Top Five Tips for Starting Your Succulent Collection

So you’ve been admiring all those lovely succulents on your Insta feed. Now you want to start your very own succulent collection but not sure how and where to start? Well fear not! These five essential tips will put you on the path to a great beginning.

Do your homework

Read, Read and read some more. There are more than 60 different plant families that contain succulents with hundreds of species. So you’ve got plenty to choose from.

Some of the most popular succulents are the Echeverias, Sedums, Crassulas and Graptopetalum. They have colourful fleshy leaves in a wide variety of blues, greens, greys, purples, pinks and even yellows and shades of orange. Added to these are their various hybrids such as Sedeveria, and Graptoveria.

Join the Fanatics

Join online succulent-lovers’ groups. Don’t be shy – ask questions. Experienced plant parents are always willing and excited to help newbies and welcome them to the “green side”, their kindness knows no bounds. Who knows, you may just get a few plant gifts from this absolutely generous bunch!  I’ll let you in on a little secret – Over my decades of gardening I have gotten quite a few of my plant babies from other generous plant parents and I have given many too!

Explore

Go to plant markets. But don’t stop there, also visit local nurseries and garden stores. Browse the plants.  Talk to the nursery persons about plant names, their care and ideal placement. When you are online search for local vendors on Instagram and Facebook or through google. You can also ask your friends from whom and where they get their succulents.

Whatever you do, find out who is selling what you are interested in. Many sellers specialize to some extent in specific types of plants. So find the succulent vendors! Many vendors have a wealth of knowledge on plant care and willingly share care tips for the plants they sell.  So have a chat with them. Besides getting plant advice you may also get a new plant buddy.

Location, location, location

Be sure to remember to make your succulent selection based on where you expect to place your new plant baby. Remember that succulents generally do best in very bright light. If being placed outdoors, some varieties can tolerate, in fact even thrive in direct sunlight uncovered. Many others must be placed in indirect sunlight to avoid getting sunburns. Succulents need at least four to six hours of sunlight to thrive and grow properly. Good ventilation is also key to ensuring that your succulent will thrive. So keep it by a window to ensure that there ​is some air flow around your plant. This helps with the draining/drying of the soil.

Become a Plant Inspector

Whenever you decide to get your first or any succulent, inspection is key. It is important to properly examine your plant. When selecting a plant, look at: General state and health. Things to look out for: Dead leaves, limp plant, dry hard soil, spots on leaves, pests or evidence of pests and mushy spots. Cleanliness of pot: A clean pot is more than likely the home to a healthy happy plant

BONUS TIP: Larger plants generally are less fickle and more stable. They don’t dry out as quickly, so they don’t need as frequent watering. The larger the pot, the easier it should be to maintain your plant.

Now that you know all that you know, it’s time to start your collection! Whether you buy in store or online: Be sure to start small. Buy one to a few at first. HAPPY GARDENING!