Question
I am thrilled to find this site and will ask more questions but just have a quick one for now.  My obsession of plants which is both indoor and outdoor 24/7 day and night is intrigued by succulents for about the past two yrs.  I have always been able to make the biggest and healthiest looking plants and love to transform things.  I love feeding them and in general tending to their every need no matter what the cost or time required.  That's what a green thumb really is though, someone who will take the time.  Anyway, I said all this not to boast, cause you don't even know me, but so you wouldn't shoot my question down.   I know the easy answers, the ones you read on the web, but I have always learned more from the farmer or gardener who has experienced the pros and cons.  I believe in trying different things and any good garden does.    Lets say I like to learn by trial and error not because its what everyone else does.

Okay, Questions:  If I can provide adequate light do I need to let succulents rest during the winter?  and why?  I have read if you do not they may not flower, is that the main reason?  I know you have experience with succulents that's why I choose you.

In addition, in your opinion would you feed a plant, any plant but focus in on succulents  every time you watered as long as it was a very tiny amount? such as 1/8 of the regular strength?  Do you think the plant should have the nutrients available if it needs it?  And do you use a special succulent food?  What is it?

Back to feeding and resting.  What is the main reason succulents need a rest period?  I have never given them a rest, nor have they not continued to grow and thrive even throughout the winter season.

Next, I have read the succulents need either a balanced fertilizer, or one that the nitrogen is the lowest number and preferably the phosphate the highest number.  why can't succulents be given a higher nitrogen fertilizer? Does it have to do with the fact that they are slow growing and you could stress them out?  What are the symptoms of them being stressed out?  You may speak specifically about a Jade, Aloe Vera, Echeveria, or Sedum if you like.   

I've read fish emulsion is good for them because of it being gentle and having trace minerals and micronutrients in it that chemical feeds don't.  However, is the 5-1-1 ratio an exception here.

More on fertilizer:  Is phosphorous good for succulents, crassulas, whatever because of their tiny roots?

Do you use any potting soil in your succulent mix, for any reason, such as a hot summer when you don't want your plants to burn up.  At what scale are you on soil, total grit or some sand and potting soil, or do you use organic compost, if yes, how do you make it exactly?

Okay, I'm done.

Oh are Echeverias more sensitive and harder to grow than the Aloes and Jades.  Do they require more water than the Aloes, Jades and Sedums.  

Also would you spray fish emulsion onto succulents?

Thank you, maybe we can interest each other.  I look forward to hearing from you,  thank You again..

Answer
Hi,

I grow all the succulents you mention. They slow down and rest during the winter months due to the shorter days. In my home I have 2 separate major growing areas, one relys on natural light and the plants in the area slow for the winter and do not use as much water. It is good for plants to go through a natural cycle every few years and slow down for the winter months.

My other area is florescent lighted with a timer for 14 hours a day for the winter. Those plants have perpetual summer and I can root cuttings all winter. It is not necessary for tropical succulents to hibernate. To bloom some need dry periods and some need very cool periods.

I raise over 300 plants, a combination of bonsai trees, succulents, cacti, and standard houseplants. I use Miracle Grow for blooming plants a lot or Miracle grow for tomatoes, both of which have higher 2nd #'s. Or i use organic water based fertilizer. I do not use fish emulsion indoors because I don't like the smell. I would not spray it on any succulents or mist succulents with anything.

Echeverias are just as easy to grow as Aloes and jades as long as they are getting lots of sun. I find the key to succulents is put them in the sun and water them occasionally. Do not focus on them. They survive and thrive best on their own. If you pay too much attention you will kill them with kindness. Have fun with them.

Darlene