If you’re considering adding some greenery to your garden or home, succulents are a great option. These low-maintenance plants can survive in a wide range of environments and don’t need much care to thrive. But one question that often comes up is “how long do succulents live?”
Succulents are one of the plants I started out with at young age, and I keep them around even today. Most gardeners I know, love these plants because of their low maintenance.
Succulents are a type of plant that is easy to care for and characterized by their thick leaves, which hold water for a long time. If you don’t have time to water very often, a succulent is a perfect plant to have. Succulents are also beautiful to look at and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
One of the best things about succulents is that they are low maintenance and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Whether you choose to grow them in a pot on your windowsill or in your garden, succulents are sure to add interest and beauty to your home or office.
In this blog post, I’ll answer that question and everything else you need to know about these fascinating plants.
How Long Do Succulents Live?
The answer to that question depends on the type of succulent you have. Some species can live for decades, while others only have a lifespan of a few years. The average lifespan of a succulent is around 10 years, but with the proper care, they can live even longer.
Which Succulent is right for you?
As any gardener knows, the soil is essential for growing healthy plants. Not only does it provide nutrients and support for roots, but it also helps to regulate moisture levels and prevent weed growth.
While average succulent lifespans can be helpful to know, it’s also important to keep in mind that there are many plants with unknown ages. This is simply because they haven’t been observed in nature long enough. With that said, here are a few common succulents with known life spans:
- Aloe Vera: 5-25 years
- Broadleaf Stonecrop: 5-10 years
- Hens and Chicks: 3+ years
- Jade Plants: 70-100 years
- Barrel Cactus: 100+ years
As you can see, the lifespan of a succulent can vary greatly. So, if you’re looking for a plant that will be around for a long time, it’s important to do your research and choose one with a known lifespan.
How to Care for Your Succulents?
While most plants need consistent watering and care, succulents are much more resilient. These plants have adapted to harsh conditions by developing the ability to store water in their leaves. As a result, they require very little attention and can often be neglected for long periods of time.
Succulents also prefer bright locations but can tolerate some shade. When choosing a spot for your plant, be sure to check the requirements of the specific species. With a little bit of research, you can easily find a succulent that is perfect for your home or office.
The jade plant is easy to take care of, making it a good choice for beginners. It doesn’t have too many specific requirements and thrives in well-lit areas.
As we mentioned before, succulents are low-maintenance plants that don’t need much care to survive.
Most succulents go through a dormant and growing season every year. This means that during the colder or drier months, they will slow or stop their growth in order to conserve energy. During this time, they usually don’t need as much water or sun. Succulents are typically slow growers, but their growth can vary depending on the season.
However, there are a few things you can do to ensure your succulents grow and have a long and healthy life.
Water them regularly
Always make sure the soil has time to dry out between watering sessions. They usually require about an inch of water per week, but they can and will survive if you forget them once in a while. Overwatering is one of the most common reasons why succulents die prematurely.
You want to avoid having the soil wet for too long and having the water get all clogged up.
Place them in an area where they’ll get plenty of sunlight
Most succulents need at least six hours of sunlight per day to thrive. When choosing a location for your plant, it is important to consider the amount of natural light it will receive. Most plants prefer bright, direct sunlight, so a south-facing windowsill is a good option.
If you do not have a sunny spot available, you can also use grow lights to provide the succulent with the light it needs. It is also important to consider the temperature of the room where the plant will be located if you’re having it inside. Succulents thrive at room temperature, but they may become stressed if the temperature drops below 60 F.
Fertilize them once a month
This is during the growing season (spring and summer). During the fall and winter, you can cut back on fertilizing to once every two or three months.
Keep a healthy lawn for your succulents
Soil can be quickly eroded by wind and water, damaging plant life and making it difficult for new seedlings to take root. One way to help prevent soil erosion is to maintain a healthy lawn if you keep your succulents in the garden. Grassroots help to hold the soil in place, and the dense network of blades helps to deflect wind and water.
In addition, lawns help to slow down the flow of rainwater, giving the ground a chance to absorb the water before it runs off. As a result, a well-tended lawn can play an essential role in preventing soil erosion.
Conclusion
Succulents are a great addition to any garden or home because they’re low-maintenance and easy to care for.
Most succulents need a change in temperature, or a dormancy period, to flower. Indoor temperatures usually don’t vary enough to signal the plants to flower.
Some species can live for decades, while others only have a lifespan of a few years. The average lifespan of a succulent is around 10 years, but with the proper care, they can live even longer. So if you’re looking for a plant that will add some life to your home without requiring too much upkeep, then succulents are a great option!