How to Master the Art of Growing Succulents in a Greenhouse

Imagine entering your greenhouse and being greeted by a vibrant array of succulents, their unique shapes and colors illuminating your backyard! 

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your journey, growing these beautiful succulents in a greenhouse can transform your gardening experience.

While cultivating succulents may seem challenging, with the right knowledge and expert tips, you can nurture a stunning collection year-round.

Ready to dive in? 

1. Choose the Right Succulents

The key to a stunning display of greenhouse succulents? Selecting plants that will thrive in your unique space. 

Consider popular options like:

  • Echeveria
  • Sedum
  • Haworthia
  • Aloe vera
  • Crassula (including Jade plants)
  • Kalanchoe
  • Euphorbia

These succulents adapt well to greenhouse environments and offer diverse shapes, sizes, and colors. 

When choosing your plants, consider your greenhouse's light conditions, temperature range, and local climate. 

2. Create Optimal Greenhouse Conditions

Crafting the perfect environment for your succulents is crucial for their success. Let's break down the key elements:

Light

Most succulents thrive in bright, indirect light, so a shade cloth is a good idea to protect them from intense summer sun.

However, not every shade cloth will do. For example, one of our customers in Kansas shared their experience in our Facebook group: 

"I bought a 70% shade cloth and that is a bit too much. I grow succulents and some of them are retaliating because of lack of direct sunshine. This is my first year, so I'm moving things around to see what works best."

Experiment with different percentages to find the right balance!

Temperature

Aim for daytime temperatures between 70-80°F and nighttime temperatures no lower than 50°F.

A customer growing succulents emphasized, "Your greenhouse has to stay at least 45-50 degrees for them to thrive."

Bubble wrap can be an effective insulator to achieve this. 

This cost-effective solution protects temperature-sensitive plants like succulents, ensuring they thrive in their optimal temperature range.

Ventilation

Good air circulation is vital for succulents, as it helps prevent fungal diseases and promotes healthy growth. 

To improve airflow in your greenhouse, consider installing automatic vents that open and close based on temperature or humidity levels.

Humidity

Succulents prefer low humidity. A customer from South Carolina noted, "When experimenting with a few succulents, they always seem to get waterlogged." 

To combat excess moisture, ensure proper ventilation and use well-draining soil.

3. Master Watering Techniques

Proper watering is vital for succulent health. These drought-tolerant plants prefer to dry out between waterings. 

A customer from South Carolina shared their winter watering strategy: "I pretty much don't water them at all from November to March. I go in about once a week, and if I see one looking thirsty, I give it around half a cup of water."

To avoid overwatering:

  • Use well-draining pots with drainage holes
  • Water deeply but infrequently
  • Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings
  • Reduce watering in winter when growth slows

Remember, it's better to underwater than overwater succulents. If in doubt, wait an extra day before watering.

4. Provide Adequate Lighting

While greenhouses offer natural light, supplemental grow lights can be beneficial, especially in winter. 

To choose the best, one of our tech-savvy customers advised, "10,000 lux is equal to full indirect daylight, while everything between that and 100,000 is equal to direct sunlight, depending on how intense it is."

How to Use Grow Lights for Succulents

If using grow lights, opt for full-spectrum LED lights designed for succulents: 

  • Position them about 6-12 inches above your plants and provide 14-16 hours of light daily during the growing season.
  • Some desert-dwelling varieties might crave more intense light, while others prefer a gentler glow. 
  • Consider using adjustable grow light stands or multi-tiered shelving units to create different light zones within your greenhouse. 

This way, you can give each succulent precisely what it needs to thrive and show off its unique colors and shapes!

Grow a Beautiful Succulent Sanctuary

With these expert tips, you can transform your greenhouse into a thriving succulent paradise.

Remember, every plant is unique, so stay attentive and adjust your care as needed. 

Ready to start your greenhouse succulent adventure? Explore our DIY greenhouses or read our customer stories to learn about other succulent enthusiasts' greenhouse triumphs.

Why Planta Greenhouses?

 

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