Superb succulents

If you love greenery but don’t have time to garden, or are looking for a pot plant that will thrive with little water, then succulents are the answer. They are also the perfect pot plant for baches and holiday homes. Succulents are not only easy to grow, they come in a huge varietyofshapes, colours and sizes.  Although they don’t need much looking after, there are still things you can do to help them flourish.

 Choosing pots: succulents can grow in almost any type or shape of pot as long as they have good drainage, so make sure the container has plenty of drainage holes. It’s also better to choose a deeper pot, as shallow pots are less likely to drain quickly. While succulents cope with dryness they don’t like wet feet. Potting: Start with a standard potting mix, but add 20% pumice or coarse sand to encourage free drainage. Alternatively, use Yates Cacti & Succulent Mix. Succulents need very little fertiliser but a light application of slow release fertiliser every spring should see them thrive throughout the year. 

Watering: The trick is to give just enough water. Over the warmer months, water sparingly every seven to ten days. Over winter your succulents may not need watering at all. The rule of thumb is that the potting mix should dry out between waterings. 
Position: Being desert plants, succulents love the sun, so put them somewhere where they can get at least half a day of sunshine. Sedums and Sempervivums are more tolerant of cold. If pots are outside, you may need to give some Aloes and Agaves protection from winter frost.  

Get creative
Being so resilient, succulents are perfect for getting the kids interested in gardening. Encourage them to make up a succulent garden in a large, wide pot using different varieties, mixing it up with shells and pebbles.

 Types of succulents
Crassula: the most well-known of these is the long-lived jade tree or money plant.
Echeveria: one of the most decorative, growing in small rosettes.
Sedum: thick, succulent leaves, fleshy stems, and clusters of star-shaped flowers.
Sempervivum: large rosettes produced in many different colours.
Aloe: many produce a large rosette at ground level; others may have a stem from which the fleshy leaves spring.
Agave:  large leaves end in spiny tips. Some spectacular types of agave can grow to over 3-4 metres.

 Clareville Nursery and Garden Centre has paywave available, contactless delivery, and can take orders on our website. Keep up-to-date with specials, and new products through facebook page – @ClarevilleNursery&GardenCentre and Instagram account: @CNGC18. To place orders online: www.clarevillenursery.co.nz