I received a Succulent Plant as an anniversary present and it is important to me. I think it is from the Aizoaceae family. I think it is dying. Some of its leaves are falling off and there are little tiny bugs in the soil. How much should I water it? How much sun does it need? How do I get rid of the bugs?
2007-02-11 16:14:48 · 5 answers · asked by husky88 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
these plants need very good drainage, lots of sunlight, and to be kept out of cool drafts. Succulents should be allowed to dry out between waterings. you might want to try lifting the plant gently out of the pot, and adding about 1/2 inch of sand to the bottom of the pot then placing rootball back on top of the sand; this will help drainage. the fact that there are bugs in the soil means that the soil is too damp. to get rid of the bugs, buy some insecticidal spray or powder and apply following directions; then place the pot in a black garbage bag, suck out the air with a vacuum, seal the bag, and leave it this way for 48 hours (no longer). remove it from direct sunlight while its sealed in the bag. this should take care of the bugs. if you dont overwater it in the future you should not have another bug problem. most succulents and cacti fail because of overwatering and/or lack of bright sunshine.
2007-02-11 18:09:18 · answer #1 · answered by mickey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
succulents need a lot of sun and not much water...don't know where you live...but thrives well in the southwest. Needs to be in regular ground soil mixed with maybe 1/4 potting soil. You did'nt describe the bugs, so can't help you there
2007-02-11 16:21:30 · answer #2 · answered by kathy n 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the bugs you have are probably mealy bugs... they love succulents for some reason, I agree with kathy about washing the plant and repotting, use regular potting soil and mix in some perlite soil made for succulents for better drainage. Water only when dry once a week or every 2 weeks, less in the winter because most succulents go dorment in winter.
2007-02-12 13:37:18 · answer #3 · answered by mindfog27 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Kathy gave you good cleaning advice for getting rid of the bugs.
Otherwise succulents do well in high to low light areas. They should be allowed to dry between watering's, the soil should appear dry when water is applied.
2007-02-12 01:30:19 · answer #4 · answered by Legomanyacts 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
take the plant out of the pot...run the whole thing underwater, cool/cold. Repot in a CLEAN pot with new soil (cactus potting soil) Then keep the pot in a SUNNY, WARM place and don't water unless the soil is dry or the 'leaves' look wrinkled.
(you gotta make sure all the bugs are off the plant....mild soap will help that, Ivory for dishes, UNSCENTED or Original scent, no lemon, no antibacterial) Throw the old soil away or microwave it in a plastic bag and put it away for another time. The microwaves will kill the bugs...DO NOT put your plant in the microwave.
2007-02-11 16:25:45 · answer #5 · answered by Chrys 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋