Succulents are becoming the favorites of home gardening because of their drought tolerance and cute appearance. However, many people encounter the problem of slow growth when growing succulents. Scientific maintenance methods are essential to make succulents grow faster and stay healthy.

This article will provide practical suggestions from several important aspects, such as light, temperature, soil, pruning, repotting, fertilization, etc., to help you create vibrant succulents and make succulents grow faster.

The Basics for Making Succulents Grow Faster-Root

Succulents soil

A healthy root system can make succulents grow faster and is the basis for healthy growth of succulents.

Succulent and cactus soil mix: This soil has vital drainage and air permeability, which can prevent water retention from causing the rotting of succulent roots, and contains specific organic components to provide certain nutrients for succulents so that succulents grow faster.

Homemade soil: Homemade soil formula is made by mixing granular soil with organic soil to form a succulent soil that is well-ventilated and rich in certain nutrients. The proportion of soil can be flexibly adjusted according to the soil requirements of succulents at different times so that succulents can grow faster.

The roots of succulent seedlings are relatively fragile, so the soil should be relatively loose and well-drained. The recommended soil ratio is perlite: river sand: leaf mold mixed in a ratio of 5:2:3.

Succulents need more nutrients during their growth period, so the proportion of organic matter in the soil mixture needs to be increased. The recommended ratio is perlite: leaf humus: river sand: organic fertilizer or bone meal 4:4:2.

Succulents have a more developed root system during their mature period, so the soil should be drained and breathable. The recommended ratio is perlite: leaf humus: river sand 6:2:2.

Pruning and repotting

Regular pruning and repotting not only keep succulent plants healthy but also help succulents grow faster.

Prune old leaves: Removing withered or yellowed old leaves in time will help succulents concentrate nutrients on the growth of new leaves and roots, thereby making the succulents grow faster.

Check the roots: Check the roots every year to make sure there are no messy roots or pots that are too small. Because if the root system is restricted, succulent growth and growth rate will slow down.

Regular repotting: Succulents need to be repotted every 1-2 years. Using new soil and providing more space for the roots of succulents helps the roots expand and allows succulents to grow faster.

Tips for Making Succulents Grow Faster-Fertilization

Proper fertilization can help succulents grow faster. However, when fertilizing succulents, pay attention to the time, frequency, and type of fertilizer used to avoid damaging the roots.

Fertilization during the succulent growth season

The growing season for succulents is spring and fall. Appropriate fertilization can make succulents grow faster. Do not fertilize during the dormant period that is, summer and winter because it will not make succulents grow faster but will easily burn the roots of the plants.

Fertilizer

You can choose organic fertilizer or buy it in the store. Generally, fertilization is selected according to the state of succulents and succulent soil.

Here, we introduce the effects of these three elements on succulents:

Nitrogen: Nitrogen is the basic element for the growth of succulents and is mainly responsible for the growth of leaves and stems. Nitrogen is essential for succulents in the growth period, but if succulents absorb too much nitrogen, it will lead to leggy growth.

Phosphorus: Helps the growth and bloom of succulent root systems and promotes energy conversion and storage, which is especially important for succulents in the seedling and blooming periods.

Potassium: Promotes the resistance of succulents and enhances succulents' ability to resist pests, diseases, and environmental stress. It is essential for mature succulents.

Organic fertilizers

Eggshell fertilizer: Contains calcium carbonate that helps the roots of succulents. It is used for succulents in the growing period or succulents that lack calcium. First, you must wash and dry the eggshells, grind them into fine powder, and mix them into the soil. One eggshell is just right for a 2-inch succulent pot. The frequency can be controlled to once per growing season.

Fish emulsion: Contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The nitrogen content is high. It is more suitable for use during the growth period of succulents or for succulents that lack nutrients. The production steps are to put raw fish bones or fish waste into a sealed container and soak it in water for 1-2 weeks. Remember to dilute it to about 1:20 before use. Fertilizing once every growing season is recommended.

Compost fertilizer: Rich in organic matter such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and nutrients required by succulents. It is very suitable for plants that do not change pot soil for a long time. The method of making is to pile organic matter such as dead leaves and hay in a well-ventilated place and turn it every few days, and the decomposition process takes about 2-3 months. Then, mix the compost fertilizer into the potting soil in a ratio of 1:4. Fertilizing once every growing season is recommended.

Click: Can coffee grounds be used as fertilizer for succulents directly?

Commercial fertilizer

Granular: We recommend choosing a fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with a 1:1:1 ratio as the general ratio. The label usually says "all-purpose fertilizer."

Liquid fertilizer: After choosing a liquid fertilizer specifically for succulents, dilute it according to the recommended ratio on the package, and then apply it according to the frequency and usage instructions.

Click to read more about how to fertilize succulents scientifically.

The Key to Making Succulents Grow Faster-Growth Environment

For succulents to grow faster, suitable light and temperature are essential conditions.

Light requirements

Plenty of sunlight: Most succulents like an environment with plenty of light. Succulents need at least 4-6 hours of bright direct light or indirect light every day. If there is not enough sunlight, succulents will be leggy, leaves will be loose, and the growth rate will be affected.

Avoid excessive exposure: Especially in summer, the scorching sun may burn the leaves of succulents. You can shade them appropriately when the sun is strongest at noon or move them to a place with scattered light.

Insufficient light: If your succulents are not receiving enough light, it is recommended to place them on a south-facing windowsill or use a fill light to increase the light time.

Ambient temperatures and ventilation

Suitable growth temperature: Most succulents grow in an environment of 60°F-75°F. High or low temperatures will lead to slow growth or dormancy.

Good ventilation: A well-ventilated environment can effectively prevent pests and diseases, promote the respiration of succulents, and increase the growth rate. So don't put succulents in a closed environment, especially in humid areas.

Through suitable light and temperature, proper fertilization and watering management, and regular pruning and pot changing, your succulents will be able to grow faster and healthier. 

However, due to the different varieties, some succulents will have a slow and long growth cycle, so they can't grow fast. Although we will be excited after seeing our succulents grow fast, you don't need to be disappointed if there is no change. Respect the life of succulents, and be a little more patient when giving succulents grow!