If you grow succulents outdoors, I’d love your help 😬
It would help me tremendously if you grow your succulents outside in full/ partial sun, what succulent soil do you use(commercial or homemade), & how fast does the top layer dry out.. ? I live in FL, so any climate close to that I’d love to hear cause I’m having a wicked time constructing the right soil that dries out the top layer quickly to prevent stem/root rot.. thank you ahead of time Greg fam 🤍 #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddict #NewGrowth #PropagationStation #SucculentLove #PlantTherapy #outdoors #OutdoorGrowing #outdoorplants #outdoorgardens
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Best Answer
Hello @Artistic_Stoner !!! 🤗
I have many succulents on my back east facing porch. I live in Missouri but today's heat index was over 100 degrees F. I know it gets really hot and humid down there in Florida!
Anyway, I use a homemade succulent/cactus mix and they seem to all be pleased. 😊 Here's my recipe:
🤎 1 part chunky perlite
🤎 2 parts horticultural coarse sand
🤎 3 parts potting soil
You can also add in a little compost or earthworm castings for fertilization but you don't even have to do that. Make certain ALL of your pots have ample drainage especially since you're in Florida & will catch some serious rain at times.
In this heat, I have been watering my succs every 3 days if it doesn't rain. If it rains enough, I don't water them at all. BUT the best way to know when to water is if ALL of the soil in the pot is completely dry. If you feel any wetness at all, don't water!
I hope this helps and I have some experience with succulents if you have any other questions! 😊
I have many succulents on my back east facing porch. I live in Missouri but today's heat index was over 100 degrees F. I know it gets really hot and humid down there in Florida!
Anyway, I use a homemade succulent/cactus mix and they seem to all be pleased. 😊 Here's my recipe:
🤎 1 part chunky perlite
🤎 2 parts horticultural coarse sand
🤎 3 parts potting soil
You can also add in a little compost or earthworm castings for fertilization but you don't even have to do that. Make certain ALL of your pots have ample drainage especially since you're in Florida & will catch some serious rain at times.
In this heat, I have been watering my succs every 3 days if it doesn't rain. If it rains enough, I don't water them at all. BUT the best way to know when to water is if ALL of the soil in the pot is completely dry. If you feel any wetness at all, don't water!
I hope this helps and I have some experience with succulents if you have any other questions! 😊
I live in Houston, TX and have grown succulents outside for a few years. I use Miracle Grow cactus blend with added perlite. The best indicator I’ve seen for when a succulent needs water is when their “leaves” get soft (but not translucent & squishy). The leaves should be firm if they have enough water. If they start to feel soft, they need more water.
@JackHenrysMom thank you so much for replying !! I assure you I’m not over watering them, my problem is my top layer is staying wet too long in certain pots(I’ve taken consideration in terracotta/plastic/ceramic) but the leaves & stems are wet too long causing stem rot.. so I was curious what soils people use in my kind of climate to prevent it.. seems no matter how much perlite or pumice I use I can’t seem to make the perfect soil 😭
@JesssJungle thank you Jess so much for replying! I have made almost the same soil as you just slight different ratios, but I posted to ask cause my problem is the top layer is staying moist too long causeing some stems to rot & rotting the leaves sitting on damp soil.. I only have 2 pots left I can’t figure to make dry faster, & I know I’d hate to be repotted as many times as I’ve had to 😔 i didn’t have this problem last year, then again I added over 50 plants since then lol
@JesssJungle so Jess, I’m pretty desperate to not lose any more then I have & humbly am willing to try anything! I made up your ratio of perlite, fine chicken grit(don’t have anything but finer sand) & cactus/succulent soil.. I will water tomorrow morning(or do you water immediately after repotting? I’ve heard both 😖) & gladly give you an update !! Really appreciate your help & advice 🤍 fingers crossed 🤞🏼
@Artistic_Stoner oh yes please keep me updated!! Honestly I have also heard both ways, but I usually water right after I repot. I haven't had trouble doing that yet. 😁
@JesssJungle okay, I only ask cause it’s 91 here & didn’t want to roast the roots or something lol. Thanks again for your input, have a wonderful rest of your day !!
@Artistic_Stoner the only thing I could think of would be to get a courser soil (I didn’t add anything to it. Used as is). I bought some bonsai Jack succulent soil off Amazon and it doesn’t retain nearly as much water. Might be worth a try
@JesssJungle I’ve always heard not to water succulents after repotting. I haven’t had any problems not immediately watering so 🤷🏻♀️ it’s all so hit and miss
@JackHenrysMom thank you, yes if this time the soil doesn’t work I’ll look into some bonsai jack! That’s a great recommendation but yes tedious, & I have rock filler at the bottom of pots so I don’t think it’ll absorb.. so far I’ve heard more people water after potting, I watered a couple after & they seem to be fine! Thank you again for your input ☺️