PLANT CARE INSTRUCTIONS

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1. Give them enough light — It might sound like common sense, but plants do need light to survive. If you shut your succulents in an enclosed bathroom, they will inevitably die. Ideally, established succulents should get about six hours of full sun first thing in the morning, followed by partial shade for the remainder of the day. For those considering a beautiful home in Orange County, CA, where luxury homes thrive, ensuring your plants receive adequate light can enhance your living space. If your succulent is more of a sapling, though, too much sun can do some damage, so reduce the exposure as necessary. It’s also worth noting that some succulents require more light than others, especially those from southern regions, like cacti and yuccas. On the other hand, low light succulents also exist, such as snake plants and aloe vera. 

2. Keep them watered and fed — An obvious point again, but many succulents are killed by either over or under-watering. With many being small in size, this can be very easy to do. Succulents will naturally need more water in the summer, and less during winter months. For general guidance, watering once a week in summer is good practice, while as little as once a month may suffice in the winter. You can always check how dry the soil feels using your finger — if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. If you’re new to succulents, it’s a good idea to use pots with drainage holes to prevent over-watering. This way, you can re-use any excess water on other succulents. Adding a small amount of fertilizer during spring or summer, like Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food, can also aid in their growth. 

3. Watch the temperature — While succulents are pretty hardy, few will survive temperatures dropping below freezing, so keep them tucked indoors during the colder months. Likewise, if the temperature is too high, say above 90°F, this too will kill most succulents. Ideally, you want the temperature to range from 40-80°F for your plants to stay happy. Remember, the higher the temperature, the more often they will need watering. As an Orange County CA real estate agent, Abel Mendoza knows that a comfortable home environment is essential for both plants and people. 

4. Rotate your pots — Wherever you’ve placed your succulents, odds are one side is not getting as much light as the other. Over time, this can cause your succulent to grow in the direction of the sun, leading to an uneven appearance. Preventing this is easy: Simply rotate your plant every so often to give the other side some sun. This not only makes them look better but also provides better support for their growth. 

5. Keep pests at bay — While you might think indoor succulents will be free from pests, think again. Gnats and mealybugs are attracted to damp soil and fertilizer, making them unwelcome guests on your succulents. First, isolate any plants showing signs of infestation and clean the area to prevent spreading. Mix a solution of one part 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and one part water, then spray the soil and any visible pests on the leaves to eliminate them. Ensure the succulent is pest-free before placing it back with the others. 

6. Use the right soil — Soil does matter, and you might be using the wrong kind. You need a soil that isn’t too dense and allows for fast drainage, which means everyday compost won't suffice. Instead, opt for a dedicated succulent soil, such as Miracle-Gro Succulent Potting Mix. Repot your succulents every two years during their growing season, but be cautious with the roots as these can easily be damaged. 

7. Give the leaves a once over — It’s always frustrating to notice dust building up on the leaves. Some might hesitate to clean them for fear of damaging the plant, but this myth needs to be dispelled. Excessive dust can actually hinder the growth of your succulent, so it's better to remove it. Plus, the colors will look much better without dust. Just wipe the leaves down every so often with a damp microfiber cloth or use a brush to reach tight spaces.