Gardening with Succulents

By Vicki Scott

Succulents. Who doesn’t love these tender, juicy, unusual plants with delightful names like Jelly Bean, Bunny Ears, and Baby Toes? I mean, Baby Toes! Adorable. Thankfully, succulents are easy to grow and maintain, and they thrive in our sandy Alameda soil and temperate climate. Here are some basic tips to help you incorporate succulents into your garden or home.

Water
Succulents are plants with thick, fleshy leaves or stems adapted to store water. They evolved to survive in dry and rocky climates by maximizing their water absorption ability. Unfortunately, this mechanism works against them when there’s too much water, and they can easily rot. Be sure to water succulents based on their needs (check the label or research what works best for that plant).

Soil
Because they absorb water so easily, succulents are happiest in well-draining soil. When planting in pots, ensure the pot has good drainage, and make sure that pot isn’t sitting in water in a saucer or something similar. In the garden, plant succulents in sandy locations with aerated soil, away from waterlogged areas and thirsty plants that need extra moisture.

Light
While all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti. Depending on the species, some succulents thrive in direct sunlight, while others prefer dappled light or full shade to protect their tender flesh. Be sure to select succulents that work with the light conditions in your space, and place them accordingly.

Heat
Most succulents prefer temperatures ranging from 60-80℉. Anything below 40℉ and above 90℉ may risk their health, so cover or protect them when these conditions persist. If color is your thing, this might interest you – many succulents change color based on the temperature! Colder weather causes some succulents to intensify their colors (think pinks/purples), while warmer weather encourages their true colors, and hotter weather can make their tips turn orange or red.

Care
Succulents can be found on every continent except Antarctica. While they may seem similar, each species has different needs. When choosing a succulent, learn what that particular plant needs to survive, and try to provide its ideal environment. Your local nursery will usually stock varieties that thrive in your area. Choose plants that are compatible with your garden’s ecosystem and that work with your lifestyle.

Learn
To experience a world-class dry garden teeming with unusual and delightful succulents, visit the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, a true Bay Area gem. With 3.5 acres of climate-resilient plants from around the world, the garden offers a variety of classes, workshops, and events that encourage you to connect meaningfully with the natural world.