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How To Care For Flowering Succulents

Succulents and cacti need adequate sunlight in order to bloom. Provide at least 5-6 hours of sunlight a day to keep the plants happy. Provide the plant with a well draining soil. Succulents do not like to sit in wet soil so it is important to provide the proper soil medium to keep them happy.

Should I cut the flowers off my succulents?

While the unusual features of succulents mesmerize every sight, some of the plants overly sprawl, outgrowing from your container or garden space. Since most of these plants can seal off the trimmed points, it is always best to cut off the diseased, dead, or broken stems, flowers stalks, and leaves.

How long do succulent flowers last?

Depending on how fast the succulent matures, it may live for many years before it blooms. If your succulent begins to flower and you don’t want to lose it, the best thing you can do is take some cuttings for propagation. Think of it as one generation fading out while another takes its place.

Why is my succulent growing a long stem with flowers?

Succulents will grow long stems when they are not getting enough sunlight. This process is called etiolation, where they start to turn and stretch out in search of light, giving them a “leggy” appearance with a long stem and smaller, spaced-out leaves.

Do succulents flower when stressed?

Keep in mind, however, succulents don’t need heavy watering, even to bloom. You may be surprised by a flower on the stressed succulent if it is sited properly – sometimes it’s all about location, location, location.

What is a succulent death bloom?

What does a death bloom look like? Death blooms come from the very very center (apex) of succulents like sempervivum, agave and some kalanchoe. If you see a bloom stalk (inflorescence) coming from somewhere else, like in between layers on an echeveria, it is a normal bloom and will not die after blooming.

When should you repot succulents?

It’s best to repot succulents into fresh soil after you purchase them. Another time you’d want to repot your succulents is when they’ve filled up or outgrown the pot they’re in. Often they’ll be “root bound” meaning the roots are filling up the pot and the plant doesn’t have space to grow more roots.

Do succulents need sun?

Succulents love light and need about six hours of sun per day, depending on the type of succulent. Newly planted succulents can scorch in direct sunlight, so you may need to gradually introduce them to full sun exposure or provide shade with a sheer curtain.

Can succulents live in water forever?

And that’s really it! Once the roots form the succulent can continue living in the water as long as you provide it with a suitable container. Just mind that water roots and soil roots are very different from each other and a succulent that has adapted to living in water will most probably die if transplanted into soil.

Should you remove dead leaves from succulents?

Yes, it is important to remove dead leaves from the succulents to enhance the growth of new leaves. Also, dead leaves at the bottom can choke the plant by avoiding airflow and tends to keep the soil damp which causes root rot. Succulent leaves tend to die naturally; it is their natural phenomenon to promote new growth.

Why do succulents get leggy?

Most succulents will grow “leggy” if they don’t get enough light. But those succulents that change colors when stressed are usually more light sensitive than others. Their reaction can be quick, putting out etiolated “growth” in a mere few days.

Can you cut the top of a succulent off and replant it?

Once you remove the top of your succulent, you can replant it in the soil and it won’t look so stretched out and leggy anymore. Grab a sharp pair of shears or a gardening knife. You should also wear a pair of gloves—some succulents have thorns and others have milky sap that can be irritating to your skin.

What does it mean when a succulent flowers?

All succulent plants and cacti have the capability to bloom at some point, but location and conditions have to be just right. If a bloom stalk or bud appears, you’ll likely exclaim “My succulent is flowering!” Proceed in the right way to get the most beautiful, long-lasting bloom.

What happens if you cut the top off a succulent?

There is a way to get back to a tight, compact garden again. Start by cutting off the top of the succulent using sharp scissors (I love, love, love this pair! Once the end of the cutting has calloused over (dried out completely and looks “scabbed”) you can plant it in soil and begin watering it.

How do I make my succulent pink?

Succulents need bright sunlight all day or at least 6 hours a day to become “stressed” and display their bright colors. If you grow succulents indoors, south-facing windows are a must to allow your plants to receive enough sunlight, grow healthily and maintain their vibrant red/pink color.

How do I make my succulents colorful?

To color succulents, you have to change the environment they are growing in, to put “stress” on them. Things such as less or more water, less or more sunlight, and hotter or colder temperatures can change their color. But if you are looking for more funky colors, you can also use food coloring.

Why does my succulent not flower?

Most succulents need sunlight for half the day, preferably morning, to produce the food needed for blooming. If growth is open and lax on leaf or stem succulents that should be compact, there’s not enough light for flowering. If globular cacti are stretching for the light, they won’t flower.