Watering of these!

Discussion in 'Cacti and Succulents' started by Markymark, Jan 4, 2021.

  1. Markymark

    Markymark Gardener

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2011
    Messages:
    224
    Occupation:
    Teacher
    Location:
    Liverpool
    Ratings:
    +125
    I was given a succulent by a pupil in my class last July. Got to be honest, I’ve never been interested in succulents or cacti. However, after looking at it closely, I am now, slowly but surely become intrigued by these amazing plants! I have put two photos on here. One is a terrarium with cacti (which I bought). It is very dry already (was dry when I bought it). Can I add water throughout the winter and add some water now? Obviously not very much at all. I have looked on the internet but there’s lots of conflicting advice on this.
    The second photo is of succulents I have bought and planted into pots and glass vases. I have added gravel and activated carbon, as recommended. I’ve also added extra pearlite into the succulent soil. When I put them in I didn’t water them at all as this is what I read on the internet. They have been in these containers now since last Saturday. When can I add some water? And is rain water best? I have a water butt outside so that’s easy. Thanks!
    I’m also already noticing that the succulent in the middle might be ‘stretching’ so have ordered a daylight lamp. What colour light is best?
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Jan 4, 2021
  2. ricky101

    ricky101 Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2016
    Messages:
    3,273
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Sheffield
    Ratings:
    +4,184
    Hi,

    No succulent expert , but also have a windowcill full of them like you , but only water when they feel very light and dry, typically about once a month in winter, always better to err on the dry side.

    Personally would avoid rainwater butts as you never know how clean it is as algae and all manner of things can collect in them ? Just use tepid tap water on ours.

    All plants will grow towards the brightest light source, you just turn the pot around so the growth is more even, never drempt of using a grow light on a windowcill, even less for succulents.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • JR

      JR Chilled Gardener

      Joined:
      Jul 19, 2020
      Messages:
      954
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Retired oil magnate
      Location:
      Cotswolds
      Ratings:
      +2,381
      I don't water mine at all from November to March.
      (avoids rot and mealy bugs)
      Then as Spring warms up my conservatory i start to water lightly. From May onwards i water them well, just like any other house plant. They like a liquid feed at each watering if possible.
      I can recommend this excellent book.
       

      Attached Files:

      • Like Like x 1
      • Markymark

        Markymark Gardener

        Joined:
        Mar 26, 2011
        Messages:
        224
        Occupation:
        Teacher
        Location:
        Liverpool
        Ratings:
        +125
        Fantastic! Thank you. I’ve been watching lots of
        YouTube experts on succulents and there’s so many to choose from! The one I watched
        Suggested a grow lamp so I’ve got one on order. It’s ‘only’ £30 and has
        Four ‘arms’ to shine on plants. Apparently you it gives them
        The extra light in winter. I only have east and west-facing windows.
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

          Joined:
          Jan 9, 2005
          Messages:
          47,720
          Gender:
          Male
          Occupation:
          Retired
          Location:
          Mid Kent
          Ratings:
          +84,375
          Do the pots have drainage?
           
        • Markymark

          Markymark Gardener

          Joined:
          Mar 26, 2011
          Messages:
          224
          Occupation:
          Teacher
          Location:
          Liverpool
          Ratings:
          +125
          The
          Two glass ones don’t but there is a good layer of gravel and activated carbon at the bottom of theses. The pot in the middle and two end ones do
           
          • Informative Informative x 1
          • pete

            pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

            Joined:
            Jan 9, 2005
            Messages:
            47,720
            Gender:
            Male
            Occupation:
            Retired
            Location:
            Mid Kent
            Ratings:
            +84,375
            I'd like to help regarding watering but I've never grown plants in that way.
            I tend to use very gritty compost and drainage in the pots.

            I can only suggest you keep them on the dry side, as that will be preferable to too wet.
            Obviously more water in summer, and very little if any in winter.
             
            • Agree Agree x 3
            Loading...

            Share This Page

            1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
              By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
              Dismiss Notice