GARDEN CAPSULE
The challenge: You are attracted to the array of colors and textures of the succulent plants offered for sale as houseplants but aren’t sure how to take care of them.
The solution: Put succulent plants close to a window in bright light. Make sure the pots you choose have drainage holes. Use a fast-draining potting soil formulated especially for succulents.
Go easy on fertilizer; succulents need less than other kinds of plants. Water sparingly and never let water stand in the plant saucer. If possible, move the plants outdoors during summer.
Pluses: With the popularity of succulents soaring, there are more choices than ever, from colorful rosettes to statuesque specimens. All tend to tolerate the temperature swings from hot to cold near a window, and they will survive even if you sometimes forget to water them for a time.
Minuses: Although generally easy to care for, succulents may rot if overwatered. Many insecticides that are safe for other plants can harm succulents; if mealybugs, scale insects or other pests attack, test an insecticide on only a small portion of the plant and then watch a couple of days to see what happens before spraying the entire plant.
Sources: Succulent plants are widely available at garden centers. Specialty mail-order nurseries such as Mountain
In “Success with Succulents” (Cool Springs Press, 2017), authors John Bagnasco and Bob Reidmuller provide plant descriptions with photos and growing tips to help you choose and care for succulent plants indoors and out.