4 Proper Planting Steps
Planting Step #1:
Take time to allow your new plants to acclimate to their new environment. No matter where you live or what type of plants you received, their new environment will be very different from ours. New and immature plants can be sensitive to things like sun, ultraviolet light, temperature, wind, humidity, etc. We recommend a hardening off period for all plants received via the mail. Place your new plants in filtered light or a shady location outside for a transition period of 7-10 days to avoid transplant shock symptoms. This is especially important for leafy plants. Water potted plants right away once they arrive. Do this by setting the pot into a tray or sink filled 1-2 in. of cool, clean water. Yes, tap water is fine.
NOTE: For Agaves, cacti, succulents and yuccas, damage can happen due to sunscald, or exposure such as yellowing or white if plants are not properly hardened off or acclimatized. While hardening off, keep plants appropriately watered and up off the ground away from potentially hungry critters. Rabbits are fond of chewing fresh succulent leaves.
If your new plant/s are destined to be planted outside, transition them outside. Do not transition plants in the house, unless they are staying in the house. Of course, in colder climates, pay attention to cold temperatures and bring plants into a frost-free location to protect tender plants from potential freeze damage.
Planting Step #2:
Consider which water-wise zone (see our Blog - Water-wise Garden Zones) your new plant/s will be planted in and choose the correct spot within that zone that provides the optimal sun exposure. If it is unclear after doing your research and reading our blogs, please don’t hesitate to ask us for advice, we’re always happy to help. Happyvalleyplants@gmail.com
Planting Step #3:
Once you have chosen the perfect location, then dig a hole as deep as the pot and twice as wide. For bare root plants, create a hole deep as the roots are long and twice as wide. For potted plants, gently remove the plant from its container, then loosen any tight roots and set the plant centered in the hole with the top of the root ball even with the natural soil grade. TIP: If you make a water catchment, make sure the crown of the plant is still slightly higher than the bottom of the depression to ensure water doesn’t sit on the crown of the plant.
Next, add the backfill of loose blended soil, adding it evenly from all sides.
Note: For large, heavy, or spiny plants this may be a two-person job. Don’t hurt yourself, or damage the plant, just ask for help.
Planting Step #4:
Once the plant is in its hole, with the soil slightly tamped down, then water it thoroughly & slowly. Escaping air bubbles is a good sign that the air pockets are being filled and the soil is settling around the plant roots. The goal is to achieve good soil to root contact. If there are air pockets this can cause plants to unexpectedly stress.
NOTE: For Agaves, cacti, and most succulents, apply enough water to settle the soil around the plant roots, but don’t soak them for long. In containers, these types of plants can accept more frequent waterings, since the soil in pots dries out faster. Ensure that whatever container you use has good drainage holes and never add rocks, gravel or other types of debris at the bottom of the pot. Fill pots only with fresh, well-draining quality potting soil in the container.
Once planted, pay close attention to your new plants. If plants were adequately hardened off, they should have a successful transition. However, covering a plant with a piece of burlap, shade cloth or even an old dish towel for a few weeks after planting, may be needed to help prevent damage due to sun exposure, especially in low desert or inland gardens.
How Much Water?
Plants need adequate water to grow well. But exactly how much water depends on several factors such as the plant variety, soil composition, drainage, temperature, humidity, sunlight, etc. With leafy plants watering every other day to a few times a week initially is a good plan. Check the soil moisture before watering each time and observe the plant’s behavior to gauge how often you will need to water your new plant. New plants usually need more water initially but too much moisture in the root zone can lead to plant stress due to a lack of oxygen to the roots. Lower, older leaves turning yellow and dropping can be a sign of this adverse effect.
In general, Agaves, cacti, succulents and yuccas will use more water during the spring/summer growing seasons and while they are becoming established. However, excess moisture in the root zone when the plants are not using much can lead to root rot. This can happen fast. Also, avoid getting the foliage wet since water spots can act like a prism and burn or discolor the leaves or cause salt burn. Water sitting for too long in the crown can lead to fungal problems & rot.
If you live and garden in a dry climate a good guideline is to water Agaves, yuccas, and succulents about once every 10-14 days. For most cacti species once per month is usually sufficient. Digging down a couple of inches to check the soil moisture before you water is your most accurate guide. If, after checking, it seems damp, then wait another week. By checking the soil moisture frequently during the first season you will be able to better determine the moisture holding capacity of your soil which will allow you to water appropriately to encourage optimal growth.
Troubleshooting
If you see discolorations, leaf dropping, wilting, dieback, etc. with your new plant, these are all typical signs of stress. Please don’t hesitate to take some photos of the symptoms and email us. Happyvalleyplants@gmail.com. Remember, we are gardeners too and we want your plant/s to be successful! So, we are happy to help you with advice, suggestions and provide valuable horticultural information.
**Blogs & photos by Daniel S. Goodspeed, without use of AI. No photos or blog info may be reprinted or reproduced without permission or consent of the author, Happy Valley Plants™ or its subsidiaries.**
