How to Care for Succulents

Succulents are fascinating plants. They store water in their thick leaves, making them very drought-tolerant. Many people love succulents because they are low-maintenance plants, perfect for beginners. These plants fit well in smaller homes and apartments. As one expert notes:

Millennials, bouncing between smaller apartments, want something low maintenance.

You can easily grow these unique plants. Learning how to take care of succulents brings great satisfaction. You will discover how to make your succulents thrive.

Key Takeaways

• Water succulents only when the soil is completely dry. Too much water can harm them.

• Succulents need a lot of sunlight. Give them 4 to 6 hours of bright light each day.

• Plant succulents in soil that drains water quickly. Use pots with holes at the bottom.

• Protect succulents from very cold temperatures. They do best above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

• You can grow new succulents from cuttings or by dividing baby plants.

Essential Care of Succulents

Succulents are low-maintenance plants, but they have specific needs. You must understand these needs to ensure your plants thrive. These plants are drought-tolerant. They store water in their leaves. This ability allows them to survive long periods without water. For example, during dry times, water moves from the water-storing cells (hydrenchyma) to the photosynthetic cells (chlorenchyma) within a leaf. This keeps the plant’s food-making parts active. Succulents also move water from older leaves to younger ones during drought. This protects the newer, more important leaves. Some succulents store water in all their cells, while others have special water-storing tissues. Their thick leaves also have a low surface area to volume ratio. This helps them lose less water and store more. High pressure inside their cells provides support and lets them shrink when water is scarce. Knowing how to care for succulents means understanding these unique features.

Proper Watering Techniques

You must water succulents correctly. Do not water them on a set schedule. Instead, water only when the soil is completely dry. This is a key general care tip. When you water, do it thoroughly but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. For both indoor and outdoor succulents, water thoroughly once every 10 days. This promotes healthy root growth. You should water a little at a time until water drains from the bottom of the pot.

Be careful not to overwater. Overwatering causes several problems. Your succulent’s leaves can become soft, mushy, and translucent. They may also look shriveled. If you continue to overwater, the leaves will turn black, often starting from the center. Overly saturated leaves swell and drop easily, even with a slight touch. You might also see little blisters appear on the leaves. The stem can turn black or develop mushy spots. This shows severe overwatering. Wet conditions can also lead to yellowing leaves. The plant tissues become soft and mushy. Leaves will eventually drop off. The soil surface will feel wet. In severe cases, mold or fungus gnats may appear. These are all signs of too much water.

Light Requirements

Succulents need large amounts of sunlight. This is another important general care aspect. Most succulent species need 4 to 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily. Some can handle up to 8 hours of direct sun. Insufficient light makes plants stretch, a process called etiolation. Too much intense sunlight can cause sunburn and discoloration.

For indoor succulents, provide bright, indirect light. This means light bright enough to cast a shadow but not direct sun. Ensure your succulents get plenty of sun. For example, Echeveria species need 6–8 hours of direct morning sun and indirect afternoon light. Jade plants (Crassula ovata) thrive with 4–6 hours of direct or bright indirect light. Haworthia fasciata prefers 4–5 hours of filtered or indirect light. Succulents like Aloe and Echeveria need between 400 and 800 foot-candles (80-160 µmol) of light.

Soil and Container Needs

Succulents thrive in well-drained soil. This is critical for their health. The ideal soil must drain fast and not hold water for long periods. It needs to be porous for good air circulation around the roots. Use soil with low organic content. High organic material, like peat moss, holds too much water. Mineral components should dominate the mix. The soil should also be lightweight to prevent compaction. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7.0) is best for most succulents.

You can amend your soil with organic matter like coco coir or pine bark. These add structure and improve drainage. Compost provides nutrients but use it sparingly. For better drainage, add inorganic materials. Perlite and pumice are lightweight volcanic rocks that improve drainage and aeration. Coarse sand also helps soil structure and water drainage. Gravel or crushed granite improves drainage and helps regulate moisture. You can use these as a top dressing or mix them into the soil.

Choose the right container. Terracotta pots are excellent for succulents. Their porous nature allows air and water to move through the walls. This prevents soil diseases and root rot. Terracotta helps the soil dry out faster. This is perfect for plants that prefer drier soil conditions. Terracotta pots also offer an environmentally friendly choice over plastic.

Temperature Considerations

Most common succulents, often called ‘soft succulents,’ prefer temperatures above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. They do best at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and higher. Temperatures below freezing are generally too cold. Their water-storing leaves can freeze and rot.

Extreme temperature changes can harm your succulents. Leaves may change color, often turning darker shades like brown or black. This indicates frost damage. Affected leaves can become soft and mushy. This is a sign of rot due to cell damage. Frost causes cellular damage. Ice crystals form inside plant cells. This leads to discoloration, softening, and potential death of plant tissue. Symptoms of cold stress include soft, discolored, or translucent leaves, wilting, and blackened tissue. If cold exposure continues, the plant can rot or die.

Some succulents show more vibrant colors under cold stress. This is not necessarily bad, but it shows cold exposure. While some ‘cold-hardy succulents’ can tolerate very low temperatures, many need at least 40°F. Even for cold-tolerant types, wet conditions combined with cold are harmful. Dry soil is important in cold weather. If your succulent suffers cold damage, remove any soft, mushy, or blackened parts with sterile tools. Avoid overwatering during colder months. Gradually warm up succulents by moving them to a room temperature location. Avoid sudden temperature changes.

Fertilization

Succulents need small amounts of fertilizer. They thrive in low-nutrient environments. A balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer is best. Look for an NPK ratio like 2-7-7 or 1-7-6. Higher phosphorus and potassium levels encourage flowering and healthy root growth.

During their active growing season, fertilize succulents every 2-4 weeks. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength. Apply it to damp soil. This prevents over-fertilization. These care tips will help your succulents grow strong.

Growing Succulents Indoors

Growing succulents indoors offers many rewards. These plants are low maintenance, making them perfect for busy people. They also help purify your air, removing toxins and improving indoor air quality. Succulents add greenery and color, fitting well with modern home decor. Many varieties stay small, ideal for desks, windowsills, or shelves.

Choosing Indoor Varieties

You can find many succulents that thrive inside your home. Some varieties tolerate lower light better than others. Consider these options for your indoor space:

• Echeveria ‘Azulita’

• Gray or blue-leaved Echeveria species

• Kalanchoe tomentosa (Panda plant)

• Gasteria prolifera (Ox tongues)

• Zebra haworthia

• Haworthia truncata Schönland

• Haworthiopsis fasciata

• String of hearts

• Jade plants

These plants adapt well to indoor conditions.

Optimizing Indoor Light

Indoor succulents need ample bright, indirect sunlight. A sunny windowsill often provides about six hours of light daily. If natural light is scarce, use grow lights. LED grow lights are excellent choices. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and produce little heat. Full-spectrum white LEDs are best. You can measure light intensity with a lux meter or a phone app. This helps you adjust lights for ideal growth.

Adjust your lights by moving them closer or further from your plants.

Indoor Watering Practices

Proper indoor watering is crucial for the care of succulents. Always use the “soak-and-dry” method. Water deeply until it drains from the pot, then let the soil dry completely before watering again. The frequency of water changes with the seasons.

Do not let your succulents sit in standing water. Too much water causes root rot.

Air Circulation and Humidity

Succulents prefer dry air. Most homes have low humidity, which is ideal for these plants. You rarely need to worry about excessively dry conditions for your indoor succulents. Keep them away from humid areas like bathrooms. Good air circulation also helps prevent fungal issues.

Common Succulent Problems

Even with the best care, you might encounter some common issues with your succulents. Knowing these problems helps you fix them quickly.

Overwatering Issues

Giving your succulents too much water is a common mistake. When you overwater, the roots suffer. Healthy roots are firm and white. Overwatered roots turn dark and mushy. You might see yellowing leaves because the damaged roots cannot absorb nutrients. The plant may wilt, even with plenty of water, as its roots fail. Leaves can become translucent or darker as cells burst from too much water. They feel squishy or mushy. Moisture might appear on the leaf surface. Eventually, the plant may wilt or collapse. This often means root rot has set in.

Underwatering Signs

If your succulents do not get enough water, you will notice clear signs. Leaves start to shrivel, showing they need water. Crispy brown spots can appear throughout the plant. If the succulent is completely dried up, recovery is unlikely at this stage. While bottom leaves drying is normal, if the upper leaves are drying out, your plant needs more water. Give your plant a good drink of water when you see these signs.

Pest Identification and Treatment

Pests can also bother your succulents. The Agave Snout-Nosed Weevil is a black beetle that lays eggs in agave plants. Its grubs eat the plant’s heart. Mealy bugs look like lint-like dots and webbing on plants. You will likely see them on your succulents eventually. Squirrels also chew on succulents. Inspect your plants regularly to catch pests early.

Disease Prevention

Fungal and bacterial diseases can harm your succulents. Powdery mildew looks like a white or gray coating on leaves. Rust causes small, powdery spots that resemble rust. Bacterial leaf spot creates small, brown, water-soaked spots with yellow rings. Soft rot makes leaves and stems mushy with a foul odor. You can prevent these problems. Remove sick plants from healthy ones. Keep plant debris away from your collection. Disinfect your hands and tools after handling sick plants. Suppress weeds around your growing areas. Avoid overwatering, as waterlogged soils lead to root diseases. Prevent prolonged leaf wetness by ensuring good air circulation. Water your succulents in the early morning. Always use pots with drainage holes. These steps help keep your succulents healthy.

Propagation and Repotting

You can easily expand your collection of succulents or share them with friends. Propagation and repotting are simple tasks. They help keep your plants healthy and growing.

Propagating from Cuttings

Propagating succulents from cuttings is a rewarding process. You must allow your succulent cuttings to dry or ‘callus’ before you pot them. Freshly cut pieces will rot if you place them directly into damp soil. Michigan State University Extension advises letting cuttings sit for several days. Larger pieces may need longer. A tough skin forms over the broken area. Once callused, you can place the plant part shallowly in slightly damp soil.

For successful rooting, prepare a thin layer of succulent or cactus soil in a tray. Make it evenly moist. Lay calloused leaves evenly, top side up. Place the tray in a warm area with bright, indirect sunlight. Check daily and mist if the soil appears dry. Remember, drier is better than wetter. Expect 4-6 weeks for most varieties to produce pups or roots. Avoid moving leaves. This prevents disturbing tiny, unseen roots. Warmer areas promote faster growth. Cold climates or indoor winter propagation will yield slower results.

Dividing Offsets

Many succulents produce small baby plants called offsets or pups. These grow around the base of the mother plant. You can gently remove these offsets. Use a clean, sharp knife or your fingers. Make sure the offset has some roots attached. Allow the offset to callus for a day or two. Then, plant it in its own small pot with well-draining succulent soil.

When to Repot

You know it is time to repot your succulents when you see certain signs. The plant has grown significantly since its last transplant. It requires much more frequent watering. The plant shows signs of underwatering, such as browning leaves. The soil pulls away from the pot’s edge. Roots are emerging from the drainage holes. Upon gentle removal from the pot, the roots are tightly coiled around the length of the pot. This means the plant is root-bound. Discoloration, like tiny black or brown spots on the bottom leaves, can also indicate a succulent needs repotting. This is common in rapidly growing succulents.

Repotting Steps

Repotting your succulents is straightforward. First, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one. Ensure it has drainage holes. Gently remove the succulent from its old pot. Loosen any tightly bound roots. You can trim away any dead or circling roots. Place a small amount of fresh succulent potting mix in the new pot. Center your plant. Fill the rest of the pot with soil, leaving some space from the rim. Do not water immediately. Wait a few days to a week. This allows any damaged roots to heal. Then, water thoroughly.

You now understand the core principles for how to care for succulents. Remember to water infrequently, only when the soil is dry, and provide abundant light. These are key care tips. Observe your plants closely. Adjust your approach based on their specific needs and your environment. This careful attention ensures the best care of succulents. You will enjoy your happy and healthy succulents.

FAQ

Why are my succulent leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves often mean you are overwatering. Your succulent’s roots cannot breathe. This causes them to rot. Let the soil dry completely between waterings. This helps prevent root rot.

How often should I water my succulents?

Do not water on a schedule. Water only when the soil is completely dry. Then, water thoroughly. For most succulents, this means every 2-4 weeks. Adjust based on your environment.

Can I put my succulents outside?

Yes, you can put many succulents outside. They need plenty of sunlight. Protect them from freezing temperatures. Bring them indoors if it gets too cold.

What kind of pot should I use for succulents?

Always use pots with drainage holes. Terracotta pots are excellent. They allow air and water to move through the walls. This helps the soil dry faster.