Growing Succulents in High Rainfall Regions

If you live in a region that experiences high rainfall (more than 25 inches of water a year), growing succulents is both challenging and satisfying. These unique plants are adapted to much drier conditions. That's why Western gardens can display such a wide range of succulents. The key to growing them successfully is to provide optimum growing conditions.

  • Topic: Succulents and Cacti
  • Author: David Salman
  • Keywords: succulents, cacti, rain,, Succulents and Cacti, cactus, cactuses
  • Date: July 2005

© All articles are copyrighted by High Country Gardens. Republication is prohibited without Permission.

If you live in a region that experiences high rainfall (more than 25 inches of water a year), growing succulents is both challenging and satisfying. These unique plants are adapted to much drier conditions. That’s why Western gardens can display such a wide range of succulents. The key to growing them successfully is to provide optimum growing conditions.

Drainage

This is the most important aspect to consider. The roots of succulents can’t stand around in wet, soggy soil. They need the water to drain quickly like in 30 seconds. The more rainfall your area receives, the sandier the soil should be.

To create good soil drainage, follow this recipe:

  • Loosen soil with coarse sand (at least 1 part sand to 1 part native soil).
  • Clay soils need to be amended with 3 to 4 parts sand to1 part clay, and piled into a berm (small mound). Or you can remove clay to a depth of 8 inches and re-fill with clay/sand mixed with Planters II. Planters II is the only soil amendment needed. Don’t add peat moss, compost or other humus containing amendments.
  • Add lime when soil is acidic.
  • Test the soil/sand mix. Fill a hole with water to saturate it. Re-fill 10 to 15 minutes later. If water doesn’t drain from the hole in 30 seconds, add more sand.

Soil

Succulents like a lean, low fertile soil and do well in poor soils that aren’t amended except for drainage. If you have rich planting beds, you’ll have to augment with sand and gravel.

Gardening Tip: Keep soil bare and unmulched or mulch with crushed gravel. Gravel protects the crown from excessive winter moisture, which is the enemy of succulents.

Site Placement

Situate plants high such as in a raised bed or on top of a berm (mound). This allows water to drain easily. If you plant your succulents with other xeric plants, make sure you don’t mix plants that like more water.

Sunlight

Most succulents love full sun. So if possible place your plants next to south-facing walls, near boulders and along brick or flagstone walkways. They’ll pick up the radiated heat.

Fertilizing

If your soil is rich, you won’t need to fertilize. If you feel a need to fertilize, an annual application of Yum Yum® Mix in mid-fall is recommended. Don’t use compost as this will increase the soil’s humus content over time. Succulents don’t like rich soils.

Watering

In high rainfall areas additional watering won’t be necessary. Just make sure the water can drain easily.