By providing adequate light, using well-draining soil, watering properly, and avoiding common mistakes, you can enjoy vibrant, healthy succulents year-round
Succulents are known for their unique ability to store water, making them resilient and low-maintenance plants. However, they still require specific care to thrive. In this guide, you’ll learn everything from watering to light requirements, soil selection, and common mistakes, helping your succulents grow healthy and beautiful indoors or outdoors.
Most succulents thrive in bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Succulents like Echeveria and Aloe prefer direct sun exposure, while species such as Haworthia or Sansevieria (Snake Plant) can tolerate partial shade, making them suitable for indoor spaces. Insufficient light can cause succulents to stretch or become leggy, a condition known as etiolation.
Succulents require the soak-and-dry method, meaning the soil must be thoroughly soaked and then allowed to dry out completely before watering again. This watering technique mimics their natural environment, where plants experience rainfall followed by extended dry periods.
Indoor succulents need watering every 10-14 days during the active growing season (spring and summer). During fall and winter, when succulents enter dormancy, water only once a month or less.
Outdoor succulents may require more frequent watering, every 7-10 days, especially in hot and dry climates. In humid regions, water less often, as moisture in the air slows soil drying.
Different species have different water needs. Aloe, Jade Plants (Crassula), and Echeveria store more water and tolerate longer dry spells. Haworthia and Living stones (Lithops) are more sensitive to overwatering and require less frequent watering.
Monitoring soil moisture is essential—if the top inch of soil feels dry, it’s time to water. Avoid watering leaves directly, which can lead to root rot and fungal issues. Always use containers with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, ensuring the roots stay healthy.
When most succulents enter dormancy in winter, reduce watering to once a month or less.
Succulents thrive in well-draining soil that mimics the arid conditions of their native habitats. Standard potting soil retains too much moisture, increasing the risk of root rot. The ideal soil mix for succulents contains both organic and inorganic components to balance moisture retention and drainage.
Organic Material: A small amount of coco coir, pine bark, or compost provides nutrients. However, organic material should be limited to prevent excessive water retention.
Inorganic Material: Components like perlite, pumice, coarse sand, or crushed granite improve aeration and prevent soil compaction. Perlite and pumice are especially effective at promoting drainage while keeping the mix light and airy.
A DIY succulent soil recipe might include 2 parts potting soil or cactus mix (with minimal organic material, such as coco coir or pine bark), 1 part coarse sand, and 1 part pumice or perlite. This mixture provides the structure succulents need, ensuring excess water drains away quickly.
Succulents prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, around 5.5 to 7.0, which supports healthy root development.
Queen Victoria Agave – Agave victoriae-reginae
Choose containers with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Terra cotta pots are ideal because they are porous and allow the soil to dry out faster. Avoid glass containers, as they retain moisture and lack airflow, increasing the risk of root rot
Succulents thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 60-80°F (15-27°C). While most succulents prefer mild climates, some species can tolerate temperature extremes.
Varieties like Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum) and Sedum are frost-tolerant, withstanding temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C), and can be grown in Zone 3.
Conversely, tropical and desert succulents like Aloe vera and Christmas Cactus thrive in Zones 10-12 and are sensitive to frost. In colder climates, these species must be brought indoors during winter.
Humidity levels also play a key role in succulent care. Succulents generally prefer low humidity because they evolved in arid environments with scarce moisture. Prolonged exposure to high humidity can result in water retention in the leaves, increasing the risk of rot and fungal infections. For this reason, avoid placing succulents in consistently damp spaces, such as bathrooms, unless proper airflow is ensured.
Whether indoors or outdoors, succulents need protection from extreme weather. During hot summers, outdoor succulents might require occasional watering adjustments, while indoor succulents should be shielded from cold drafts in winter. Monitoring environmental conditions ensures that succulents stay healthy and continue to thrive.
Succulents generally don’t need heavy fertilization due to their ability to thrive in nutrient-poor soils. However, occasional feeding during the growing season (spring to early fall) can encourage healthier growth and vibrant blooms. Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula, at half strength every 4-6 weeks.
Avoid over-fertilizing, leading to leggy growth and reducing the plant’s natural resilience. Cactus-specific fertilizers or low-nitrogen blends are ideal, as too much nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of root health.
Stop fertilizing during the winter dormancy, as succulents need rest during colder months.
Liquid fertilizers are preferred, as they allow nutrients to be absorbed efficiently, especially when watered directly into the soil. Fertilizing newly repotted succulents should be avoided for a few weeks, giving them time to acclimate to their new environment without stress. Regular but light feeding ensures robust growth without overwhelming the plants.
Pruning succulents helps maintain their shape, remove dead leaves, and encourage new growth. Prune leggy succulents by trimming back stretched stems, which can also promote bushier growth. Always use sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears to avoid infections. Dead or dried-out leaves should be removed regularly to keep the plant healthy and prevent rot.
Succulents are easy to propagate through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or offsets.
For propagation by stem cuttings, allow the cut end to callous for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil.
Leaf propagation works best for plants like Echeveria: remove a healthy leaf, let it dry, and place it on soil to root.
Offsets, small baby plants growing around the base of the mother plant, can also be gently separated and replanted directly.
Propagation is best done in spring or early summer when succulents are actively growing, ensuring better rooting and development.
Succulents are generally resilient but can still fall victim to pests and diseases.
Common pests include mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. These insects feed on the plant’s sap, causing discoloration and stunted growth. Mealybugs often appear as white, cottony patches, while spider mites create fine webs on leaves. To manage infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common disease in succulents, causing blackened or mushy roots. Powdery mildew and fungal infections can develop under excessive humidity or poor airflow. To prevent diseases, water at the base, ensure well-draining soil, and provide adequate airflow.
Regular monitoring and prompt action keep succulents healthy and thriving.
Overwatering: One of the most frequent mistakes is watering too often, which can lead to root rot. Always allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Using Improper Soil: Regular potting soil retains too much moisture. Succulents need a well-draining mix with materials like sand, perlite, or pumice to prevent waterlogging.
Lack of Sunlight: Succulents thrive with ample light. Placing them in low-light areas can cause them to stretch (etiolation) and become leggy.
Ignoring Dormancy: Some succulents go dormant in winter, requiring less water. Continuing regular care during dormancy can stress the plants.
Wrong Containers: Containers without drainage holes trap water at the roots, promoting rot. Ensure pots have drainage or water sparingly.
Over-fertilizing: Too much fertilizer can lead to weak, leggy growth. Use diluted fertilizer only during the growing season for best results.
String of Pearls – Senecio rowleyanus
Succulents need different care throughout the year to thrive. During spring and summer, which mark their active growing season, water more frequently using the soak-and-dry method and fertilize every 4-6 weeks with diluted fertilizer. Ensure ample sunlight to prevent etiolation (stretching).
In fall and winter, many succulents enter dormancy, requiring less water to avoid root rot. Reduce watering significantly, only hydrating when the soil is completely dry. Avoid fertilizing, as the plants rest during this period. Move tender succulents like Echeveria or Aloe indoors if temperatures drop below freezing. For outdoor, frost-hardy varieties like Sempervivum, protect with mulch in extreme cold.
With the right seasonal adjustments, succulents stay healthy year-round.
Christmas Cactus – Schlumbergera x buckleyi
Succulents generally thrive in bright light, with most needing 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. However, not all succulents tolerate direct sun well. Many prefer bright, indirect light, especially to avoid scorching under intense afternoon sun. While succulents like Agave and Opuntia thrive in direct sunlight, others, such as Gasteria and Haworthia, can tolerate partial shade and are better suited for lower light environments.
To ensure your succulents thrive, provide them with well-draining soil, adequate sunlight, and water only when the soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, as succulents store moisture in their leaves and roots, allowing them to withstand periods of drought. Adjust light exposure based on the plant’s needs, ensuring that sun-sensitive varieties receive indirect light to prevent scorching.
Succulents are relatively low-maintenance plants, ideal for busy gardeners or those new to plant care. With their ability to store water, they require infrequent watering and are drought-tolerant. However, ensuring they receive the correct light and soil conditions is essential for healthy growth.
Misting succulents is not recommended, as most prefer the soak-and-dry watering method. They thrive when watered at the roots, not on their leaves, as excess moisture can lead to rot and fungal issues. Watering deeply and allowing the soil to dry out fully between waterings is more effective.
While succulents are resilient, they can be sensitive to overwatering and require specific conditions to thrive. Some species may not tolerate low light environments well and may develop leggy growth if deprived of enough sunlight. Additionally, certain succulents are not cold-hardy and need to be brought indoors in colder climates.
Handling succulents frequently can damage their delicate leaves, leaving permanent marks or bruises. Additionally, the natural protective wax coating on many succulents, which helps them retain moisture, can wear off with repeated contact.
While succulents are generally pest-resistant, they can attract pests like mealybugs and aphids, especially when overwatered or placed in poor conditions. Proper care, such as avoiding overwatering and maintaining healthy soil, helps prevent pest infestations.
| Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
|---|---|
| Genus | Agave, Aloe, Sedum, Echeveria, Crassula, Aeonium, Opuntia, Euphorbia, Kalanchoe, Mammillaria, Yucca, Senecio, Sempervivum, Haworthia |
| Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
|---|---|
| Genus | Agave, Aloe, Sedum, Echeveria, Crassula, Aeonium, Opuntia, Euphorbia, Kalanchoe, Mammillaria, Yucca, Senecio, Sempervivum, Haworthia |
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
