Growing succulents

Is it spring yet? I know we are in the dead of winter, but I am really longing for some color. I saw an article recently about blooming succulents, which got me to thinking. Yes, I have a plenitude of houseplants as my husband might note. However, I am only recipient to the occasional bloom from one of my peace lily or aloe vera plants. And, this will not sustain me until May.

According to University of Minnesota Extension, the term succulents refers to a very broad category of plants that have developed fleshy leaves or stems in order to survive arid conditions. In addition to plants in the cacti family, succulents also includes many common houseplants, such as the jade, snake, medicine and century plants. Even the flowering Kalanchoes, which are often sold as gifts, are included in this group.

Succulents require minimal watering, but they do need a bright, sunny window. They also prefer relatively low humidity, so if you have a humidifier in one of your rooms it might be a good idea to move the plant to another area of the house.

These plants also prefer well-draining sandy soil, so using a mixture of one part potting mix and one part coarse sand is a good idea. Also, make sure to use a container with drainage holes to avoid root rot. If you are working with a terrarium or enclosed container, then water minimally.

To bloom your succulents indoors, you need to recreate their native environment. University of Minnesota Extension says “this involves a combination of good light, dry soil, and cool nights”. They suggest a windowsill location because it will give the plant the necessary light along with cool temperatures at night. A list of cacti that are more likely to bloom indoors are listed here: https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/houseplants/cacti-and-scculents/.

North Dakota State University has a wonderful photo gallery of a variety of succulents. They highlight hens and chicks, sedum, spiderwort, kalanchoe, burro’s tail and more. https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/chiwonlee/plsc211/student%20papers/articles11/MarieHagemeister/. The Colorado Cactus and Succulent
Society also has some good resources related to growing these interesting plants. http://www.coloradocactus.org/.

Popular these days is the idea of grouping multiple species of succulents into a variety of containers. After searching on the internet, I found individuals growing these plants in old logs, bird baths, fountains, tea cups, water cans and even old shoes. Are some of these methods recommended? Probably not, but it does make for a unique creative expression. Without having drain holes, one runs the risk of root decay. Nevertheless, I like the ideas, because they look like fun! If the plant shows signs of decline, then transfer it to a more suitable container.

For some ideas and very basic instructions on making a succulent wreath, topiary, living picture, fairy garden, or a succulent globe, check out this master gardener article from the University of California. http://ucanr.edu/datastoreFiles/268-566.pdf.

Can you wait until spring for some color? If you want to try your hand with succulents, then keep an eye out for me when you visit your local nursery or home improvement center. I will be the one staring towards the ceiling with my finger tapping my chin as I ponder how many of these jewels I can realistically take home. With all these fun and creative ideas, why not get the whole family involved and a make an afternoon of it?

Kelley Rawlsky has an M.S. in horticulture and is the director of Bringing People and Plants Together, an organization dedicated to bringing horticulture education and therapy to the community. For more information: PeopleAndPlantsTogether@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook.

Originally published in Broomfield Enterprise - Jan 21, 2018