Crassula,Aeonium,Lithops… Do these names sound familiar to you? You’re already falling under the charm of “oily plants”
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succulent plants, also known as fat plants, are found all over the world. There are thousands of different species. You might already have one at home without knowing it. Let me tell you: Yucca, Agave, Ficus… Yes, it’s a fat plant that was given to you on your last birthday 😉 If you want me to help you grow it, it’s important to take care of it. Here are five tips to keep your plant fat!
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#1. What is the right exposure for my succulent plants?
Succulent plants come from warm and sunny countries. To maintain your succulent plants and ensure good growth, you need to place them in sunlight as much as possible. In summer, preferably put them outside or near a sunny window. Your plant will bloom under the beneficial rays!
Good to know: Plants bought from stores have spent a lot of time indoors, sometimes without seeing sunlight. It is therefore necessary to gradually expose them to the warmth of the rays to avoid “burns.” In fact, there is no sunscreen for “fragile fat.” Place them on the edge of a window with a curtain. Otherwise, a clear and registered paper will do the trick to create a shaded corner. Alternatively, start by exposing them near a window for one hour a day and gradually increase the duration of exposure.
Remember to rotate the pot so that the entire plant adapts to the sun and its growth is uniform.
#2. How and how often to water?
Succulent plants store water, which transforms into “juice” in their fleshy parts. This creates reserves for the plant’s survival. Let’s not forget that in their countries of origin, they are subjected to harsh weather conditions. Watering is therefore an important step for them to thrive over time.
Water the succulent plants as soon as the soil is dry in warm weather.
During winter, water them once every two weeks, or even once a month. This will depend on the temperature and humidity levels in the room where they are located, as well as the species you have.
In any case, succulent plants are robust: they adapt and survive well in most cases.
You can add fertilizer during the summer, but don’t overdo it. Once a month seems enough to keep the plant in good condition. It’s not necessary if you regularly repot the plant.
#3. What temperatures are suitable for oily plants?
Succulent plants come from arid countries. They love warm temperatures.
In summer, the south-facing sun won’t scare them; on the contrary. If watering is properly managed, they will be in great shape and reward you with exceptional growth!
After the summer temperatures, the oily plant likes to rest during the winter period (October-March). It appreciates temperatures between 5° and 12°, as well as a relatively dry atmosphere. You can then place your plants in a slightly heated room near an external light source. This rest is essential if you want to see your plants bloom the following year!
#4. How to properly repot a succulent plant?
Oily plants need well-draining soil to prevent decay and suffocation of their roots.
To repot a succulent, you need to choose a pot (plastic or clay) and a good substrate (“soil” in horticultural slang).
Avoid black plastic pots that attract too much heat at the root level, especially if the plants are not perforated.
To give them enough space to grow, use a pot with a diameter of 5 to 8 cm depending on the size of the plant. It won’t be too cramped and will grow faster during its growth period.
Not all succulent plants live in the same environment. Their soil needs are therefore not the same. However, there is a simple “recipe” suitable for most species: garden loam with a bit of organic fertilizer without compacting too much, and you’re done!
Depending on the type of plant and your budget, you can also use a special soil for succulents, mix it with sand, and add clay balls at the bottom of the pot.
#5. Complementary but essential care for oily plants
The fat plant, like many plants, loves to be cleaned, “pampered,” treated in case of disease… Just like us!
Cleaning a fat plant: Use a spray bottle with a nozzle and a brush/duster. Spray on the leaves, remove the dust, and finish with a cloth or duster.
Good to know: To quickly make a spray bottle, you can reuse the nozzle from a glass spray bottle that has been thoroughly rinsed and a bottle of recycled water.
Pruning: Succulent plants sometimes need to be “trimmed,” or relieved of parts that are a bit “dead.” Don’t hesitate to cut a branch that becomes too invasive or unsightly. But don’t throw it away; keep it precious for making cuttings ;). Some parts die over time, due to sunlight, thirst… You can remove these parts, in most cases, if the part is “finished,” it will simply come off without resistance.
Diseases: Diseases are a real plague for succulent plants. The most common:
- Excess moisture that rots the plant from the bottom, turning it black. In general: if the plant turns black, it is fatal.
- Excess dryness: the plant dries out, the fleshy parts shrivel, and a total ramp is visible: no problem, water the plant well and it will be fine (normally…)
- Excess sunlight: some leaves are reddened or blackened in places. It is necessary to place the plant in the shade for a while and check its exposure.
- Holes in the leaves? It is possible that this is the result of green caterpillars.
- Brown spots, sticky white areas: beware! These are probably pests. Ladybugs and aphids also love succulent plants. It is necessary to keep the plant away from others and treat it with the appropriate products.
Now you have all the cards in your hands to take care of your succulent plants. You’ll start with a small plant and soon you’ll have a lush garden!
Tag: flowering fat plants