Succulents are popular indoor plants, known for their unique aesthetics and ease of care. Trader Joe’s has become a readily accessible source for these appealing plants. Their availability in grocery stores allows many people to begin or expand their succulent collections with convenience. This guide will help you choose and maintain these charming plants from Trader Joe’s, ensuring they thrive in your home.
Why Choose Trader Joe’s for Succulents
Trader Joe’s is a popular choice for succulents. Their plants are affordable, making them accessible for new owners or expanding collections. The convenience of finding succulents during a regular grocery run simplifies the buying process. Trader Joe’s offers healthy, common varieties that are generally well-packaged and displayed. For many, this combination of value, accessibility, and appealing presentation makes Trader Joe’s a favored spot for acquiring these resilient plants.
What to Look for When Buying
To choose a healthy succulent at Trader Joe’s, inspect it carefully. Leaves should appear plump and firm, not wrinkled, mushy, or discolored. Mushy spots can signal overwatering, while wrinkled leaves might indicate underwatering. Check the soil for excessive wetness or mold, as damp conditions can lead to root rot. Also, inspect the plant for any signs of pests, choosing one with vibrant foliage and no visible damage.
Essential Care for Your Trader Joe’s Succulent
Light Requirements
Succulents require ample light, ideally at least six hours of daily sunlight. Gradually acclimate new succulents to their light environment, as sudden shifts to intense direct sun can cause sunburn. A south-facing window is an ideal spot for bright, indirect light. If natural light is insufficient, artificial grow lights can provide illumination. Start with about six hours of grow light exposure daily, gradually increasing it over several weeks to allow the plant to adjust.
Watering Practices
Proper watering techniques are important, as overwatering is a common issue for succulents. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This mimics their natural environment, where they experience heavy rainfall followed by long dry periods.
Mushy, yellowing leaves that feel soft and swollen are typical signs of overwatering, while shriveled or withered leaves often indicate underwatering. It is easier for a succulent to recover from underwatering than from overwatering, as prolonged wet soil can lead to root rot. Checking the soil’s dryness, even by inserting a finger about an inch deep, helps determine when the plant truly needs water.
Proper Soil and Drainage
Succulents thrive in well-draining soil. The soil they come in from Trader Joe’s may not always be ideal, often being too dense and moisture-retentive. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix, containing particles like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, promotes rapid drainage and aeration.
Using a pot with drainage holes is equally important. If a decorative pot lacks drainage, keep the succulent in its original nursery pot (with drainage) and place it inside, or repot it into a pot with proper drainage. This setup prevents water from pooling at the bottom, which could lead to root rot.
Repotting Tips
Repotting a newly purchased succulent can be beneficial, especially if it is in a small plastic container or the soil appears unsuitable. The best time to repot is in the spring or early fall, before the succulent’s peak growing season, to allow it time to recover. This provides an opportunity to refresh the soil and ensure adequate space for root growth.
When repotting, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the succulent’s current root ball, perhaps an inch wider in diameter. This prevents the soil from staying wet for too long, which can happen in an oversized pot. Gently remove the succulent, shaking off old soil, and place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining succulent mix.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Succulents can develop issues, but recognizing the signs helps address them promptly. If a succulent appears stretched out with elongated stems and widely spaced leaves, this is known as etiolation, caused by insufficient light. While the stretched growth cannot revert to its compact form, moving the plant to a brighter location or providing grow lights will encourage healthy new growth.
For severe overwatering, stop watering immediately, remove any affected leaves, and allow the soil to dry thoroughly. If the problem persists and the stem is soft, the plant may need to be unpotted to inspect and trim away any rotted roots before repotting in dry, fresh soil.
Pest infestations can occur. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses, and spider mites create fine webbing. Isolating the affected succulent and treating it with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab for mealybugs or insecticidal soap for mites can help eliminate these pests. Regular inspection helps catch these issues early.