Is a Succulent's Fast Metabolism a Good Thing or a Bad Thing?

Normally, whether we are growing succulents or other plants, we all want the plant's metabolism to be more vigorous, and of course it grows faster too. But did you know that with a vigorous metabolism, leaves grow quickly but also wither quickly, meaning the leaves are gradually used up by the plant itself, and it hurts just to look at it. So how can you slow down a succulent's metabolism?

Don't Be in Too Much of a Hurry to Prune Withered Leaves

Usually when we see the leaves at the bottom of a succulent withering, we think about cutting off the withered leaves early to save more nutrients for the fresh stems. But cutting these leaves off too early easily causes the leaves above to have a vigorous metabolism: while they grow fast, they are also consumed faster and wither sooner. So don't pull off old leaves too early either; it is better to wait until they have completely withered before pulling them off.

You Have to Use This Kind of Soil When Potting Up Succulents

Usually when we pot up succulents, we choose relatively dry soil, and after potting we need to water appropriately, giving one thorough watering. Sometimes if the watering is not right, it easily causes the plant's root system to have trouble breathing, so to protect itself the plant will use its leaves to absorb water. Then the leaves are consumed even faster. Generally, potting up with a slightly moist soil is better than watering directly, as it can satisfy the succulent's water absorption while also letting the roots breathe more smoothly, reducing the occurrence of leaves being consumed and turning to mush.

Don't Induce Roots When the Seedling Is Small

We all know that growing succulents means growing roots, but you also need to grow roots appropriately. If you use the root-inducing method, creating humidity at the bottom of the pot to encourage the roots to grow downward, it makes the succulent consume excessively. Add to that the fact that the seedling is already small and doesn't have many leaves, and it easily drags down the root system as well. Generally, keeping some moisture in the gritty soil for the succulent and ensuring a supply of nutrients, so that the moisture inside and outside the pot is balanced, will let it establish itself in the pot very well.

Light Definitely Cannot Be Lacking

Apart from needing appropriate shading during the seedling recovery period, and also appropriate shading in summer, at other times you should still give succulents plenty of sun, so that their metabolism is more vigorous and the plant is less likely to become leggy. If you put the succulent in a relatively hidden spot, the leaves are consumed even faster, because photosynthesis helps the succulent synthesize organic compounds. If there is not enough light, the organic components disappear, and it can only absorb them from the leaves, so the consumption will be even greater.

If you want your succulents to show their best colors and grow well, then learn more about succulents and pay attention to how they grow. You will get unexpected rewards.