Succulent Plants Care: Mastering Watering, Lighting, and More

Succulent plants are low-maintenance, but they still require proper care to thrive.

The most common mistake people make when caring for succulents is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and kill the plant.

To determine the right amount of water for your succulent, check the soil by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water your succulent.

Succulents also need bright, indirect light to photosynthesize and stay healthy. Placing them near an east- or west-facing window is ideal.

Broaden your view: How to Water Succulent Plants

Watering your succulent is a delicate balance between giving it enough moisture and not overdoing it.

The frequency of watering depends on several factors, including light, soil, container type, temperature, and humidity. Start with watering every 2-3 weeks and check if the soil is dry several inches down before watering. If damp, wait a few days.

A good rule of thumb is to water just a little at a time when the soil is completely dry. This will help prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other problems. You can test the soil by sticking your finger into it up to the first knuckle, a trick that Caro and Rose recommend.

Some succulents can survive a little drought, but most appreciate a good rain shower. In fact, many cacti are more abundant in areas that receive regular rainfall, like Arizona, which gets around 18 inches of rain per year.

To avoid water logging, add some gravel or sand to the bottom of your decorative pot. This will help with drainage and prevent the roots from rotting. You can also soak the soil mix until water runs out of the drainage holes, which is a great way to ensure the roots get enough moisture.

A fresh viewpoint: Do Succulent Plants Need Water

Succulents love light, and most varieties need at least six hours of sunlight per day. This can be direct sunlight, but be careful not to blast them with hot rays all day, as this can cause burning.

You might see beige or brown patches appear, or the green pigment start to fade, which are signs of burning. In the worst case, you might notice overall dryness, with some leaves turning black and falling off.

You might enjoy: Succulent Plants Sunlight

To avoid this, rotate your plant every now and then to give it light all round, not just on one side. This will help prevent your succulent from becoming lopsided.

If you're unsure about the light your succulent is getting, take a look at the color of the plant. High light succulents tend to be more colorful, with traces of purples, reds, and pinks.

Here's a rough guide to help you determine the light requirements of your succulent:

Keep in mind that low light succulents will still grow quickly and may lean towards the light source, so be sure to provide them with the right amount of light to prevent this.

Remember, succulents are like goldfish and only grow as large as their containers, so don't worry if your plant is looking a bit scrawny – it's just doing its best with the light it has!

Worth a look: Succulent Plants Light Requirements

Succulents need well-draining soil to thrive, so regular potting soil is out of the question. They're designed to cope with drier environments, after all.

A good mix is one that's loose and able to drain well, avoiding water-logged soil that's a breeding ground for bacteria. Roots need air and oxygen to live, and planting them in heavy clay or super compact soil can suffocate them.

You can opt to pick up a store-bought succulent soil, also known as cactus soil, or DIY your own mix by combining potting soil with sand, pumice, or perlite. Succulent roots are very fragile, so be gentle when repotting.

To make your own mix, combine one part organic material (like potting soil, pine bark, or compost) with two parts mineral material (like perlite, coarse sand, pumice, or fine gravel). This will give your succulents the nutrients they need.

Here's a simple recipe for a well-draining soil mix:

This mix will ensure your succulents get the right balance of nutrients and drainage.

Succulents don't need much fertilizer to thrive, so use a fertilizer at half to a quarter of the recommended rate.

Most succulents can benefit from a liquid 13-6-6 mixture designed for house plants, applied every 3-4 waterings during active growth.

Be careful not to overfertilize, as this can cause your succulent to grow too quickly and become weak. Check the recommended amount on your fertilizer's packaging and use half that amount for succulents.

Fertilizers made specifically for cacti and succulents can also be used as directed on the package, making it easy to give your succulents a boost.

Avoid fertilizing in winter when succulents are not growing, as this can cause more harm than good.

Using a fertilizer high in nitrogen can result in vegetative growth instead of flowering, so choose a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooming.

Consider reading: Which Succulents Can Be Planted Together?

To keep your succulents happy and thriving, make sure to water them sparingly. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot and other problems.

Watering is a delicate balance, and the frequency depends on the size of the pot, the climate, and the type of succulent. As a general rule, water your succulents when the soil is dry to the touch, usually every 7-10 days in the summer and less often in the winter.

Succulents also need good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Keep them at least 6 inches away from any walls or other plants to ensure proper airflow.

Here's an interesting read: How to Keep Succulent Plants Alive

Rotating your plants regularly is a simple yet effective way to ensure they're getting the light they need. Most succulents love direct sun, but if they're stuck in one spot, only one side will get enough light.

If you notice your succulents leaning towards the sun, it's a sign that they need to be in a sunnier spot.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Do Succulent Plants Need Drainage

Good air circulation is crucial for healthy succulents. Moving air helps dry soils, which is especially important for succulents that are prone to root rot.

Cramped plants can lead to a buildup of humidity and a higher risk of insect pests. Consider spacing plants out or using a small fan to circulate more air.

By providing good air circulation, you can reduce the risk of mealy bugs and spider mites, two common pests that can be detrimental to succulents.

Succulents are the Camels of the Plant World, as they're draught tolerant and wind tolerant, making them one of the toughest plants you'll find.

These plants are tough as nails on the outside, but have hearts of gold on the inside, which is why they need proper treatment to thrive.

Don't make the mistake of planting succulents in soil like I did, it's a big no no, so be sure to read our planting guide.

Watering your succulents whenever they look sad is also wrong, that's why you should check out our basic care tips.

Having a love of the plant and a motivation to learn is all it takes to become a better succulent parent, like I did.

Propagating succulents is a great way to share your favorite plants with friends and family, or to simply multiply your collection.

Most succulents can be easily propagated vegetatively by offsets, stem cuttings, or leaf cuttings, depending on the species and how it grows.

For leaf succulents like kalanchoe, sedum, and ice-plants, clipping a few internodes down from the stem apex is a simple method that can produce a healthy new plant within about 2 weeks.

Suggestion: Long Stem Succulent Plants

Occasional watering during this period is essential to ensure the growth of a new plant.

Cuttings from highly succulent stems like cacti or stapelia require a different approach, as they need to callus over for 2 weeks before planting.

Applying a mixture of equal parts sulfur and rooting hormone powder to the cut surface can enhance callusing and rooting.

Some cacti can even root in completely dry soil, making them a great choice for beginners.

For Euphorbiaceae cuttings, intermittent mist is the key to successful rooting, and can be achieved with misting nozzles controlled by a timer.

Crassulaceae members, on the other hand, often form new plants from the margins of leaf cuttings.

Remember, patience and understanding your plants' needs are key to successful propagation.

Developing a keen observation of your succulents' responses to different conditions will empower you to fine-tune your care routine.

Check this out: Succulent Plants Such as Cacti or Pineapple

Succulents have relatively few pest and disease issues, making them a great choice for indoor gardening.

One potential issue is that some succulents may not thrive in your home, despite your best care. This could be due to the fact that not all succulents are the same and have different light preferences.

Succulents that prefer high light may do well in south-facing windows, while those that prefer low light may do better in east- or west-facing windows.

Some succulents are more prone to dying than others, and it may be a slow and painful process. This can be frustrating, especially if you're new to succulent care.

If you're experiencing issues with your succulents, it's worth considering whether the variety you're growing is suited to your home's lighting conditions.

For more insights, see: Succulent Plants Light

Succulents are incredibly easy to care for, requiring minimal attention to thrive indoors.

Place them in a spot with bright, indirect light – think a spot that casts a shadow, but doesn't get direct sun.

Grow them in well-drained potting soil in containers with good drainage, like a Cacti & Succulent mix or add some perlite and sand to your regular potting soil.

Succulents are comfortable with average home temperatures and low humidity, which is great news for indoor gardeners.

Water them thoroughly, making sure the entire root ball is wet, then let the excess water drain away.

Additional reading: Potting Mix for Succulent Plants

Succulents are a great choice for indoor gardening because they require minimal care. Overall, they thrive in average home temperatures between 55°F and 75°F.

Bright, indirect light is perfect for succulents. This means light that casts a shadow, but isn't direct sun. I've found that a south-facing window with a sheer curtain works great.

Succulents need well-drained potting soil to prevent waterlogged soil. A mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents is a good option, or you can add amendments like perlite and sand to increase drainage.

Average home humidity is perfect for succulents, especially in winter when the air is dry. I've noticed that my succulents don't need any extra humidity, even in the dead of winter.

Watering succulents is a bit tricky, but the key is to thoroughly wet the entire root ball and let all excess water drain away. Don't let water sit in saucers or outer sleeves, as this can lead to root rot.

Most succulents only need watering once every two or three weeks, depending on the soil type, light level, and humidity. If the lower leaves start to wrinkle or dry up, it's a sign that the soil is too dry.

For another approach, see: How Often Should Succulent Plants Be Watered

Most cacti and succulents thrive in temperatures between 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit, making them perfect for sunny, warm spots in your home.

Cacti and succulents in the Crassulaceae genus, such as leaf-succulents, grow well at a slightly cooler range of 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Be sure to check the hardiness of your particular succulent, as some species are more frost-resistant due to high concentrations of sugar in their cell sap.

Frequent frost can be detrimental to most cacti and succulents, so it's essential to bring them indoors or cover them when temperatures drop too low.

Cutting back on watering when nighttime lows are 40 degrees or lower can help prevent succulents from rotting due to cold and wet conditions.

If this caught your attention, see: When to Repot Succulent Plants

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Succulents are a diverse group of plants and there are many different species to choose from.

Aloe vera is one of the most popular succulent species, known for its healing properties and versatility in decorative arrangements.

The Echeveria is another common succulent species that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it a great choice for gardeners of all levels.

Some succulent species, like the Aloe, have medicinal uses and can be grown indoors for air purification.

The Crassula, also known as the Jade Plant, is a low-maintenance succulent species that can thrive in indoor conditions with minimal care.

A different take: Aloe Succulent Plants