Caring For Your Succulents

Zones:          All of our succulents are hardy to zone 3 unless otherwise labeled.

                    Plants shipped in early spring are dormant.  They will appear dull in

                    color and have some dry edges.  This is normal and when placed in

                    sunlight they will intensify in color.  Sempervivums change color with

                    the seasons and each variety has its own most colorful time of the year.

Light:          Most varieties need at least half a day to a full day of sunlight.  In

                   extremely hot areas some afternoon shade is recommended.

Planting:     Remove plants from their pots and plant making sure the soil level

                   remains the same depth on the plant.  Once established, your succulents

                   will benefit from a layer of pebbles or pea gravel spread on the soil

                   around the plant.  This is also very decorative.

Soil:            Succulents need good draining soil.  When planting in the garden, make

                  sure the area drains well and is not in a low spot that would stay wet.

                  For container planting you can purchase cactus soil or incorporate sand,

                  gravel or volcanic rock for better drainage.  The container you are

                  planting in should have a drainage hole or put crushed rock on the bottom

                  before your planting medium.

Watering:   After planting, water in well and allow the soil to dry slightly between

                  waterings.  Succulents don't like to have wet feet.  When you do water,

                  water thoroughly.

Fertilizer:   Most succulents need very little fertilizer.  Watering with a well balanced

                 fertilizer once a month will be all they need.

Flowering: Sedum all have different bloom times and colors ranging from pink, red

                 and yellow.

                 Sempervivums will bloom after the second or third year.  A flower stalk

                 will shoot up from the center of the main rosette with a cluster of

                 flowers.  After the flower dies, gently twist off the stalk.  The main

                 rosette has put on new offsets that will fill in.

Uses:        The planting possibilities using succulents are endless.  The different

                colors, textures and habits make the most interesting containers and

                troughs.  Succulents make beautiful rock garden plants.  With a wide

                variety of bloom times there is always something with color.