Not All Succulents Are Created Equal

Yes, succulents are pretty hardy and drought resistant but they are certainly not these indestructible all weather resistant mutant plants people describe.

And most importantly not all succulents are the same. I know first hand how heartbreaking it is to purchase a stunning succulent garden to just simply watch it die in front of you. Root rot, sun burnt, watered, overwatered….you name it it could happen. So here a few myths that have long been debunked to help you have an easier time with succulents.

1- Full Sun Is Required.

Some varieties certainly can handle a full day of sun. This however does not apply to all, even most succulents. Most of them prefer bright morning sun, the afternoon sun is usually way too hot and ends up burning the plants eventually killing them.

2 - All Succulents are indestructible

While succulents are hardier than most plants and even somewhat simple to care for, they do not enjoy or thrive under extreme conditions for long periods of time. Also plant accordingly to the varieties of succulents, Sedums are generally hardier than the lavender Echeverias.

3 - Sand Is the best potting medium for succulents

While succulents do require an excellent draining soil, sand is most likely to be too draining, leaving the plant without the needed water it needs to strive. Succulent and cactus potting mix are strongly recommended , you can even add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the container for extra drainage.

4- Top Decoration rocks and gravel provide extra drainage.

While colorful pebbles and rocks certainly add color and texture to your design they provide no extra drainage to the plant, one actually has to be careful these decorations do not trap moisture in the container and eventually cause root rot to the succulents.

5- Succulents love all weather

Different succulents call for different care.

Generally speaking most succulents prefer less humid, sunny weather. They are hardier than other perennial plants in your garden, but they handle wetter and colder climates differently. A harsh winter may cause the plant to freeze and consistent humidity may lead to root rot. Just remember, succulents enjoy a bit of neglect

6 - succulents thrive in small enclosed spaces.

While terrariums are very trendy and pretty adorable as gifts they do not provide the ideal living environment for succulents. They need open spaces and fresh air ventilation to grow, if they are left in enclosed terrariums too long the moisture that will form within the container will cause root rot killing your succulents.

7- Succulents are not poisonous.

A lot of succulent varieties are edible…but be aware a few of them are also poisonous to cats, dogs and small children. Euphorbia is an example of a toxic succulent

Hope these little notes can help you grow stunning succulents indoors and outdoors. … and here is a little something i fell goes hand in hand with succulent planting, a nice cup of hot tea…THE BEST LEMON POPPY SEED BUNDT CAKE RECIPE, courtesy of Live Well And Bake Often

This Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake is moist, perfectly sweet, and lemony!

Visit Recipe site HERE:

Prep Time 20 minutes Cook Time 50 minutes Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes Servings 10 slices

Author Danielle

INGREDIENTS

Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake:

2 and 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons poppy seeds

3/4 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons lemon zest

1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil

1 cup sour cream

Lemon Glaze

1 cup confectioners sugar

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or as needed to thin out the glaze

INSTRUCTIONS To make the cake:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or a large mixing bowl using a hand-held mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Mix in the eggs one a time, then mix in the vanilla. Slowly mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and oil. Alternate mixing the flour mixture and the sour cream into the wet ingredients, starting with the flour and ending with the flour.

Mix until just combined.

Spray a 10-inch bundt pan well with non stick cooking spray, or grease with butter and flour. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and evenly spread it around.

Bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Cover loosely with foil if needed for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to prevent excess browning. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes.

Then invert the cake onto a wire rack to finish cooling.

To make the glaze:

Add the powdered sugar and lemon juice to a small mixing bowl and mix until fully combined.

One the cake has cooled, place a piece of foil under the wire rack (to catch any glaze that falls off).

Pour the lemon glaze evenly over the cake and allow to harden for about 10-15 minutes.

Slice and enjoy!

Take a look at Our Favorite Succulents Varieties or head back to the Homepage