How to Maintain Succulents and Keep Them Vibrant

Succulents have become a staple in home gardens and indoor spaces since the early 2000s, celebrated for their easy care, affordability, and visually appealing nature. Often considered an ideal plant for beginners, succulents also serve as stylish home decor. However, if you've ever unknowingly allowed a succulent to wither away, you might be questioning what went wrong. (And rest assured, you're not the only one.)

Things to Think About Before Getting Started

Succulents are a varied group of plants with thick, water-storing leaves and stems. Most succulents originate from hot, dry regions, but with proper care, they can thrive just about anywhere.

Succulents are typically easy to care for (they’re the ultimate “set it and forget it” houseplant), though they do have specific needs that must be met in order for them to flourish. Below, you'll find all the essential details on succulent care to help your plants stay healthy, vibrant, and visually appealing.

What You'll Need to Get Started

Required Materials

Instructions for Care

Caring for Succulent Plants

Providing your succulents with the ideal environment and attention will help them flourish and thrive.

Light Requirements

Succulents come from sunny environments, so they naturally seek plenty of sunlight. According to Chad Massura, co-founder of the sustainable potting mix company Rosy Soil, "Most succulents require at least six hours of light each day." He recommends placing your plants in a south- or west-facing window for optimal results.

The specific light needs of a succulent can vary depending on its type, whether it’s grown indoors or outdoors, and the climate in your area. Ryan Guillou, curator at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, states, "Generally, succulents can tolerate more shade in hot, dry climates and require more sun in cooler regions."

Massura further notes that succulents grown in low-light environments may stretch or flatten in an attempt to absorb more light. If your plant starts leaning toward the sun, he suggests, "Rotate your plant monthly to encourage it to grow upright."

Soil Needs

Succulents thrive in soil that is porous and well-draining, with a loose, grainy texture to prevent water from sitting around the roots for too long. If you don't use the right soil, you'll need to adjust your watering practices to prevent your plants from drying out or developing root rot. "If you're using a heavier soil, make sure it has dried out completely before watering again. For lighter soils like sand or cactus mix, you may need to water a bit more frequently," says Guillou.

Watering

This is where succulents really stand out in terms of low-maintenance care. When it comes to watering, "neglect is best," says Guillou. The frequency of watering depends on your plant's species and growing environment, but in general, succulents should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. This means the soil should be bone dry and crumbly before you water again. If the leaves and stems start to wrinkle or turn brown, your plant may be dehydrated and in need of a drink, says Angelica Elliott, assistant director of public horticulture at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.

If you're unsure, it's always safer to err on the side of under-watering. "Succulents are more likely to recover from being under-watered than from being over-watered," Guillou advises.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

Succulents, native to hot, dry climates, typically prefer warm temperatures and low humidity, although this can vary by species. According to Diane Glaub, plant arbor manager at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, "Most succulents thrive in temperatures between 40°F and 80°F and humidity levels ranging from 40 to 60 percent." Given their adaptation to desert extremes, succulents can tolerate both heat and cold to a certain extent, though Massura emphasizes that humidity is the primary concern.

"High humidity can quickly cause rotting, wilting, and gradual decline," says Massura. However, succulents can handle humidity levels as high as 70 to 90 percent if they receive ample sunlight daily, which helps keep their leaves and soil dry.

Fertilizing

Generally, succulents don't require fertilizer when planted directly in the ground, as they can absorb most of their nutrients from the soil, according to Elliott. However, if you're growing succulents in containers, occasional fertilization during the active growing season can be beneficial. Elliott suggests using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer like 10-10-10.

Propagating Succulents

Propagating succulents is a straightforward process for many varieties. You can either detach a leaf or take a stem cutting from the plant.

1. Select a healthy leaf or stem. Avoid shriveled or damaged pieces, as they won't be viable for propagation.
2. Let it callus over. Set the cutting aside for a few days to allow the cut edge to dry and form a protective callus.
3. Optionally use rooting hormone. This step can be particularly helpful for single leaves or small pups to establish roots.
4. Plant it in soil. Use a soil mix made for succulents or cacti, and keep it moist to encourage rooting.
5. Repot when ready. After the cutting has developed roots, move it to a larger pot with appropriate succulent soil.

Growing Succulents in Pots

Succulents grow beautifully in containers, but have different needs than many other houseplants. Here's how to create a beautiful setup to help your succulents thrive.

1. Choose an appropriate container. Succulents don't have deep roots, so they actually thrive in a shallower pot or bowl than you would use with other plants. Choose one that's an inch or two bigger than their current pot to give them room to grow. Ensure that it has drainage holes, to help keep the roots dry in the event of overwatering.
2. Use the right soil. Well-draining, sandy soil is best for succulents. Using a soil blend that's made for succulents or cacti would be ideal.
3. Watch for signs that you need to repot your succulent. If your succulent starts to spill out of the container, or even create roots outside the pot, it's time to move it into a bigger container.

Common Problems With Succulents

Even though they're an easy-care plant, you may find that your succulent starts to look a little unhealthy. Here's how to get to the root of the most common succulent issues.

Overwatering

In most cases, overwatering is the main culprit behind a struggling succulent. An overwatered succulent will display symptoms like mushy, drooping, yellowing, or blackened leaves; it may begin shedding leaves; and the stem could swell up.

To save an overwatered succulent, remove any excess moisture you can. Consider removing the plant and soil from the pot and allowing it to air dry to speed up the drying process. Make sure the plant is completely dry before watering again, and consider repotting it in a container with drainage holes to help prevent future overwatering issues.

Dehydration

While succulents are known for their ability to go a long time without water, waiting too long can cause the leaves to shrivel or yellow. The solution is simple: give your plant a thorough watering, then allow it to dry out fully before watering again.

Sunburn

Most succulents flourish in bright sunlight or indirect light. However, excessive sun exposure can lead to sunburn, causing brown spots that unfortunately become permanent scars on your plant.

Elongated Plants

If your succulents are growing long, thin stems with sparse leaves, it may be a sign they aren't getting enough sunlight. You can trim the plant shorter (similar to how you'd propagate it) and let it regrow from there, but be sure to place it in a sunnier location.

Popular Succulent Varieties

There are hundreds of different succulents available, each with unique shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether you're looking for a statement piece for your garden or adding to your indoor plant collection, here are 10 of the most popular succulents that thrive beautifully in sunny windows as houseplants.

Cactaceae

If you've ever wondered about the difference between succulents and cacti, a simple geometry analogy might clear things up. Just like squares are a specific type of rectangle, cacti are a type of succulent. In other words, while all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti. A key distinction is that most cacti lack leaves, unlike many other succulents.

Jade Plant

This charming succulent has been a beloved choice for houseplant enthusiasts for years, thanks to its easy care routine (water it just once every few weeks) and its vibrant jade green color.

Aloe

Hailing from Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula, these plants are famous for producing a gel that soothes the skin. However, out of more than 300 species, only a few have the renowned medicinal properties.

Agave

These plants resemble aloe, though they tend to be larger and more spiky. Agave, a native of the Americas, is sometimes referred to as the 'century plant' because it only flowers once in its lifetime.

Echeveria

Echeveria are often the first plants that come to mind when you think of succulents. These plants feature rose-like shapes and thick, waxy leaves. Native to regions in Mexico, Central America, and South America, they are frequently cultivated for their vibrant leaves and beautiful flowers.

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoes are a beloved choice for succulent houseplants, known for their stunning blooms. Like other succulents, it's important to avoid placing them in humid environments like bathrooms, and be cautious with pets, as they can be toxic to animals.

Ponytail Palm

Don't be fooled by its name. This popular indoor plant is actually a succulent, and like other succulents, it flourishes with minimal care.

Snake Plant

Snake plants are favored for their low-maintenance care—and that's because they're succulents. Position your snake plant near the entrance of your home to invite good fortune with the right plant feng shui.

String of Hearts Plant

This graceful trailing succulent hails from South Africa. String of hearts plants are ideal as hanging houseplants—and they also produce blooms.

Sedum

Sedum plants come in various shapes and colors, making it easy to find one that suits your style. They are also excellent choices for landscaping and ground cover, providing a low-maintenance alternative to a lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are succulents harmful to dogs or cats?

  Fortunately, most succulents are not toxic to pets. However, some varieties, such as aloe, pencil cactus, kalanchoe, jade plants, and others, can be dangerous. It's crucial to research the safety of a plant before introducing it to a home with pets.

  Learn More: 10 Pet-Friendly Houseplants That Are Safe for Cats and Dogs—and 10 Toxic Plants to Avoid
• Why is my succulent wilting?

  As previously mentioned, over-watering is often a bigger issue than under-watering for succulents. Root rot is a common cause of a dying succulent. If you notice your plant is suffering from root rot, it's essential to act quickly by treating and cutting away the affected roots.

• Are succulents easy to care for?

  Yes, succulents are ideal for beginners since they require minimal attention. However, as mentioned, over-watering can quickly harm them. Ensure you water only when the soil is dry, and avoid using the same watering routine as with other plants in your home.