Aldi has become a popular destination for plant enthusiasts seeking affordable succulents. Their convenient availability and attractive price points make these resilient plants a popular impulse buy, adding greenery to many homes. This accessibility allows many to expand their plant collections without significant investment.
Navigating Aldi Succulent Purchases
Aldi succulents are typically offered as part of “Aldi Finds” promotions, meaning their availability is sporadic and seasonal. Checking weekly ads is helpful for anticipating when new varieties might arrive. These plants can appear as mini succulents for around $5, or larger options priced higher.
Common varieties found at Aldi include Echeveria, Sedum, Haworthia, and Gasteria, typically in 2-inch or 8-inch containers. The affordable price point, often under $5 for mini succulents, makes them an appealing purchase.
When selecting a succulent, examine it for signs of pests like mealybugs or spider mites, which appear as cottony masses or fine webbing. Check the soil to ensure it is not waterlogged, which can indicate potential root rot. Healthy succulent leaves should feel firm; avoid plants with mushy or shriveled leaves, as these are signs of distress. Also, look for etiolation, where the plant appears stretched with widely spaced leaves and a paler color, indicating insufficient light.
After bringing your new succulent home, allow it to acclimate to its new environment for one week to a month before making major changes like repotting or significant care adjustments. During this acclimation period, the plant may show temporary signs of stress, such as wilting or shedding older leaves. This time allows the succulent to adjust to new light, temperature, and humidity levels, helping its root system re-establish connection with the soil. Acclimating gradually to brighter light is important, as sudden exposure can cause sunburn.
Essential Care for Aldi Succulents
Providing adequate light is important for succulent health and maintaining their compact form and vibrant colors. Most succulents require bright, indirect light, ideally at least six hours daily. A south-facing window is often suitable for indoor succulents, though some varieties like Haworthia can tolerate lower light. If natural light is insufficient, especially during winter, supplemental full-spectrum grow lights can be beneficial, placed 6-12 inches from the plants. Slowly acclimate succulents to brighter conditions to prevent sunburn, which can manifest as brown leaf tips.
Watering succulents correctly is important, as overwatering is a common cause of root rot. The “soak and dry” method is effective: thoroughly water the soil until it drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. You can check soil moisture by feeling the top layer of soil; it should be completely dry. Plump, firm leaves indicate adequate hydration, while shriveled or dull leaves suggest a need for water.
Succulents thrive in well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes, which prevent water from pooling around the roots. A specialized succulent or cactus mix, often containing sand, perlite, or pumice, provides the necessary drainage and aeration. If using regular potting soil, amendments like perlite or coarse sand can be added to improve drainage. Repotting into appropriate soil and containers can enhance their long-term health.
Succulents prefer average home temperatures, ideally between 55°F and 75°F, and low humidity. Excessive humidity can contribute to root rot or fungal infections. Common issues like etiolation, characterized by stretched, pale growth, indicate insufficient light, while mushy, yellowing leaves often signal overwatering and potential root rot.