Never underestimate the importance of knowing how to care forsucculents—after all, those thick, fleshy plants can have an immense impact on the joy found in your home. “We believe part of the satisfaction of living withindoor plants is in their modest requirements, and just as much pleasure can be found in a humble potted cactus as in a conservatory full of demanding tropical plants,” write Caro Langton and Rose Ray in their book,House of Plants: Living with Succulents, Air Plants, and Cacti.
While the London-based garden designers note that growing succulents shouldn’t be too heavy of a lift—after all, these houseplants are celebrated for their low maintenance—that’s only true once you know what you’re doing. How does succulent care vary between new plants and older plants? Do different succulent plants require different care tips? How do you determine the right amount of water or light to foster healthy succulents? These very well may be the questions of the novice, and it’s for these exact people the authors wrote their guide.
“It’s likely your indoor greenery will find you when you are least prepared: given as gifts, or perhaps stealing your attention while strolling through a local market,” they write. Whether you’ve been gifted an aloe plant or you picked up an echeveria at the store, it’s important to learn how to care for succulents. Read on to find out how to keep your plants healthy and happy.
Pots with holes are best for succulents.
1. Make Sure Your Succulents Get Enough Light
Succulents love light and need about six hours of sun per day, depending on the type of succulent.Though most varieties of succulents will not survive with full shade, they also don’t need to be blasted with hot rays all day, so a sheer curtain can help ensure they get some shade too.Newly planted succulents, in particular, can scorch in direct sunlight, so you may need to gradually introduce them to full sun exposure while providing shade and low light with a sheer curtain.
2. Rotate Succulents Frequently
While most succulents love direct sun, if yours is sitting in the same exact spot day after day, it's likely that only one side is getting enough light. Caro and Rose suggest rotating the plant often. Succulents will lean towards the sun, so rotating them will also help them stand up straight. (Leaning may also be a sign that they need to be in a sunnier spot.)
3. Water According to the Season
Just like humans, succulents need more energy when they’re in a period of growth. During the spring and summer, the plants are thriving and drinking up much more water than when they’re resting in the fall and winter. Caro and Rose recommend testing the soil with a finger—when the top 1.25 inches are dry, grab your watering can. Over-watering can kill your succulent, so make sure you let the soil dry between waterings.
4. Choose a Container with Drainage
Succulents don’t like to sit in waterlogged soil, so drainage is important to prevent rot. Your container should have a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape. Terra-cotta pots are ideal for beginners,but as you grow more comfortable with plant care, you could consider upgrading to terrariums or other containers.
