"Grow it Hard"

"Grow it hard" was a saying heard often in San Francisco's Succulent Society meetings. What the members are referring to, is the ideal growing conditions for succulent plants. Succulent plants seem to grow best when they are ignored. It sounds horrible but it is true. Over-watering is the fastest way to kill your plants. Keep in mind that these plants evolved in arid deserts.

"Grow it hard" is what they say when they mean: give your plant a lot of sun, let the soil get completely dry before watering the plant again, and when in doubt, do not water the plant.

Succulents have different growth cycles, meaning that for half of the year the plant may be dormant. When the plant's leaves yellow and/or fall off, that is a good indicator that your plant is entering a dormant cycle. There may be no rhyme or reason for this, just be aware of your plants. When a plant becomes dormant you should slow down the watering schedule and let the plant hibernate.

Always remember that the best times to water a succulent are early in the day, especially if you think that the sun will be out and the temperature may be warmer than usual.