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Cacti & Succulents

What should I do for my succulent?

7 years ago

Recently, someone gave me a succulent, which I was very excited about. However, I do not know what proper care is for it, or what kind of succulent it is. I've tried to do some research for what to do, but everything seems really complicated and specific. I'm looking for some basic identification and basic tips for care. Can anyone help me out?

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Comments (2)

mesembs
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Alright, so before we get started, note that I am not an expert on succulents! I only know the basics, and I am not good at identifying!

So, as wild guess in terms of ID, I'll just guess it's some sort of Jade. The picture is kind of dark, so I don't know for sure.

For care, I would slowly get it used to full sun, so it doesn't sunburn. You will need as much light as possible. in the end. Try for a Southern or Western exposure if you have one. If the leaves brown and crisp up, it may be sunburn. If that happens, you will need to move it down a notch in terms of sun exposure, and work your way back up.

Soil is a big thing with succulents. Most come in thick, heavy potting soils meant for flowers and the like. It holds a lot of water around the roots so that they can't breathe. As a consequence, rot will set in, and the plant will most likely die if left alone. If you have that kind of soil, you will need to repot at some point to keep your plant at top health. The best kind of soil to use would be one that contains more inorganic material (rock, grit, pumice), and less organic material (peat, compost). I don't know the specific kinds of mixes, but hopefully some one will come along who does. Usually, you will have some crushed granite, some perlite, some pumice, or turface, and maybe even a little pine bark. This kind of mix allows the water to drain out quickly, so rot will not set in, although at first it doesn't seem like anything would grow in such a mix!

So, some of the big things are: Lots of sun, and a good soil mix, and a few people to show off your plant to!

Good luck!

~palmsandsnow
vandermeerc thanked mesembs
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
7 years ago
Yes, better photo to ID pls.

Besides well draining potting mix, it needs container with drainage hole. Good light is must for most succulents (almost all :).

If in dark spot, move it slowly into more and more light rather than letting it to brown & crisp up leaves to tell you - no need to stress the plant. Most of the indoors light (even by the window) is not strong enough to burn the plant. Succulents will like being outdoors if possible during warmer months.
vandermeerc thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
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