Impossible to kill succulents in India

We are so used to watering our plants and looking after them on a daily basis that we tend to overdo things for our succulents as well. Succulents look beautiful in any setting, but, these plants scream to be “left alone” most of the times.

Here are easy to care for succulents that will not disappoint you!

Panda Plant

Panda Plant or Chocolate Soldier, scientifically know as Kalanchoe Tomentosa (densely wooly or velvety tropical succulent) can be grown both as an indoor as well as an outdoor plant. It can grow up to 2 ft. It looks best when placed in a hanging basket or in a sunny lounge*.

Panda plant has oval shaped leaves and it gets its velvety appearance from hair that help deflect the light thereby limiting transpiration from the plant.

Care Requirements:

• Light: medium to bright light, but not the harsh afternoon sun like that in India.

• Temperature: 15°C to 23°C.

• Soil: well draining and should be allowed to completely dry out before each watering session**. It is not fussy about humidity and so, average room humidity of around 40% relative humidity works well for them.

• Fertiliser: You may also fertilise it once every month.

*Panda Plant can be toxic for animals. **Avoid watering over the furry leaves of the Panda Plant since they can easily rot when wet. Gently clean the leaves with a soft dry brush e.g. paint brush.

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Zebra Plant has thick, dark green leaves with white horizontal stripes on the outside of the leaves.

Zebra Plant

This one gets its name from its white stripes resembling that of a Zebra's (the animal).

The leaves may turn deep red or brown in colour while looking dry and stressed if they are exposed to sunlight beyond 6 hours. If you see the leaves turning white or yellow, they are the early signs of burning sun.

Care Requirements:

• Sunlight : Best in partial sun and should be planted in an area that gets 4 – 6 hours of morning sun.

• Water: Only when the soil has dried out. The complete drying out of the soil may take a few days or may be a week, depending upon the climate and it’s advisable not to water the plant during this time. In case of over-watering, the leaves will die out.

• Temperature: Does well in temperature ranging from 20°C to 30°C.

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Aloe Vera

This medicinal plant is a hero amongst all home grown plants. However, many individuals are unaware of the fact that this too is a succulent and so its care requirements are considerably different from that of a normal plant.

Aloe vera has water stored in its leaves in the form of gel which is often used for healing/cosmetic purposes.

Care Requirements:

• Sunlight: Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day*.

• Water: It requires less water, even lesser than other succulent variety plants.

• Fertiliser: Normally, aloe vera do not require fertilisers. You may, however fertilise them once every month.

• Temperature: They do best in temperatures ranging from 13°C to 27°C.

*Keeping it indoors or under shade will be stressful for the plant unless it receives adequate light.

Key Takeaway:

Occasional love and affection is enough for succulents. They tend to be happier when ignored (under watered) than when showered with too much love (over-watered).

- Text by Melanie Lewis, Team Garden Up