Properly planting succulents is important, whether they’re indoors or outside. In this post, I’m going to show you exactly when and how to plant succulents for the best success.
Succulents are very easy to grow and take care of, but it’s important to know when and how to plant them in order for them to thrive.
If it’s not done properly, or you do it at the wrong time, it can be difficult for them to survive.
Don’t worry, it’s not hard, and I’ll walk you through everything in detail. Once you get the hang of how to plant succulents, it will become second nature.
When Is The Best Time For Planting Succulents?
The best time to plant succulents depends on where you live, and their location.
Outdoors, the ideal time is in either the spring or fall. Avoid the warmest months, especially if you live in an extremely hot and arid climate.
Indoors it’s best to do it in the spring or early summer. That will give them plenty of time to become established before the colder months arrive.
What Is The Best Way To Plant Succulents?
The best way to plant succulents is to position them so that the top of the rootball is even with, or no more than 1/4″ lower than the top of the hole or pot.
They have very shallow roots, so don’t give them too much space or they can struggle to become established.
What Is The Best Thing To Plant Succulents In?
The best thing to plant succulents in is an area or a pot with very good drainage. If you want to put them in a container, then choose one that has holes in the bottom.
Outdoors, find a location that naturally has fast draining soil, or amend it with perlite and sand to make it more porous.
Related Post: How To Make Your Own Succulent Soil (With Recipe!)
How Deep Do You Need To Plant Succulents?
You need to plant succulents only as deep as they were before, or just enough to cover all of the roots.
Make sure you don’t position them too deep, or they could have trouble becoming established and be more susceptible to rotting.
Outdoors, dig a hole that’s only slightly wider and deeper than the rootball to loosen up the soil.
If you’re putting them into a pot, then choose one that is only one to two sizes larger, and bury them at the same depth.
Related Post: How To Water A Succulent Plant
How To Plant Succulents
The exact steps for how to plant succulents vary depending on whether they are indoors or outside in the garden. Below are the detailed steps for both.
Either way, first make sure your plants are well hydrated beforehand. Also, if the roots are forming a circular pattern, break them up a bit to straighten them first.
Planting Succulents Indoors
It’s fun to plant succulents indoors, and you can come up with some fun and cute dish garden designs!
Always use a container that has drainage holes. For individual plants, choose one that’s a few inches larger than the rootball.
Fill the bottom with fresh, sterile, and fast-draining potting soil, or use a gritty mix.
Place the rootball into the pot, and fill in around it until it is completely covered, gently packing it down as you go.
Related Post: How To Repot Succulent Plants
Planting Succulents Outdoors
Prepare your garden soil by amending it with sand or perlite if it’s not very well draining.
Dig a hole that’s a few inches wider and deeper than the rootball, and place the plant at the same depth.
Fill in around the roots until they are completely covered, and gently press it down to remove any air pockets.
Related Post: Propagating Succulents From Stem Cuttings Or Leaves
FAQs About Planting Succulents
Below I’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions about planting succulents. If you can’t find your answer here, ask it in the comments.
Can you plant succulents in just rocks?
It’s not a good idea to plant succulents in just rocks. While they do require a well-draining mix, rocks alone don’t hold enough nutrients or moisture to sustain a healthy succulent.
Can you plant succulents in regular soil?
I don’t recommend planting succulents in regular soil. Most types retain too much water. Always use a fast-draining mix, or amend your garden soil with perlite or sand.
Can you plant succulents in the fall or winter?
You can plant succulents in the fall or winter if you live in a hot and dry climate. Otherwise, it’s best to do it in the spring or cooler summer months.
Can you plant succulents in pots without drainage holes?
No, do not plant your succulents in pots without drainage holes. Doing so is very risky, and almost always leads to rot from overwatering.
Planting succulents isn’t difficult, and you can follow similar steps whether they are indoors or outside. When done right, your babies will live a long and healthy life!
More Garden Care Posts
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Printable Step By Step Instructions
How To Plant Succulents Step By Step
Planting succulents is pretty easy, but it's very important to do it correctly. Follow these detailed step by step instructions to get it right every time.
Materials
- Potting soil (if using a pot)
- Perlite (optional)
- Sand (optional)
Tools
- Shovel or trowel
- Garden gloves
- New container (optional)
Instructions
- Choose a location - Pick a spot in your garden that has fast-draining soil, or use a pot with drainage holes.
- Prepare the soil - Use a well-draining mix, or amend heavy garden soils with perlite and sand to make it more porous.
- Prepare the hole or pot - Dig a hole that is only slightly larger than the rootball, or add soil to the bottom of the container.
- Position the rootball - Place your succulent plant so the top of the rootball is at the same level as the new soil line.
- Fill it in - While holding the plant steady, fill in the hole or pot with soil, gently packing it around the roots as you go.
Notes
- Always make sure your succulents are well hydrated before planting them.
- If the roots are in a circular pattern, then loosen them up and straighten them out before planting.
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