What should you pay attention to when caring for succulents on a balcony so they grow well?

First of all, succulents do not necessarily do better the longer they are exposed to the sun. More than four hours of light a day is fully enough to meet the normal growth needs of succulents, and excessive exposure may cause sunburn. Not long ago, I reminded gardening friends in an article to pay attention to the issue of sun protection for succulents in summer. If they are exposed to sunlight all day, shade netting must be used, because some flower pots themselves absorb heat, and when succulents are in small pots, the roots may become overheated and be baked to death. Sunlight from the southeast, on the other hand, mainly provides the softer ultraviolet exposure of the morning, which both prevents leggy growth caused by lack of light and avoids the scorching heat of the afternoon.

As for watering succulents, I have always said before that watering takes three years of practice, but I never explained it in detail, because everyone's care environment is different, and the regions and climates in the north and south differ, so watering cannot be generalized. In addition, watering should also take into account the type of pot. For example, in the south, ceramic pots and clay pots are generally used, and watering once a week is fine; while in the north, ceramic pots may need watering every 2 or 3 days, because the air is too dry. Therefore, in the north, ceramic pots are not recommended, as they dry too quickly. Glazed ceramic pots, porcelain pots, or plastic pots can be used.

For example, a southeast-facing balcony is very good for growing succulents in spring and autumn, with sufficient sunlight, and a ventilated environment is very important. In these two seasons, you can change the potting soil for the succulents and apply a little diluted fertilizer (loose, breathable, and well-draining soil), preferably organic fertilizer, such as the rice-washing water used for cooking at home. Put the rice-washing water into a bottle in advance to ferment it well, then dilute the rice-washing water with water and use it to water the succulents, so the soil is less likely to clump. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry, and just keep the potting soil moist. Succulents do not like soil that is too wet.

In summer, succulents should keep a certain distance from the window glass to prevent high-intensity ultraviolet rays from penetrating the glass and scorching the leaves. The summer sun is harsh, and a southeast-facing balcony has a long period of direct sunlight, which is not suitable for the dormancy of succulents, so appropriate shading is needed. Water a little less in the morning or at night. In the hot weather, succulents use less water during dormancy. In this season, remember that succulents must have ventilation; in a stuffy, hot environment, succulents are prone to black rot, the potting soil must not be too wet, and too much water will cause the succulents to rot at the roots.

Do not leave water droplets on the leaves. If there are water droplets on the leaves or growth points, use a tissue to absorb them dry or blow them dry. This is because after sunlight shines on them, the water droplets have a focusing effect and will scorch the succulents, leaving ugly scars. If you choose to water in the morning, after strong sunlight, the water vapor forms a sauna effect inside the flower pot, the roots are cooked, and by evening you will see the succulents turned to mush. Sometimes, after outdoor-grown succulents are rained on and then the sun comes out, they directly turn to mush for the same reason.

Having a ventilated care environment for succulents is actually more important than the issue of light. Especially in summer, if they are on a balcony, an oscillating electric fan can be used. This is the method for the high temperatures at noon in summer. It only serves to lower the temperature and should not be used every day, because when the air is not circulating, sometimes in a very well-ventilated environment, even if the temperature is very high, the succulents are actually fine.

This is a gathering place for succulent lovers, sharing succulent care tips. You are welcome to follow and exchange ideas.