Growing Greenhouse Succulents
Professional growers and hobbyists are adding substantial greenhouse succulent plants to their inventory in many areas. In places where succulents and cacti only grow outside for part of the year, greenhouse growing allows for bigger plants earlier in the year. However, they are facing a few pitfalls, especially with first-time growers. Growing succulents in a greenhouse is different from growing other plants in this environment. If you have a greenhouse and keep your succulents there, maybe you will benefit from these tips. Follow these basic suggestions for taking care of them to achieve the healthiest succulent growth.
Starting a Succulent Greenhouse
You may want to add a greenhouse or use an existing one in which to grow succulents. You might even grow some to sell. A greenhouse is the perfect way to keep rainfall from getting plants too wet. It is an excellent way to organize your succulents and identify them. A heated greenhouse can keep them alive during the winter if you’re in a climate with months of below freezing temperatures. If you continue to add succulents to your collection and don’t have enough space to display them in your house, a greenhouse is a great option for storage.
Greenhouse Succulent Care
Water and Soil: You may be aware that succulents need less water than most plants. This is a defense mechanism they developed from originating in areas where rainfall is limited. Most of them store water in their leaves. Succulents need to dry out completely between waterings. They need even less water in fall and winter. Plant them in an amended, fast-draining soil so water can quickly exit the root area. Too much water is the primary reason for succulent death. Don’t hang baskets above the succulents. These may obstruct the lighting and drip into succulent pots, keeping succulents too wet. Dripping water can also spread disease. Lighting: Most succulents like bright light conditions, except for those that are variegated, such as green and white. Direct sunlight in a greenhouse should be filtered. Leaves may be sunburned if exposed to too much sun. If direct sunlight reaches the plants, it should be just a few hours in the morning once they’ve been gradually acclimated to it. If the greenhouse does not provide the sunlight necessary, use artificial lighting.
