How can I plant Succulent/Cactus Flower boxes in North Las Vegas?

Just moved to Las Vegas have small patio so thought Succulents & Cactus would be best but having trouble they are in full sun from noon to around 4
Do I need water more I even purchases Miracle-Gro succulent plant food but I'm at a loss any advise please.
I can't live without plants.
So far my herbs are doing very well.
My poor garden. H E L P icon

  7 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 10, 2017

    Did you plant them in cactus and succulent soil?

  • Gma Kirk Gma Kirk on May 10, 2017

    If the succulents leaves are mushy on the bottom, turning yellow/pale, they have been getting too much water. That can be over watering or just poor drainage. If the top leaves are wrinkly or dried ou, they aren't getting enough water. different succulents have different water requirement, so make sure what you planted together have similar needs. I've also seen where the soil was too rich/not sandy enough. hope this help!

    • Grandmasue10 Grandmasue10 on May 13, 2017

      Great advice! I have a houseplant book, and it seems to contradict itself. One page says "too much water" another says "not enough water." At least now I know the answer for succulents. Thank you, thank you!

  • DORLIS DORLIS on May 11, 2017

    I get a sharp grit "turkey grit" from the feed store. It provides enough drainage when mixed with the soil.

  • Michelle Michelle on May 11, 2017

    I live just a couple hours south of Las Vegas in Arizona and I have a terrible habit of overwatering because we live in the desert. I have to remember that when the succulents are growing wild they get and survive on whatever nature throws at them. I think gma Kirk nailed it!

  • D Corwin D Corwin on May 11, 2017

    I live in inland Orange County, CA and our summers are hot and my back yard gets full sun with lots of reflective heat. I have found the type of succulent you chose can make a huge difference - some burn easier than others! I have red yucca, agave, certain types of echiveria and others that my nursery recommended to withstand the heat. You might try talking to a local nursery; also there is a place in San Diego County called Waterwise Botanicals that might give you some advice -- they have a lot of experience with succulents and similar that can stand up to the heat and sun.

  • Eva Eva on May 11, 2017

    I live just south of LV in AZ and have found Aloe Vera is the easiest to grow both in pots and in the ground. I started out with one little bit one and every year I throw away close to a hundred as they multiply very fast and most often I save the babies and throw out mother plant.They bloom once per year and the flowers lasts for months..The hummingbirds like them too..Good luck!

  • Esther Esther on May 12, 2017

    I live in Chandler, AZ (metro Phoenix) & have xeriscaping. Aloe & agave grow like crazy; have even given away a ton of pups. They definitely like sandier soil. You may need to amend your soil with sand. It may also be that your soil is too compacted. You may need to loosen the soil, & this would be a great time to add the sand & mix with existing soil.