Avoid These Common Mistakes and Keep Your Succulents Flourishing in the Heat and Humidity
Humidity and heat are a challenge when growing succulents, but fortunately they don't make it impossible to grow happy succulents.
Not all succulents love the heat and most don't particularly like humidity either.
While it may not be possible to control the weather, you can control where you are planting succulents, and what you are planting them in.
Watch Your Watering Schedule
Succulents can absorb water from the air around them, so succulents in a high humidity climate won't need to be watered as frequently. Of course the soil they're in won't dry out as quickly either.
This means it's important to keep track of when you water your succulents. Using an app like the Succulent Tracker can be extremely helpful.
Also, avoid watering on a set schedule. Pay attention to the signs your succulent is giving you to avoid over watering it.
Potted Succulents
Start by using a really well draining soil. I recommend this for growing succulents anywhere, but its especially important in humid climates.
I also recommend using a pot with a drainage hole and having your pots up on pot feet. This will allow the soil to dry out more easily.
It's also important to pay attention to the signs your succulent is giving you and avoid watering too frequently. Succulents will take advantage of the water in the air and won't need you to water them as often as you would in a drier climate.
Succulents in the Ground
Well draining soil will also be important for your in-ground succulents. You can use more traditional soils, but make sure you mix in some pumice or other "grit" to help the soil dry out more quickly.
Another great way to help your succulent roots to dry more quickly is to create large mounds of soil rather than planting in a completely flat area. Mounding the soil will allow the water to flow away from the succulent roots faster.
It's likely that during especially humid times of year you'll hardly need to water your succulents in the ground. They tend to stay cooler and more damp than potted succulents and will also use water from the air around them.
Limit Exposure to Rain
Some areas get rain daily in the summer. This poses a big challenge for succulents since they need to dry out between watering.
Try planting succulents in sheltered areas that have an overhang above them or pots that can be moved up against the house where rain is less likely to reach them.
You can also use umbrellas to reduce the amount of water that gets on succulents. This works for both in-ground and potted succulents.
It can be a challenge to keep succulents happy in humid climates, but if you use a well draining soil, pay attention to what your succulent is telling you, and keep them in protected areas, you'll still be able to grow these gorgeous plants.
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This article originally appeared on Succulents and Sunshine.