Succulents are very trendy right now, and for good reason.  They are absolutely adorable, and they are easy to care for. Most of us can appreciate a plant that is low-maintenance.  While many succulents do great outside, this post will focus on caring for succulents that you keep as houseplants.    

The Right Succulent

There are many different succulents to choose from , and some are easier to care for than others.  If you are just starting out growing succulents, you will want to choose from one of the following varieties (these varieties do especially well indoors):

  • Haworthia 
  • Jade
  • Echiverria
  • Kalanchoe

The Right Container

When you bring home your succulent, you will probably want to replant it.  Choose a container that allows for plenty of drainage.  Your best choice, especially if you are a beginner (hence why you are most likely reading this post), is a terracotta pot.  Terracotta is great because it naturally helps pull the water out of the soil and allows your succulent to drain properly.  

Glazed ceramic is also a great choice for planting. While a pot with a drainage hole is likely your best bet, you could also plant in a glass or other closed container.  Simply put a layer of pebbles or rocks on the bottom of the container and make sure you do not over-water.  It is important that the roots are never sitting in water.  

The Right Soil

The right type of soil is important for your succulent to thrive as well. You can purchase soil that is made just for succulents–a great choice is Black Gold Cactus Mix (we sell it at the Garden Center).

If you have potting soil at home already and would like to use it, make sure that it is not a heavy soil and that it absolutely does not contain vermiculite or claim that it retains water well.  You don’t want the soil for your succulents to be good at retaining water. If you want to make your own succulent soil mixture, check out this site for a recipe. You will NOT want to plant your succulents in just sand.  I know what you are thinking, “But they grow naturally in deserts in sand!” Yes, they do. But sand alone in a container will get very compacted and retain water–NOT what you want for your succulents.

The Right Amount of Water

Giving your succulent the right amount of water is very important for it to thrive.  You will want to water the soil when it is completely dry. If you touch the soil and feel any moisture at all, do not water.  Once the soil is completely dry, water deeply (until water runs out of the bottom of the container). Don’t just use a mister or spray bottle.  Succulents need their roots to get wet.  

The Right Amount of Light

Succulents need a lot of light to do well.  Most succulents need at least six full hours of sun a day. Place your succulent near a window that gets a lot of light.  

If the succulent is in or near a window where it gets extremely hot, it may not do well. Succulents prefer temps between 70-80℉.

What else?

  • Succulents go “dormant” in the winter and will need less care than they do in the summer. Mostly, they will just not need to be watered as often.
  • Once a year, fertilize your succulents to help them get the nutrients that they need.  
  • If you notice that the leaves at the bottom of your succulents are shriveling up and falling off, don’t worry.   This is normal. Just worry if they start shriveling on the top of the plant.
  • If your succulent starts to get tall and lean, this means it is not getting enough light and is trying to move itself to a location with more light.  Try moving it to a location with more light.

As always, we will be glad to answer any questions about succulents in our garden center.  If you don’t have any succulents to care for, come peruse out selection and take one (or four) home today. 🙂