03/17/2025 By cngarden 0

——Charlotte Windsor

As a passionate succulent lover, my windowsill, balcony, and even my desk are filled with all kinds of succulents, each with its own unique shape and personality. What started as a single Echeveria has now grown into a full-fledged “succulent jungle,” bringing me endless surprises, challenges, and joy along the way.

succulent

succulent plants

When I first started growing succulents, I thought they were tough plants that could thrive with little effort. I couldn’t have been more wrong. My first batch of succulents quickly turned into a mushy disaster due to overwatering—I had loved them a little too much. That’s when I learned one of the golden rules of succulent care: less is more when it comes to watering. I adopted the “soak and dry” method—only watering when the soil is completely dry and making sure the pots had proper drainage.

One of the most fascinating things about succulents is their ability to change color. I once bought a plain green Graptopetalum, but after a few weeks of full sunlight, its leaves transformed into a beautiful shade of pinkish-purple! That’s when I realized how much light exposure could enhance the colors of succulents. I adjusted my care routine, placing sun-loving varieties like Sedum and Crassula on my south-facing windowsill while keeping the shade-tolerant Haworthia on my desk. Over time, I developed my own little “light management system” to bring out the best in my plants.

But the most magical part? Propagation. One day, I accidentally knocked off a leaf from my Echeveria and left it on the soil. A few weeks later, tiny roots and baby leaves appeared—it was like witnessing a little miracle! Since then, I’ve become obsessed with leaf propagation, stem cutting, and beheading techniques. My collection of succulents kept expanding, and I even started gifting them to friends, welcoming them into the world of these adorable little plants.

Now, my home has become a mini succulent garden. Every morning, I sip my coffee while admiring my succulents, watching their colors shift and new leaves emerge. Sometimes, I’m even greeted by a surprise—like a tiny Lithops blooming out of nowhere. Growing succulents has taught me patience, observation, and an appreciation for resilience.

If you’re thinking about growing succulents, my advice is simple: control watering, ensure proper drainage, provide the right amount of sunlight, and most importantly—enjoy the process! Each succulent has its own personality, and your job is to discover and respect its unique growth rhythm. Trust me, once you step into this world, you’ll find yourself completely hooked!