How to Grow Succulents
Succulents
One of the most rewarding additions to any garden is the humble succulent! With its unassuming form and beautiful range of muted colors, these plants can bring a low-maintenance, calming air to any home or outdoor space. When cared for properly, succulents can thrive in a variety of climates and conditions, making them an incredibly rewarding and versatile choice for all types of gardeners. We've put together our top seven tips and tricks to help ensure that your succulents are growing happily and healthily, so have a read and you too can experience the delight of growing succulents with ease!
Succulents Cheatsheet
Positioning
🌞 Prefer bright, direct sunlight
🌧️ Protect from heavy rain or frost
Watering Frequencies
💧 Don't overwater, aim for a dry soil
📅 Water every 2-3 weeks in warmer months
❄️ Reduce watering during winter dormant period
Soil & Container
🌱 Choose well-draining soil mix
🔀 Rotate container for even growth
Propagation
🌱 Start from leaves, cuttings, or offsets
🍀 Allow leaves to callus before planting
Fertilizing
🌿 Feed with balanced succulent fertilizer
🌼 Apply during active growing season
Troubleshooting
💀 Brown leaves indicate overwatering
🐜 Check for pests like aphids or mealybugs
Fun Facts
🌎 Succulents can survive extreme conditions
📐 Over 10,000 species available worldwide
💪 Low maintenance, ideal for busy individuals
How to Grow Succulents
Succulents are tough—until they’re not. People assume they thrive on neglect, but that’s how you end up with a shriveled husk where a plant used to be.
Light: More Than You Think
Succulents crave sunlight. A windowsill with indirect light won’t cut it. They want blazing, unfiltered sun for most of the day.
Indoors, a south-facing window does the trick, but even then, growth might be weak. Outside, at least six hours of direct sun keeps them compact and colorful.
The more sun they get, the deeper their colors become. Starve them of light, and they turn leggy, pale, and weak.
Water: Less Than You Think
Overwatering kills more succulents than anything else. Their roots rot fast in soggy soil.
- Water deeply but infrequently—only when the soil is bone dry.
- In summer, that might be once a week. In winter, once a month.
- Use pots with drainage holes. Otherwise, you’re asking for trouble.
If the leaves look plump and firm, your plant is fine. Wrinkled, shriveled leaves? Time for a drink.
Soil: Faster Drainage, Fewer Problems
Regular potting soil is a death sentence. It holds too much moisture and stays wet for too long.
- Use a mix designed for cacti and succulents.
- Or make your own: one part potting soil, one part sand, one part perlite or pumice.
The goal? Water should run through like a flash flood, leaving nothing behind but damp roots.
Pots: Size Matters
Too big, and soil stays wet too long. Too small, and roots have no room to grow.
A pot just slightly bigger than the root ball works best. And always—always—choose containers with drainage holes.
Temperature: Keep Them Warm
Most succulents hate the cold. Below 50°F, they sulk. Below freezing, they die.
If temperatures drop, bring them inside or use frost cloth. If your winters are brutal, stick to cold-hardy varieties like Sempervivum or Sedum.
Propagation: Multiply Without Spending a Dime
Breaking off a leaf and growing a whole new plant feels like magic, but it’s just how succulents work.
- Twist off a healthy leaf or stem cutting.
- Let it dry for a few days until the cut end scabs over.
- Lay it on dry soil and ignore it. Seriously—no water at first.
- In a couple of weeks, tiny roots and baby leaves will appear.
- Once rooted, start watering sparingly.
It’s free plants, with almost no effort. Hard to beat that.
Common Problems
Stretching
Long, spindly growth? It’s starving for light. Move it into direct sun.
Mushy Leaves
Rot is already setting in. Cut back on water immediately. If it’s too far gone, take a healthy cutting and start over.
Wrinkled Leaves
Too dry for too long. Give it a deep soak, but don’t drown it.
Final Thoughts
Succulents aren’t hard. Give them sun, don't drown them, and let them breathe. Ignore the bad advice floating around—your plants will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular types of Succulents?
Some popular types of succulents include Echeveria, Aloe Vera, and Jade Plant.
How often should I water my Succulents?
Water succulents thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, usually every 1-2 weeks.
Can Succulents survive in low-light conditions?
Yes, some succulents can tolerate low-light conditions, but they generally prefer bright, indirect sunlight.
Do Succulents require special soil?
Yes, succulents thrive in well-draining soil that prevents water from sitting around their roots.
Should I fertilize my Succulents?
Yes, fertilize succulents monthly during the growing season with a balanced, diluted fertilizer.
How can I propagate Succulents?
You can propagate succulents by taking leaf or stem cuttings, allowing them to callus, and then planting them in well-draining soil.
How do I prevent Succulents from dying?
To prevent succulents from dying, ensure they receive adequate sunlight, are not over-watered, and have well-draining soil.
If you follow these 7 tips for growing succulents, you should find yourself well on your way to having a beautiful, thriving, succulent garden. With just a bit of effort and the right know-how, you can enjoy the beauty of succulents for years to come. Happy gardening!
