Growing huge succulents has been a passion of mine for the past 9 years. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience to watch these small plants transform into spectacular giants over time.
In this post, I’ll share my personal tips and tricks for growing succulents to their maximum size potential.
Types of Succulents That Can Grow Huge
Not all succulents have the ability to reach giant proportions, but here are some varieties that can grow impressively large:
Echeveria ‘Laui’
This beautiful succulent grows extremely slowly due to its white leaves which contain few chlorophyll. However, given enough time (8-10 years), its leaves can reach up to 25cm in length with a canopy spread of 50-60cm in diameter.
Echeveria ‘Snow Bunny’
‘Snow Bunny’ can develop into a large, striking bush over the years.
‘Pink Champagne’
A very rare Korean hybrid created by Hyun Sook Lee, ‘Pink Champagne’ has immense growth potential.
Echeveria ‘Madiba’
This magnificent, slow-growing architectural hybrid from Spain can reach huge sizes with patience.
Echeveria ‘Hakuhou’
A hybrid between Echeveria Laui and Echeveria Pallida, ‘Hakuhou’ can grow into a super huge specimen.
Ovata Gollum
Gollum jade plants grow vertically and develop woody stems over time, reaching heights of up to 1.2m (~4ft) tall.
Aeonium plants
Many Aeonium species also grow vertically in height over the years.
Other easy-to-grow succulents that can develop into giant bushes include:
- Echeveria Cante
- Echeveria Crenulata Rose
- Echeveria Linguas
- Crassula Shrek Ears
Pot Selection for Growing Huge Succulents
As your succulents grow larger, they’ll need to be repotted into bigger containers every 1-2 years to provide more space and nutrition.
Some tips for choosing the right pots:
- Select a pot only slightly larger than the previous one. Avoid oversized pots which waste space, soil, and can cause root issues.
- Ensure the pot has proper drainage holes.
- Consider the succulent’s growth pattern – horizontally spreading Echeveria and Sedum do best in wide diameter pots, while vertically growing Aeonium and Jade plants need taller pots for balance.
I’ve found it best to repot succulents every 1.5 to 2 years, or when you notice signs like:
- The plant stops growing for several months
- Roots completely fill the potting mix
- Soil becomes very dry and drains water quickly
When repotting garden-grown succulents, simply place them in a larger pot and add fresh soil around for further growth. There’s no need to remove all the old soil.
However, newly purchased succulents should have their old growing media completely discarded since mixes vary by climate. Trim away small roots, leaving the main ones intact. Allow the trimmed roots to dry for 3-5 days in a well-ventilated spot out of direct sun before planting in the new pot with fresh soil.
Growing Media for Huge Succulents
The right soil mix is key to growing giant succulents successfully. A good succulent potting mix should contain three main elements:
- Drainage materials like perlite or pumice stone
- Moisture retention ingredients such as peatmoss or vermiculite (which also provides micronutrients and enhances color)
- Nutrition from organic and/or inorganic fertilizers (e.g. NPK 14-14-14)
My personal recipe includes perlite/pumice, peatmoss/vermiculite, organic & inorganic fertilizers, and a bit of potassium permanganate to deter pests.
When it comes to fertilizing, succulents don’t require huge amounts of nutrients. You can either mix the fertilizer into the soil or sprinkle it on the surface. I typically use a combination of NPK 14-14-14 and organic fertilizers.
Ideal Growing Conditions
To reach their full size potential, succulents need ample sunlight – aim for a spot that receives 6-8 hours of direct sun exposure per day.
Good ventilation is also important to prevent fungal growth and insect issues. For indoor plants, run a small fan or open windows when possible. Outdoor succulents should be spaced to allow for proper air circulation without overcrowding.
Repotting Succulents for Huge Growth
For optimal growth, most succulents should be repotted every 1.5 to 2 years, or when the roots have completely filled the current pot and soil dries out very quickly.
When repotting garden-grown plants, select a pot one size larger with good drainage. Place the succulent inside and add fresh soil mix around it – no need to remove all the old soil.
Newly purchased succulents require a bit more care. Gently remove the plant from its original container and discard the old soil mix completely, as different climates necessitate different mixes. Trim away small roots, leaving the main ones intact. Let the trimmed roots callous for 3-5 days in a dry, well-ventilated spot out of direct sun before planting in the new pot with fresh mix.
Fertilizing for Maximum Growth
While succulents don’t need copious amounts of nutrients, regular fertilizing promotes healthy growth. I use two effective methods:
- Mix fertilizer directly into the soil
- Sprinkle fertilizer on the soil surface
My preferred fertilizers are NPK 14-14-14 for inorganic feeding, and any available organic fertilizer (aim for 69% OM, PH: 5.3; C/N: 11.2).
Importance of Proper Lighting
Adequate sunlight exposure is essential for succulents to achieve huge sizes. Most varieties need 6-8 hours of direct sun per day.
Place your plants in the sunniest location possible – south-facing windows for indoor specimens, and unobstructed areas of the garden for outdoor plants.
Ensuring Adequate Ventilation
Proper air circulation is just as important as lighting for robust succulent growth. Stagnant, humid conditions invite fungal diseases and pest problems.
For indoor plants, improve airflow by running a small fan nearby or opening windows when the weather allows.
In outdoor settings, space succulents to allow for good air movement and avoid overcrowding them in beds or arrangements.
Patience is Key
Growing huge succulents is a long journey that requires patience above all else. Some species, like Echeveria ‘Laui’, are extremely slow growing and may take 8-10 years to reach their maximum size potential. Others, like Aeoniums and Jade plants, grow a bit faster.
Closing Thoughts
Enjoy the process and take pictures along the way to document your succulent’s progress over the years. Appreciate each stage of growth, from the small starter plant to the spectacular giant specimen it will ultimately become with proper care and patience!