I just got this plant today I had to repot it due to overgrowth but I’m not sure if this is enough sunlight or if I should move it. Also I’m accepting any criticism and just tips for growing this plant I’m also getting a bigger pot this is just for right now
cute! bright light & lots of it — i like terra cotta for succulents and a well draining soil is a must, extra perlite in your mix at least 😎☀️
3 likes water only when the soil is completely dry!
1 likeThank you so much this is my first time having a plant I’m excited to see how it grows and learn more ☺️
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Welcome to Planta! 😊 everyone’s typically very nice and happy to help, so don’t feel discouraged from asking questions. Lola is adorable! And succulents make great starter plants for those new to houseplant keeping 👍
1 like Put it in your brightest window. If you’ve got a south window, or one that gets 8+ hours of sunlight throughout the day, place it there. If your windows are low light, or 4 hours or less of sunlight, then you might want to invest in a grow light. Don’t wipe the “white film” usually on succulents off, or water ON the leaves, as that film acts as the plant’s natural “sunscreen” and does not regenerate once removed. I bottom water all my succulents to keep that film preserved and the leaves from getting wet (if they get wet and put in bright light, or placed in hot outdoor sun, the leaves will get scorched). If you’re new to bottom watering, it’s great for succulents and really easy. Helps prevent root rot, overwatering, and attracting pests to the top soil. Just look up “how to bottom water a plant” on YouTube and you’ll find plenty of simple tutorials on how. Last thing I’d advice is to make sure you get a specifically cactus soil mix, something with perlite and chunkier items in the mix to ensure good drainage, and that the pot has at least one drainage hole. Terra cotta ones are great if you’re scared of overwatering it. I use Espoma’s Cactus and Succulent mix for all my succulents, and personally can’t recommend Miracle Grow’s cactus soil from multiple bad experiences with it, but if you can’t find Espoma, just make sure you get one specifically labeled “cactus/succulent soil”. Hope this helps! Good luck!
0 likes Last thing I wanna add if you got it from a box store (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, grocery stores, etc.) is to check the roots when repotting. If the roots are light in color and firm, they’re healthy. If they’re dark and mushy, or crumble at the touch, they’re rotted. If that’s the case when you repot, come back here and let us know and I’d be happy to walk you through how to treat root rot. I’m not seeing anything from the initial photos you took of Lola to cause any alarm, but it’s always important to check the roots and soil for rot, pests, or if the soil is well draining when getting any plants from a box store.
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Needs more! They require 3000-4000 foot candles of light and most windows provide less than 500. A light metre would help you identify how much more it needs, but generally speaking any energy efficient grow light that’s 5000-6500 kelvins; 1000-2000 lumens over 4-8 hours and 75-200PPFD will be enough to help them thrive. Ie Sansi 10W or Barina 25W bulbs. Although you will need at least two heads facing the plant with the Sansi, and the larger 35W is too warm of a light for it to be absorbed properly. Please ensure the pot has drainage holes and a very gritty soil mix. Many people say that succulents don’t like big pots, but this is false and in many circumstances using smaller pots leads to stunted growth. They don’t like sitting in wet soil, and in larger pots since the roots don’t cover the whole space it’s very easy to overwater them by not waiting until the soil has gone completely dry, causing root rot. Especially if you water them every time Planta says to instead of waiting an additional 7-14 days and looking for physical signs of dehydration. As long as it’s not more than 10cm wider than the plant itself I have never experienced an issue and found they grow much faster than if I placed them in smaller pots and waited for them to fill it out before moving it
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