How To Take Care of Mini Succulents On Desk

Do not underestimate the importance of how to take care of mini succulents on a desk—those tall, fleshy plants can significantly enhance your home’s ambience. 

“Part of the satisfaction of living with indoor plants is their modest requirements. Just as much pleasure can be found in a humble potted cactus as in a conservatory full of demanding tropical plants,” Caro Langton and Rose Ray wrote in their book House of Plants: Living with Succulents, Air Plants, and Cacti.

These garden designers explain that growing succulents should not be a chore. 

Although succulents are praised for their low maintenance, this holds only if you know the right approach. How does succulent care differ between mature and young plants? Do different succulent types require different care?  How much light or water is needed to keep them healthy? These are questions often posed by beginners and this is what this guide is going to address.

What Are Succulents?

“Succulent” refers to thick, fleshy plants adapted to hold water to survive in dry climates and tough soil conditions. Water is typically stored in the leaves, giving succulents a unique (and charming) appearance. 

Other succulents store water in their stems, while some are geophytes with underground organs that store food and nutrients.

Why Are Succulents So Popular?

Succulents have been worldwide used as office plants and in the indoor garden. However, their popularity has increased in recent times. The reasons are numerous.

• They are easy to maintain. They need less watering and require minimal to no pruning.
• They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. These include tiny plants in tiny pots that can be easily placed on the desk.
• They are less prone to insects. Most often, plants attract insects due to the continual necessity of water. If you do not need to water your plants as frequently as succulents, the threat of pests diminishes drastically. The waxy, thick leaves of succulents are more difficult for pests to get into and feed on.
• They are easier for stores and greenhouses to sell. Because they can last indefinitely without water, they can be in the back of a vehicle for several days, making transportation much easier. 

Many succulents are tiny, which allows the growers to move large amounts with less freight cost. Many can even be put in plastic bags before being transported across the country. They can also be kept in the garden center longer and last longer.

• It’s incredibly difficult for many to grow beyond their limits. One of the issues with typical indoor plants, like Pothos, is that they tend to grow and then eventually begin to grow. This is a lot of work and could cause some inconvenience.

How to Take Care of Succulents

• Ensure Succulents Get Enough Light

Succulents need around six hours of sunlight daily, depending on the variety. Although most succulents cannot thrive in complete shade, they do not need intense sunlight all day. 

Freshly planted succulents, especially, can scorch in direct sunlight, so gradually expose them to full sunlight, shading them with a curtain if needed.

• Rotate Succulents Frequently

Most succulents lean toward the sun. Rotate the plant often to ensure all sides receive sunlight, helping it grow straight. Leaning can also indicate that it needs a sunnier spot.

• Water According to the Season

Succulents need more water during the growing season (spring and summer) than in fall or winter. Test the soil with your finger—it is time to water when the top 1.25 inches are dry. Overwatering can kill a succulent, so allow the soil to dry between watering sessions.

• Choose a Container with Drainage

Succulents dislike sitting in wet soil, so drainage is essential to avoid root rot. Choose a container with a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape. Terra-cotta pots are ideal for beginners.

• Plant Succulents in the Right Soil

After selecting the right containers, you’re ready to fill them with the right potting soil mix, ensuring that your plants receive the required nutrients. Plants require well-draining soil, so regular potting or dirt from your yard won’t suffice. In general, soil draining accurately is sandy and porous.

You can purchase succulent soil, sometimes referred to as cactus soil, from a local store. You can also make your mixture by mixing pot soil with sand, perlite, or pumice. Be aware that succulent roots can be very delicate, so be careful when repotting.

• Water the Soil Directly

When watering, soak the soil until water drains out. Avoid using spray bottles, as misting can lead to root rot. Another method is to place the pot in a pan of water, letting it absorb moisture through drainage holes. Remove it once the topsoil is damp.

• Keep Succulents Clean

Like any household item, indoor plants collect dust, inhibiting growth. To reach tight spaces, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use a soft paintbrush.

• Remove Bugs

Pests aren’t an issue for indoor succulents. However, at times, you may need to contend with pests. They are attracted by succulents cultivated in soil that’s too humid and does not have adequate drainage. 

To ensure that you don’t suffer from an extensive infestation, remove the eggs and larvae by spraying your soil with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Mealybugs are another nagging pest that succulent owners must deal with, and overwatering and fertilization are common causes of mealybugs. In this situation, infected plants are removed from succulents, and 70% isopropyl alcohol is sprayed on them.

• Fertilize Succulents in the Summer

Succulents need little fertilizer. A small amount during the growing season is sufficient. Too much fertilizer can cause rapid growth and weaken the plant. Follow the recommended amount on the fertilizer package, using half of it.

• Common Problems

Overwatering is the most common issue for miniature succulent houseplants. They need well-drained, dry soil and are susceptible to pests like mealybugs. Planting in the right sun, water, and drainage conditions helps avoid issues. If pests appear, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

• Containers

The novelty of miniature succulent containers makes them more appealing. Whatever cute container you pick, it should provide adequate drainage. Miniature containers aren’t found in many gardens, but you can search through the internet for small, appropriate containers.

Various mini-succulents can be assembled in a small container to create a stunning display. However, if given suitable room for the miniature plants, they tend to grow larger.

How to Propagate Succulents

Succulents are easy to propagate from cuttings or leaves. Many owners end up with multiple plants as fallen leaves begin to grow. Here’s how:

• Use sharp, clean scissors to cut leaves from the mother plant. Ensure you get the entire leaf, as partial leaves may not root.
• Let the leaves air dry for a few days, then place them on well-draining soil.
• After a few weeks, roots will start to sprout. Water lightly once you see small succulents forming.
• As new plants grow, the original leaf will wilt and fall off. Separate the mother leaf and place the baby plants in their pots.

How to Transplant Succulents

Succulents are easy to transplant due to their fibrous roots. Follow these tips for successful transplanting:

Transplanting Succulents

• Let succulents rest for a few days after uprooting before replanting. This allows their roots to heal.
• Use well-draining soil, enriching it with organic matter like compost.
• Replant succulents at the same depth they were initially growing. Support the plant and wait a few days before watering.

FAQ

Can I keep a succulent on my desk?

Yes! Succulents help improve indoor air quality by releasing oxygen daily, making them perfect for your desk.

How do I care for a baby succulent?

You should water them every few weeks and ensure they are in sunlight. Otherwise, you’ll be able to ignore them. The process of propagating them is even simpler when, for the first few months of their existence, they don’t require watering in any way! Most succulents from the Crassulaceae family are extremely easy to propagate.

Where should I place miniature succulents?

Place them in an area with six to eight hours of sunlight daily. Many succulents also do well indoors in bright, indirect light.

Do succulents need full sun?

Most succulents thrive in bright, direct sunlight, needing at least six hours daily. If you have a shady spot, choose low-light succulents.

Do mini succulents require sunlight?

Yes

The majority of them are high-light succulents. This means they need a minimum of six hours of sun daily. South-facing windows are excellent for succulents. However, they can also handle the hot temperatures of the sun. West-facing window provided it’s not too shaded during the daytime.