Summer and succulents seem like the perfect match, but too much sun or heat can actually do some serious damage. So how do we care for our succulents in summer? Moving indoor succulents outside during the summer can be good for them, as long as you follow these precautions.
Avoid sunburn
Indoor succulents have enjoyed stable temperatures and light for the last 6 months, so be sure to ease them slowing into their new environment outside. Start by placing them in an area that gets full shade, as it can be very easy to shock or sunburn succulents with too much sunlight.
After the first few days, gradually move them into areas with partial sun, watching them to see how they adjust. Early signs of sunburn such as bleaching or extreme color change. If you see these signs, move your succulents back to an area with more shade. Eventually they will find their happy spot for the rest of summer.
Re-potting succulents
If your indoor succulents grew a lot over the winter, if they are crowding the pot, or if a large arrangement had a few that died, it’s a good idea to re-pot. Gently remove and separate each plant, get rid of the old soil and remove as much from the roots as you can. Clean any pots you are going to use with soapy water, rinse well, and replant using fresh soil.
Use soil formulated for cactus and succulents, and choose pots that have drainage holes so roots don’t get waterlogged, and your plants will be happy and healthy in their new homes for summer.
Watering succulents in summer
Succulents that are in the ground are usually very self-sufficient, but container-planted succulents need more attention when it comes to watering. Once a week is a good general rule of thumb. When you water succulents be sure to water from the bottom and avoid getting leaves wet.
Don’t use a misting bottle to wet succulents down in the summer either. While you might enjoy a good misting sitting in a chair by the pool, misting succulents can lead to moldy leaves and can also attract pesky insects.
Insects that attach succulents
Speaking of insects, there are a few species that might try to take up residence you’re your succulents when you move them outside. Mealybugs, ants, mites, snails and slugs are the most common pests to watch for.
If ants get into your pot, simply re-pot with fresh soil and move to a different location. Mealybugs can be killed with alcohol. Snails and slugs can be removed by hand, and an application of repellent around your succulent area will keep future ones away. Also, the beauty of potted plants means you can move them away from any danger.
Your succulents will really benefit from fresh air and a little more sunlight, so it’s worth moving them out. Once they adjust to their new surroundings, you can even try propagating new plants on your own. Just make sure you’ll got room for them once winter rolls back around and it’s time to move them back in.