Joy in Caring for Succulents
Succulents have architectural beauty, a low-maintenance nature, and provide a therapeutic satisfaction of nurturing living, resilient plants. Their diverse shapes and colors brighten space; there’s one for every houseplant lover!
Meanwhile, propagation offers a rewarding, creative, and cost-effective hobby that enhances mental well-being by reducing stress and boosting productivity, and combats feelings of stagnation. Their drought-resistant nature makes them ideal for busy, modern lifestyles.
Top indoor succulents for Falls County, Texas—which experiences hot, humid summers and occasional freezes—include hardy varieties that handle both low light and container life. Best choices include Snake Plant, Aloe Vera, Jade Plant, Ghost Plant, and String of Pearls, Mexican Snowball, Panda Plant, Echeveria, Zebra Haworthia, Burro’s Tail, Crown of Thorns, Hens and Chicks, String of Hearts, Lithops, Ice Plant, Tiger Tooth Aloe, Propeller Plant, Dolphin Plant, Moonstone Plant, Christmas Cactus, and Baby Toes.
They thrive in dry indoor air. Succulent plants provide air purification by removing toxins like benzene, and increasing indoor humidity. Use a well-draining potting mix. Most succulents prefer bright, indirect light, but some tolerate low light. Make sure to rotate pots regularly for even growth.
Today, however, attention is on a small, robust indoor succulent, called Echeveria Pulidonis. Echeveria pulidonis’s common name is Pulido’s Echeveria. Echeveria Pulidonis.is a slow-growing, stemless, Mexican succulent renowned for its tidy, blue-green rosettes with distinct crimson-red leaf margins. It requires bright sun, well-draining soil, and “soak-and-dry” watering, thriving very well in Falls County, Texas.. This charming plant produces yellow, bell-shaped flowers on tall stalks in spring. Plant your succulents in a sunny well drained area, full sun for the best color. Once established, water occasionally, and divide clumps as needed. During the summer growing season, fertilize as you would with other houseplants. Stop fertilizing entirely during the winter. Indoors, etiolation will occur if inadequate lighting is provided, the plant will stretch.
Echeveria pulidonis is easily propagated in spring via leaf cuttings or offsets (pups). For leaves, gently twist off healthy, mature leaves and let them callus for 2–3 days. Place them on top of well-draining succulent soil and mist every few days, keeping them in bright, indirect light until baby rosettes grow.
In general, growing succulents outdoors in Falls County, TX, requires excellent drainage, 4–6 hours of morning sun, and protection from intense afternoon heat and winter freezes. Opt for drought-tolerant, heat-loving, and cold-hardy succulents like Whale’s Tongue Agave, Red Yucca, Sedum (Stonecrop), Hens & Chicks, and Texas Sotol. Ensure pots have drainage holes. In-ground, plant on mounds to ensure water sheds away from the crown. These plants thrive in welldrained, rocky soil and handle Central Texas heat, often requiring little to no supplemental water once established. Overwatering is the #1 cause of death.
When it comes to water, always check the soil moisture first by sticking your finger in the pot. Wait until the soil is completely dry and the plant looks thirsty before watering again. When you do water, give the plant a thorough, deep drink until water drains from the bottom. Then allow the plant to almost fully dry out before repeating.Mushy, yellowing leaves are signs of overwatering or poor drainage.
If aphids appear, use a mix of 70% rubbing alcohol and 50% water.
Try a succulent, or two! “Succulents always make people better, happier, and more helpful.” (Creative Gardening May 2017)