Succulents have surged in popularity over the last decade, becoming the go-to plants for both seasoned gardeners and beginners. Their low-maintenance nature, drought tolerance, and stunning appearance make them perfect for indoor and outdoor settings. However, while they are easy to care for, many people make common mistakes that lead to unhealthy plants. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about growing succulents the right way—from choosing the right type to providing the best care.
Understanding Succulents
Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, making them highly drought-resistant. They belong to multiple plant families, including Cactaceae (cactus family), Crassulaceae (stonecrop family), and Aizoaceae (ice plant family).
Why Should You Grow Succulents?
- Require minimal watering
- Thrive in various climates
- Perfect for indoor and outdoor settings
- Easy to propagate
- Available in many shapes, sizes, and colors
Choosing the Right Succulents
Not all succulents are the same. Some thrive indoors, while others prefer outdoor environments. The key to success is selecting the right type based on your climate and care preferences.
If you have a garden or balcony with plenty of sunlight, these succulents will thrive:
- Sedum (Stonecrop) – Hardy and versatile, great for rock gardens.
- Echeveria – Rose-shaped succulents that come in various colors.
The Right Soil for Succulents
Why Soil Matters
Succulents hate sitting in wet soil. Using the wrong soil type can lead to root rot, the most common cause of succulent death.
Best Soil Mix for Succulents
The ideal soil should be:
- Fast-draining – Avoid retaining too much moisture.
- Sandy or gritty – Improves aeration and drainage.
- Low in organic matter – Too much compost or peat can retain excess water.
DIY Succulent Soil Recipe
If you want to make your own succulent soil, mix:
- 2 parts potting soil
- 1 part coarse sand or perlite
- 1 part pumice or small gravel
This ensures the soil drains quickly and prevents overwatering issues.
Proper Watering Techniques
How Often to Water Succulents
Succulents follow the “soak and dry” method, meaning they like their soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Indoor succulents: Water once every 10-14 days.
- Outdoor succulents: Water once every 7-10 days, depending on climate.
- Winter months: Reduce watering frequency to once a month, as most succulents go dormant.
How to Water Properly
- Water deeply – Pour water until it drains from the pot’s bottom.
- Avoid misting – Misting encourages shallow roots and fungal diseases.
- Use the right container – Ensure your pot has drainage holes.
Light Requirements
How Much Light Do Succulents Need?
- Outdoor succulents: Need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
- Indoor succulents: Require bright indirect light or a grow light.
- Low-light tolerant succulents: Can survive with 3-4 hours of indirect light.
Signs of Too Much or Too Little Light
- Stretching (Etiolation) – If your succulent becomes tall and leggy, it’s not getting enough sunlight.
- Sunburn – Brown or white patches indicate too much direct sunlight.
If growing indoors, place your succulents near a south or east-facing window for the best light exposure.
Choosing the Right Pot
Best Pots for Succulents
- Terracotta or Clay Pots – Absorb excess moisture and promote airflow.
- Ceramic Pots – Stylish and good for moisture control.
- Plastic Pots – Lightweight but retain more moisture, requiring careful watering.
- Glass Containers – Trendy but lack drainage, making them risky for beginners.
Always use pots with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
Fertilizing Succulents
Succulents don’t need frequent fertilization, but occasional feeding helps them grow healthier.
Best Fertilizer for Succulents
- Diluted liquid fertilizer – Use a balanced 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 formula.
- Organic fertilizers – Worm castings or compost tea are great natural options.
When to Fertilize
- Spring & summer (growing season) – Fertilize once a month.
- Fall & winter (dormant season) – Avoid fertilizing.
Propagating Succulents
Propagation is an easy and fun way to multiply your succulents. There are three main methods:
Leaf Propagation
- Gently twist off a healthy leaf.
- Let it dry for 2-3 days.
- Place it on dry soil and mist lightly every few days.
- Roots should appear in 2-3 weeks.
Stem Cuttings
- Cut a healthy stem using sterilized scissors.
- Allow it to callous over for 3-5 days.
- Plant it in well-draining soil and water after a week.
Offsets (Pups)
- Remove small offshoots growing around the base of mature succulents.
- Plant them directly in soil for faster growth.
Common Succulent Problems and Solutions
Overwatering
Symptoms: Mushy, translucent, or yellowing leaves.
Solution: Let the soil dry completely before watering again.
Underwatering
Symptoms: Wrinkled, shriveled leaves.
Solution: Water deeply and increase watering frequency slightly.
Pests (Mealybugs, Aphids, Fungus Gnats)
Solution:
- Remove bugs manually with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
- Use neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Sunburn
Symptoms: White or brown scorched spots.
Solution: Move the plant to indirect light and provide shade during intense sun.
Growing succulents the right way is all about choosing the right plants, using well-draining soil, watering correctly, and providing the proper light conditions. By following these steps, your succulents will thrive and bring beauty to your space for years to come.