand what a succulent plant is. It generally refers to a plant with enlarged nutrient organs. The advantage of this is that although its leaves have degenerated, it can store a large amount of water. There are also quite a lot of types, such as Crassulaceae, Bromeliaceae, Liliaceae, and so on.
As a beginner growing succulents, first we should start with simple ones and choose some easy-to-grow succulents. Comparing the various types, succulents in the Crassulaceae family are easier to grow. Then when buying succulents, we need to pay attention to selection. During the selection process, it is best to choose plants with well-developed roots and fibrous roots. Because these are easy to keep alive and will send out new roots in a very short time. Of course, the plant's appearance should also be good. If the plant's color is abnormal, or if it has other spots, it is best not to choose it.
When cultivating succulents, there are particular requirements for handling the succulent, the soil, and the pot. We should first handle a newly bought succulent. If there are yellow leaves, remove the yellow leaves. If the plant is too moist, we can dry it in a cool place. If we find wrinkles on the leaf surface, we do not need to worry too much; this may be water evaporation and it will get better afterward.
After that comes the choice of soil. For growing succulents for the first time, it is best to choose its special soil, so the survival rate is relatively high. Flower pots often come in two types: plastic pots and ceramic pots. Because succulents need enough water, it is best to use plastic pots, because plastic pots do not absorb water and can retain water for a longer time. As for pot size, it is best to choose small and deep ones, which is beneficial for root growth. Some beginners want the succulent to absorb enough nutrients right after planting it in the pot, so they fertilize it. This method is not advisable, because the roots of a newly planted plant have not fully grown and it is difficult for it to absorb nutrients, and applying too much fertilizer can also cause its death.
Temperature and light are also important factors affecting succulent growth. Many beginners think that after planting, they can directly let the succulent bask in the sun. This practice is wrong. Because when the root system is not well developed, exposing the succulent to sunlight will cause water loss in its body and eventually make it wither and die. During its growing period, it can be given 1 to 2 hours of sunlight each day, but in summer it is best not to do so, because during this period the succulent is dormant. A dormant succulent will not absorb water, and excessively high temperatures will only make it lose water. As for temperature, generally keeping it above 10°C is enough.
Pest infestations on succulents are also common, so you should spray them with some insecticidal drugs such as abamectin. If you do the above points, I believe your succulents will grow very well.