Succulent care guide

Growing succulents can be a great introduction to gardening as they are easy to grow. However, it pays to know how to care for your succulents, as too much water and too little light can kill them.

One of the most exciting things about growing succulents is the amazing array of shapes and colors available. Buying from a stockist gives you the widest selection to display on a sunny windowsill, greenhouse bench or conservatory.

More on growing succulents:

Succulents have evolved to cope with drought. This means they don’t need to be watered as regularly as other houseplants and can even suffer from overwatering. For most succulents, the rule is to only water from spring through fall and allow the compost to dry out between waterings. However, some succulents have more specific watering requirements — for example, lithops should be watered infrequently and only beginning in late spring, after their old leaves have died back. Always check the water requirements of your succulents before watering.

Most succulents thrive in a dry, well-lit spot. Some thrive best in full sun. However, others, like Haworthia truncata, thrive best in a lightly shaded spot. Always check the growth requirements of individual succulents before purchasing. Additionally, if your succulent is looking unhappy in one spot, try moving it to see if it does better elsewhere.

Adding mulch to pots of succulents improves the dry appearance and prevents wet compost from contacting the leaves, which can cause rot. Use horticultural semolina, shells or other dry material. Apply it gently with a spoon, covering all the compost.

Most succulents are tender and need to be brought indoors for the winter. Ideally place the pots in a greenhouse or conservatory. Some succulents can be left in a sheltered spot (under an eaves/on a wall) but just wrap bubble wrap around the pot to protect from frost.