Did you know you can keep Succulent Cuttings on Top of Your Fridge to help them root faster? Let’s explore how and why this happens!
The top of your fridge heats up during the cooling process—a detail you’d never think has anything to do with plants. But that warmth can actually become a surprising propagating hack for growing new succulents, helping them root faster, however, it’s only possible when top of your fridge receives indirect light! Here’s how it works.
Keep Succulent Cuttings On Top of Your Fridge
1. The Mild Stress Encourages Rooting
When you place succulent cuttings on top of a fridge, they are exposed to a slightly higher ambient temperature than the surrounding area. This mild warmth, combined with airflow, mimics the conditions that succulents often face in their native habitats, encouraging faster root growth.
Warmth signals the cutting to prioritize rooting so the plant accesses resources quickly to grow like it would in arid environments.
2. The Humidity is Balanced
The top of your fridge is often slightly warmer and maintains a balanced humidity level, especially when kept in the kitchen. This creates an ideal microclimate for succulents to develop roots without drying out.
Too much moisture can lead to the decay of leaves. The top spot helps provide just the right level of air circulation, helping prevent the cuttings from becoming wet and humid and promoting healthy new growth.
3. Indirect Light Exposure
If your refrigerator is naturally in a spot where it gets indirect sunlight, it will do wonders for your succulents. We all know that excessive light can dehydrate the cuttings, and too little can hinder root formation, but this position will be the sweet spot!
Of course, if the fridge’s location is too dark or surrounded by cabinets or walls on both sides, do not place your cuttings there! Here are some hacks for more light indoors.
4. Protection from Pests and Rot
Placing cuttings on top of the fridge keeps them elevated and away from pests like gnats or ants that can damage them.
Usually, refrigerators are kept at spots with good air circulation; this airflow prevents stagnant moisture, reducing the risk of rot or mold. Pretty neat, huh?
5. You Can Keep an Eye
You visit the fridge multiple times a day, so you can also give your succulent cuttings a quick inspection.
It’s a great idea, especially for forgetful gardeners. Prompt monitoring automatically increases the success of your plant’s rooting process because you can quickly address any issues if you notice them.
6. Optimal Use Of Space
If you don’t have much space, you can use the surface of your fridge. The only thing you need to ensure is bright, indirect sunlight on the spot.
The space above the fridge is usually messy and full of unwanted things, so a bunch of cute little succulents will definitely look pretty and add to the decor.
7. Mild Vibrations To Stimulate Root Growth
When the fridge works, it can generate slight vibrations like many other devices. Although not deeply researched, and no Scientific evidence to share, these gentle vibrations can mimic natural conditions like wind or animal movements in the wild, stimulating root development in some plants.
They also act as a mild stressor, prompting the plant to strengthen its root system for better anchorage and nutrient uptake. If you’re curious, it’s certainly worth a small experiment, but don’t expect dramatic results.
8. Keeps Them Out of Reach
Being a parent means keeping things away from your kids or curious pets! This includes delicate succulent leaves or cuttings that are working hard to push out roots. And what better safe space than the top of your fridge?
Some succulents can be mildly toxic if ingested, so keeping them high is right that way as well.
