How to grow and take care of succulents

Succulents are gorgeous drought resistant plants that store water in their leaves and help clean the air. They can add elegance and color to any environment both indoors or outdoors.

Where do I start? Before heading to your local nursery to buy succulents, find a friendly and generous neighbor and ask if you can take some clippings from their succulent garden! Simply snip off a portion of the stem and place it in a jar or bucket of water upright so that the roots are submerged in the water. Once the roots start to grow about 1/2" place them in a pot with drainage holes and potting soil . For indoor plants be sure you find a well lit area, keep the leaves clean, rotate on occasion and water the soil directly. You can also add small rocks or pea gravel on the soil of the plant. Here are some examples that are easy to grow indoors: jade plant, aloe vera, echeveria, zebra plant, panda plant, and crown of thorns for some color.

To replant outdoor succulents, gently work with the roots of the succulent and separate them, then plant directly in the ground. Ideally, water the succulents on a regular schedule during growing season. Water deeply and then let the soil dry out between waterings. Many landscape designers recommend setting your drip system to go on on Tuesdays and Saturdays in the early morning. This schedule has worked for my garden in Santa Barbara and our succulents are thriving!

Remember that succulents love light and need about six hours of sun per day depending on the succulent. Keep the bugs off, give your succulents lots of love and attention, and enjoy their natural beauty.

Happy gardening!

Kristy Manning

Mother Oak Farms, Project Consultant

Santa Barbara, CA