Succulents are the little green superheroes of your home or office. They’re low maintenance, look stunning in any setting, and instantly elevate your vibe. Plus, they’re perfect for anyone—not just seasoned gardeners. But if you’ve struggled to keep one alive (yes, overwatering is a thing), don’t worry. This guide will walk you through caring for succulents and keeping them happy, whether you’re in Belgium or the Netherlands.
By the end of this post, you’ll know how to water them properly, understand light and temperature needs, pick the best pots and soil, and tackle common problems like pests. We’ve even got seasonal tips to help your succulents survive those chilly Northern European winters.
1. Master the Art of Watering Succulents
Watering succulents is all about balance. Too little water, and they start to shrivel like a raisin. Too much, and you’re basically drowning them. Here’s the secret: the “soak and dry” method.
How to Water Your Succulents Perfectly
- Check the soil: Only water when the soil is completely dry. Stick your finger an inch into the pot to check for moisture.
- Don’t mist: Succulents prefer being watered at the roots rather than spritzed on their leaves. Use a small watering can instead.
- Avoid waterlogging: Make sure your pots have drainage holes (more on that later). Standing water can cause root rot faster than you think.
If you’re in Belgium or the Netherlands, remember that the humidity is often higher than in drier regions, which might mean your succulents need less water compared to climate conditions elsewhere.
2. Nailing Light and Temperature Requirements
Sunlight is a succulent’s best friend. Without enough light, they’ll start looking lanky and pale. But the amount of sunlight they need depends on whether they’re indoor or outdoor plants.
Tips for Light and Sun
- Indoors: Place your succulents near bright, sunny windows. South-facing windows are perfect.
- Outdoors: They’ll love morning sunlight, but too much afternoon sun can scorch their leaves. Find a balance by giving them partial shade if the heat gets intense in summer.
About Temperatures
Succulents thrive between 15-26°C (59-79°F). Anything below freezing is their kryptonite. If you’re in the Netherlands or Belgium and winter is rolling in, bring your outdoor succulents inside early.
3. Picking the Best Soil and Pots for Succulents
Now, this one’s crucial. Regular potting soil won’t cut it for succulents. They need fast-draining soil and the right kind of pots to thrive.
The Perfect Soil for Succulents
Look for soil mixes meant for cacti and succulents. You can even DIY your own mix using potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite for better drainage.
Choosing the Right Pot
- Drainage is a must: Get pots with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
- Size matters: Don’t use an oversized pot. Succulents thrive in snug spaces.
- Material: Clay or terracotta pots are great because they allow moisture to evaporate quickly, which helps prevent overwatering.
4. Solving Common Succulent Problems
Even with the best care, succulents can have off days. Here’s how to deal with common problems you might run into.
Overwatering
Leaves turning mushy or falling off? Stop watering for a week or two, and check if the roots are rotting. If they are, trim off the damaged parts and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.
Pests
Tiny pests like mealybugs and aphids love succulents too. Wipe them off with rubbing alcohol using a cotton swab, or spray lightly with neem oil.
Stretching (Etiolation)
If your succulent has become taller and stretched, it’s searching for more light. Move it to a sunnier spot. Unfortunately, the stretched-out stem won’t shrink back, but you can cut and replant the top part for a fresh start.
5. Indoor vs. Outdoor Succulent Care
Not all succulents are created equal when it comes to where they thrive best, so here’s what you should know for both indoor and outdoor care.
Indoor Succulents
- Ideal for homes and offices that don’t get extreme changes in temperature.
- Perfect for bright windowsills or as part of your desk decor.
- Don’t keep them in dim places for too long unless you want to introduce a grow light.
Outdoor Succulents
- These can thrive in a garden, balcony, or even your patio in mild weather.
- Protect them from frost during colder months in Belgium and the Netherlands.
6. Seasonal Succulent Care Tips
Caring for succulents changes a bit depending on the season.
Winter
- Water less. Most succulents go dormant in winter and don’t need much water.
- Keep them warm and away from chilly windows or cold drafts.
Summer
- Water more often, as the heat and sunlight dry out the soil faster. But still, stick to the “soak and dry” rule.
- Shield outdoor succulents from intense midday sun to prevent leaf burns.
Why Trust Succulux for Your Succulent Needs?
At Succulux, we live and breathe succulents. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we’ve got everything you need to make your plants thrive. From high-quality soil mixes to gorgeous pots and expert advice, we’re here to support your succulent obsession.
Got questions about your specific succulent? Reach out to us or browse our curated selection of products. Your perfect plant starts here.
