LET'S TALK: Succulent Care & FAQ

[@georgiannaenglish9533]

You might not be a succulent grower but you give more basic information than the experts! Thank you!

[@jessebetsill6765]

It's such a joy to watch your videos. You claim to not be an expert but anyone who views you, you come across as an excellent instructor.

[@gardenanswer]

+Jesse Betsill Thank you for such a nice compliment. :) That really made my night! ~Laura

[@KasandraWilliams]

Omg!! I've started gardening last spring and I'm kinda obsessed with succulents now!

[@stefaniebarnard4446]

Girl, you have no idea how much I enjoy your videos and how much you have helped me in this newfound hobby of mine. Growing succulents and taking care of them helps me find so much peace in an otherwise stressful life and I love teaching my little boy about all the stuff I have learned. And I enjoy it most when he tries to teach his little friends the same. Keep on making your awesome videos

[@kw11699]

In regards to putting pop/water bottles in the bottom of a pot it's not necessarily because someone is cheap but it does make the pot lighter if it needs to be moved.

[@darcyrae1063]

I'm really grateful for stumbling upon this video and all your helpful info! I know very little; however, I've learned from my dad and others that the reason to put rocks in the bottom of container is for poorly designed pots. Example, one heavy clay pot with only one whole. Taking a few small river rocks (not gravel) and layering them at the bottom (or pieces of broken ceramic pots) can help force the water down if the hole is more concave. I just use it as a diverter. Sometimes the big hole or holes get clogged and especially outdoor plants. It seems to really help to keep plants from getting moldy if you accidentally overwater them (which I tend to do a lot). Thanks again!

[@valentina4896]

Watching all your videos as soon as they are out for years. Its fun to see you at your old house garden 🙆🏼‍♀️

[@mariaroque8977]

It is so refreshing to watch your information-packed videos. Other videos can be so tedious just because there are unnecessary comments that take up too much time. Your videos are concise, direct and fun. Kudos to you! And yes, I am now a subscriber. Thank you so much!

[@Ginagina1975]

I watched you for the first time today and I am a super newbie!!! But based on your video I and what you taught me, I made my first succulent garden!!

[@KayNolte]

thank you for your wonderful videos. I work in the garden center at our local Lowe's and I am always getting questions that I feel the need to research the answers! You are now my go-to for answers.

[@blythe4336]

I made the mistake of adding gravel to a palm as one of my first plants. I was so upset Bc I had listened to someone’s “advice” it died so quickly. never again. I’m so glad you talked about that!

[@daydream6435]

the syringe idea is gonna be super handy, Ive always been looking for a new way to water the plants and so far I would dip the pot in a container filled with water and let water go in from the bottom. I also add some volcanic rocks at the bottom to improve drainage when I first started growing cacti and succulents but after some time I felt its not really necessary but not like it affects anything anyway so... oh well, no point to remove them.

[@London2362]

Your small containers with different varieties are splendid...You have a great eye for balance, color, and texture...Very well done...

[@samanthabrown2480]

Laura you're channel is my haven! I am a total newbie to anything garden based (and I don't have the greenest thumb!) and your videos have kept most of my succulents alive! Thankyou!!

[@gardenanswer]

+Sam Davison Yay! I'm so happy to hear you are having success with your succulents! Hearing that makes making videos worth it! :)

[@umyeahok2097]

just bought 3 baby succulents I'm praying I can keep them alive 😭

[@umyeahok2097]

Not anymore haha

[@cree_VI]

how?

[@geraldjosephdonttrip1370]

VEE MATA Its been 10 months, are they still alive? I literally bought like 6 lol

[@umyeahok2097]

GeraldJoseph Donttrip they're long gone lol

[@tanyabrown9839]

lol how can you kill succulents? did you over water them?

[@hildasolis3268]

I just received a BOX with 20 tiny containers and a beautiful variety of small succulent plants. All is new to me, but I’m excited to learn! Thank you for your information!

[@LeslieNikulka]

Wow...I'm blown away by what you said about not adding gravel to the bottom of your pot. That's all I ever learned including from diagrams in houseplant books. The gravel is supposed to help keep the roots out of any pooling water in the bottom and stops the soil from washing out through the drainage hole. I've been doing it this way for years quite successfully. Huh!

[@lorilal9931]

leslie nikulka -your water shouldn't be pooling in he bottom period. Because you're not suppose to give succulent plants much water. I actually spray my plants with a spray bottle. Succulent plants hold the water in their leaves for a long time. Maybe you're over watering.

[@maryr7800]

So have I. Never had a problem either.

[@richarddevries7165]

You're a honest and beautiful person.... No shit and drama just honest opinion... love it

[@iceblue1457]

I just chanced upon your video and I find it very educational and inspiring. I never thought succulents are so beautiful when arranged.

[@FrinnyB7]

hi I am from the UK and I also make and sell succulent planters on the side of a full time job at a plant nursery. I am not an expert but love succulents so I keep learning more and more and your video is very interesting. Its great to see someone else doing something similar. Keep up the videos - they're really cool.

[@adriansmajlaj86]

I just started a succulent garden and this helped SOO much! Thank you!

[@julissaanaya3912]

How are your plants now?!

[@reginuh]

I really appreciate how informative and clear your videos are. Im like taking notes while I watch LOL. And finally, someone who answered me if I should put charcoal in the pot. Thank you for the reminder on gravel!!

[@MIgardener]

Great video! I too love succulents around the house. Way to go, new subscriber here! :)

[@gardenanswer]

Thank you so much!!! I enjoy your videos and Instagram updates as well! -Laura

[@MIgardener]

Garden Answer :) I had no clue you were a viewer. Your show is beautiful!

[@GardenOfElla]

Thanks for sharing this video. This video was very helpful for me when I started collecting succulents 2 years ago and I still come back to this video every now and then. 2 years after I became one crazy succulent plant lady and started my own greenhouse as well as my own youtube video channel. You are an inspiration :)

[@roybarrios9583]

Been learning a lot for caring and regrow them. Like your channel keep schooling me on succulents

[@bflyrenee]

Oh hey, just over here binge watching lol, so glad I found you!!!

[@zethfox8952]

Your videos are so high quality thank you for these, its almost like syndicated

[@victoriasgardenproduce3992]

Please continue to make fresh videos like this I’ll watch it over and over . 🤗🤗

[@dianegee1866]

Laura~The succulent container in the dough bowl turned out really nice. I gasped when I saw you hold the cacti with your bare hands. I steer clear from most cacti because of the shark needles BUT do have a few. Most of mine are the many, many varieties of soft succulents. Anyhow, useful information.

[@iartistdotme]

I put a broken pot shard over the hole in the bottom to keep the dirt from running out. Thanks for all the information.

[@sc8307]

Those of us that put stones on the bottom of our pots are not being cheap. That is how we were taught to do it. It is to help keep the roots from sitting in any water that may have collected at the bottom of the pot, not to help with drainage, or skimp on soil.

[@maryr7800]

I'm 75 and I've always put rocks or shards of terracotta pots in my pots, and so did my Mom. I add it to prevent soil from escaping from the pot and not for drainage. I've never had a problem with plants dying or roots rotting. I think the idea that it causes water to pool in the bottom of the pot is nonsense.

[@kimknauff460]

Thank you so much on the info about drainage. I was always taught to add rocks or gravel to the base of my planters. What you explained made so much sense. No more gravel pits for my containers from now on! And i too had also wondered about containers without drain holes. Love your videos!

[@mariannerady1137]

Hey Laura, thank you SO much for this video! I have been procrastenating to plant my succulents into a glass bowl because I thought it is so much work, I need to buy 5 different stones and sands. Thank you so much for lifting this myth and lots of love all the way from Germany!

[@gracebock2900]

Hai Aaron,found yr channel n thot I'd let u know tt yr knowledge, enthusiasm N honesty is quite infectious n I find myself getting more n more interested to grow more plants.Your ideas n suggestions r really helpful😁

[@GUPocketBeagle]

I'm sharing this with my whole family. We have been taught to add gravel the day we start helping in the garden as toddlers. I have always hated losing pot space. Especially when I pay money for a large decorative ceramic pot.

[@gardenanswer]

+Gail Fawcett Thank you for watching and sharing! ~Laura

[@sharronhamann2718]

Thank you from Vegas. Don't want to kill them.They were a B-day give. Your'e a natural at this :)

[@barbarawebb1001]

I live in Boise, ID and I just found your channel last month! I love your videos!

[@susanwaggoner1491]

Thanks SO MUCH for this. I am a succulent newbie and have been looking for answers on basic care, and you answered my two prominent questions here (how to water without getting the leaves wet and can they all survive in the packed pot they came in. Now I've off to look for one of those watering syringes. Again, THANKS! You've made a big pot of hen and chicks happy.

[@marisol7734]

You are very educated with plants. Would love to see a brand new tour of all your potted indoor plants.

[@marisol7734]

4 years later ;)

[@Tootsie55]

I have hens and chicken succulents. They are in full sun. I put them in the garage in winter and leave them alone. Bring them out in spring and they thrive. Rain is the only water they get unless we have a drought. I give them miracle grow once. I do repot them every third year. I've had them about twenty years. Love them.

[@someoneyoumightknow2795]

I got my very first little baby and I'm so exited about taking care of it!! :)

[@dianebeckett1697]

I’m not really into succulents I received some at an outing and I am going to give them a try! So Thank you for the information!🙂 so much🌹

[@dque_2U]

Thanks new plant dad...But love how you break it down

[@1111alpha]

thank you for this video. :D I put my succulents on my roof top and in a day they got sun burn lol now i have to bring them all in due to the rooftop being fully exposed to sunlight. thanks again :D

[@mariamkhan5859]

Hi Laura! Thank you for this video. It is exactly what I needed. I love my succulents but I'm definitely still a newby when it comes to succulent care, this helped a lot. Always love watching your videos.

[@gardenanswer]

+Mariam Khan Thanks so much for the comment and for watching our videos! :) ~Laura

[@BasicPoke]

First video of yours I have watched. Good advice. You nailed it on the gravel raising the moisture level higher in the pot. Must have read the same article I did. Thanks.

[@MsSylvana63]

Thankyou kindly, very educational indeed as I was just about to put a couple of handfuls of gravel, believing it was necessary for drainage. Thanks again.🪴

[@CBCory]

Great - Very good video for beginners - thank you for taking to time to talk non techy to a beginner. I am a fan..

[@carlgomm9699]

Nice show, you would like it here in Florida, there's a lot of plants such as what you describe here that grow wild, this time of year I keep mine in an easy facing window and water once a month, I love plants and shows like this, please keep up the good work !!

[@mackenzieartz338]

I love your videos and everything you do! I thought your temps and a lot of what you say about your area is so much like where I live and you do live by me! I'm right outside of the Boise, Idaho area! You inspire me to start gardening again! It's my true love!i have bad health the past several years and can't do it as I've been mostly bedridden. I'm excited!

[@gardenanswer]

Glad to hear you are going to be able to get back out in the garden! Yay! Thank you so much for watching our videos! :)

[@RuralCoast2024]

Thank You soo much for these youtube videos about the succulents and other plants & caring for them. Just bought my first few succs and appreciate your information. You have a very pleasant personality and are well spoken. That makes it easy for me to follow along and learn. I am about a mile from the beach not far from Bandon, Oregon on the coast. If you are ever visiting our area, it would be nice to meet you or attend a presentation should you do one over here. Bandon Dunes Golf might be interested in your gardening/succulent gardens. Tax deductable work/vacation? Thanks again.. love your beautiful projects presented on youtube!

[@priyaramesh3578]

you are my inspiration for starting a small succulent pot.....

[@MarkHumphreysChannel]

I learned SO much during this video. Thanks Laura!

[@CherylBassett]

learning so much about how to maintain my succulents! being in so Cal where we experience a lot of hot sun, it's good to know where to place them when it gets colder here and how to measure my watering

[@gardenanswer]

+Cheryl Bassett Thanks so much for watching, Cheryl! I would love to live in a place where succulents would survive the winter! They don't get quite as glorious, when they are confined to pots and indoor climates. :)

[@bangxinghong2835]

i looove this video! I always have problems with succulents.Thx for your help!

[@gardenanswer]

+Bangxing Hong I'm glad it helped! :) ~Laura

[@td6369]

@@gardenanswer I have a overgrown aloe vera plant about 6years old. Mother plant is still.growing with new growth but her pups are maturing and have grown about 1 or 2feet from mother plant there are black areas on the leaves of the original pups. What do I do with this overgrown plant

[@Ninitschga]

We live in the north of Germany... And we have a south facing window where they get mid-day sun but no morning or afternoon light and it works out really well.

[@iHolly80]

Ok I am currently repotting all my succulents. I'm removing all the rocks. It's a new year trying new things..... Better work!! Lol! thanks for the tip.

[@ianchow3332]

I love watching your videos Laura, so cheerful and enjoying life. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@GardenDiaries1]

Wow, didn't know about the gravel in the bottom but makes sense. My white stones are nice and green now

[@LucyI]

I love your attitude in this Video.

[@margaretadorno4856]

Hi! Great video!!! Four burning questions I hope you can help me with 🙏 (1) why does water pool in gravel more than it does soil? This is in the context of not putting gravel or plastic bottles in the bottom of the pot. (2) Doesn't it hurt the plants if you're constantly sticking in a water meter (or chop-stick) to check for dryness? (3) If you put sand on top (around the edges) how do you keep the soil from percolating up when you water it, and ruining the lool? I know we've supposed to just water around the roots but in some arrangements the bottom of the plants is visible) (4) if you can't provide adequate (or any) light for an arrangement (say if you want to put it on an entry-way table), would it work to rotate it inside and outside a week or more at a time? E.g, maybe you have two arrangements so you rotate 1, 2, or 3 weeks inside/out. Oh my gosh if you could help me with these questions it will be so wonderful! And thank you for all you do! Your videos are addictive!

[@mielmigueltimtiman2716]

Greetings from the Philippines! Your arrangements are so beautiful. I get new ideas watching them. My faves are the ones with the antique dough bowl and the triple urn challenges. I'm excited to see and learn from your next videos.

[@gardenanswer]

+Miel Miguel Timtiman Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like our videos! :) ~Laura

[@judystovall1325]

Laura thank you for you videos and tips on plant care. I have learned so much from you.

[@milie7200]

Thanks for your video. Your arrangements are beautiful. :) Where I live (France) we don't use gravel but pozzolana or expanded clay beads at the bottom of the pot in order to drain the water, you can use also a special felt between the pozzolan and the cactus mix in order to increase drainage. So far it's been working great for my little babies.

[@ArtByStephenB]

I read that indoor succulents don’t necessarily go dormant. Since they are in more consistent conditions usually they will just grow and grow. Of course there are some exceptions with different species

[@Hal9000Comp]

Well said Laura. Most people over water succulents and give them to much hot sun.

[@fuzzydi]

You mentioned, around 12:20, that you would post a link to an article about gravel and why you shouldn't use it. I'm not seeing it here. Could you pass it on?

[@unblinkableeye6178]

Diane Swearingen sorry but gravel has some clay in it which can choke the roots , that's what I heard from experience

[@condeni]

Google it. !!!!

[@ankitbhardwaj2743]

I m growing succulent in india and they are doing well in all season . I m using a soilless mixture for them its working pretty good

[@barbaralewandowski610]

Thank you. I learned so much in 40 minutes. I will be back.

[@PaganCircle]

I have a fish tank and whenever I clean it or do a water change I save and use it to water my plants including all my succulents and air plants. They love it! Also I find that I have to soak my succulent pots in water sometimes because I find over time the earth in the pots becomes very compact and solid and if I top water them the water just runs down the sides and out the bottom.

[@writeart7636]

Just started my succulent journey a little over a month.

[@bmell1252]

I have finally graduated to a rock looking, South African, super cool succulent... my “rock plant”. It took about 20 years to get here, but succulents are worth it and fun, so many different kinds. Why even have a cactus that can make you bleed when you can grow succulents? FYI. Just like she was saying, They do like to be crowded in a shallow pot, crowding each other out or being crowded by rocks (on top). Mine all seem very happy like this. Best way to kill them is to overwater that’s for sure. Good info! Thanks for vid! 😀

[@anoom8405]

I was taught that you have to use gravel at the base of your pot, so it prevents root tip rot and all the other things that excess water does, thank you for your tip / advice - I will definitely remove all the gravel in my pots! :)

[@gardenanswer]

+Andres L I used to use gravel, too. I have so much more success without it! Thanks for watching! :)

[@anoom8405]

I love your videos! You always give me great ideas how to put plants, so it looks nice / where to put plants.

[@libbyslittlegarden9514]

recommendation for future video::: I suggest that you find a gardener from different states such as one from Florida yes I'm prejudiced one from the making it short northeast southeast northwest Southwest and you have the different zones covered. and then ask them to give you a tutorial on how to grow succulents for real. your opinion is well valued but succulents is really Regional and I see people asking you questions that's so depends on where they're going to keep their succulents and where they live is Extreme. I would enjoy seeing the interaction between you and someone else like you not expert per se but someone who's knowledgeable of their area as you are so knowledgeable in yours. much love from an old lady in Tampa Florida.

[@friedmegan]

I just did my first succulent planter box yesterday and it didn't have drainage holes so I added gravel. And now I'm watching this. ahhhhh!

[@Puvlee]

Well, actually the gravel or "expanded clay balls" (I don't know how it's called in English) at the bottom of the pot is pretty effective and important, at least when it's combined with a "synthetic drainage tissue" (I'm not sure either if it's called so), because it avoids the roots to be in contact with the water that's accumulated on the soil at the bottom (water doesn't run out of the pot instantly) and avoid them to rot.

[@edvh88]

Puvlee I always put a little bit of pebbles or glass rocks in the bottom. I have always had pretty good luck with my plants.

[@risingsara]

I looooove the garden in the background !!

[@litsadombros6805]

Hi Laura Love your videos, looking forward for many more.

[@noabeharav8609]

First, got to say your videos are wonderful teaching sessions but not less important - so pleasant to watch! Thanks for that :-) Wondering about the no gravel 'rule'. I'm planting in very deep whiskey barrels. They are super deep and my secure to are mostly small. I was planning to fill half with lava rocks and than put a garden fabric and fill up half with soil. Than plant. Not a good idea?... I've drilled holes for drainage but they are so so so deep I thought I needed to shorten them up. Not good?......

[@gardenanswer]

+Noa Beharav It depends on exactly how deep your planter is and what type of plants you are planting. If they are succulents, you may be able to get away with it because succulents are shallow-rooted plants. I like the idea of using landscape fabric between the rock and soil, because that should take care of the problem of root tip rot, since your roots wouldn't be growing down into the rocks. Also, the fact the the container has drainage makes it okay as well. It's more of a problem when you plant in a non-draining pot. I've seen it become more of a problem when people are planting annuals/perennials/shrubs in containers. Those types of plants need all the nutrients they can get, and in my area, it gets so hot that having extra soil helps with moisture retention. That's why I don't particularly like the rocks in the bottom idea, for the most part. :) ~Laura

[@andied6691]

Thanks so much!.. Hopefully now my mini garden can stay a live a bit longer.

[@Blissemotion]

Great tips thank you so much...now I know why cactus have been dying on me :( , Love all your video keep them coming... much Love from KL.

[@1976DannyG]

Thanks for a great video. I owned a professional landscape company for years,and I gotta tell you that your attitude is awesome. I always said the same thing,do what you like and keep in tune with your plants. I am from Colo and am new to indoor succulents so this is helpful. New subscriber here!

[@dianebeckett1697]

I’m flower gardens were beautiful this year a lot of work but the rewards were awesome

[@prettypaperz]

I don't see the link about gravel. Could you please add the link to your list of other links?

[@MomDroogs]

You are amazing Laura!!! So very talented!!

[@wildyard5290]

A little confused re: overwintering. Do we treat our succulents the same as the cactus with regards to temperature. In Canada, so have to do things a little differently here at times. Some of my indoor plants need to be re-potted in Jan/Feb just so that I can keep them alive (give them a good boost). When transplanting at times I wait to water because the new moist soil is enough to keep them going without overwatering. Really easy to overwater because of cold (even inside the house sometimes). I have an Aloe Vera, Dragon-fruit plants, Horn Tree, Burro's Tail, Chinese Money plant to name a few. They are on a table inside my front door where it is a little cooler. Still worried it might be too cool. Also, planted the Burro's tail and the Horn Tree together. The Horn Tree was wrinkling so underwatered. The Burro's tail seems to have gotten more water than I wanted.. The Horn tree is not as bad now but still a little wrinkly. Did try to water solely on Horn Tree side of pot near edge but not sure it worked as intended. I might have to separate them.

[@lifeisjourney9952]

I'm really happy when I watched your Video that always given me lots of knowledge.

[@p00nski.gaming]

I initially got into succulents mainly because I enjoyed the look of layering rocks and gravel. I used layers of white rocks, black rocks, etc mainly because I just liked the look of the layers. I put 2-3 mini succulents into tall mason jars.. Of course back then I knew nothing about succulents. I didn't have a drain hole and the bottom of the jar would pool up and then it turned green and nasty... I want to get back into succulents because I live in an apartment and they are relatively easy to maintain and don't take up too much space. I might attempt drilling holes to allow more drainage.. I know you said no to gravel, but it looks so much nicer (Since I use clear containers)! I might try my 2nd go at succulents, maybe I will make the gravel layers smaller and leave a lot more space for soil, since I do use the taller mason jars... compromise? haha One question: So my succulents started growing, and one of them even grew almost an entire foot tall... Is there a way to trim this? I want them to stay small and controlled like when you purchase them originally.

[@antfactor]

Great video - thank you! Succulents are the ONLY kinds of plants that I have the time to comfortably and successfully keep - great job - very helpful! :)

[@lordalepore]

this video was really informative and helpful for me because I really had problem in what amount of sunlight do they need during different seasons and in areas that are not the natural environment for succulents like Mountain cities which I live in ... thank you so much

[@dianebillanes5713]

aside from the fact that I love this video so much, I just want you to know that you are sooo beautiful!

[@nikki199117]

good to know about the gravel. was planning to put lots in mine. Although I'm thinking of only putting little bit like 1 cm tall for aesthetic/decoration purposes and then charcoal and lots of soil. my container is a no drainage type that is transparent so I'll know (I hope) that I'm not over watering.

[@gardenanswer]

Good luck!!! :)

[@misseyespy1]

Great video again ! Yes we think u sure might be an expert by now, Love your work

[@LatianaBlue22]

I like how you express yourself! Very honestly... Thank you!! I think my succulent is going through being overwater :/

[@petraortiz1109]

I Love you Chanel, thanks for teaching us how to create a nice garden.I also like your hair.

[@jennsheftick4783]

After watching a few of your videos I pulled my plant out and noticed it had a ton off dead leaves underneath. I cleaned it out and noticed it’s very dry. I need to buy more dirt and now the steam is showing so I will add more dirty and water.

[@conservativehispanic5918]

Love your honesty and tips!

[@simplyeffe]

your knowledge of these beautiful plants is very helpful ,lm very greatful thank u

[@victoriafuentes1583]

Love your videos such an inspiration for my garden thanks!!!

[@jasongomez5012]

at 5:36 in the envelope piece there is a purple succulent in front may I know the name of that one please I would really appreciate it😊. I've been going through a lot of ur videos and they are amazing great job and thank u for all ur help.