Succulents have become the darlings of the gardening world.
A quick glance at any decor magazine will show you why these unique, eye-catching plants are the latest trend.
With hundreds of varieties and new ones popping up each year, succulents offer a stunning range of colors, from vibrant greens and turquoise to purples and pinks. Their low-maintenance, easy-to-grow nature, combined with their striking beauty and diversity, ensures that succulents are here to stay.
1. Let Your Succulents Soak Up the Sun!
Succulents thrive in direct sunlight, so make sure they get at least 6 hours of sun each day to maintain their vibrant colors. If they're growing leggy, with long stems and spaced-out leaves, they’re likely not getting enough light. If natural sunlight isn’t sufficient, consider using grow lights to supplement their needs.
2. Water Gently and Properly
Summer: Water your succulents thoroughly but less often, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Succulents dislike sitting in damp soil, so always ensure the roots aren’t constantly wet.
Winter: During colder months, succulents enter a dormant state, requiring minimal water. Check the soil before watering—if it's still moist, skip it. In spring, when the days lengthen, it's time to water more frequently again.
Year-round: Water in the morning, allowing moisture to absorb before the heat of the day. If the soil repels water, gently break the surface to help it soak in. If the leaves start to shrivel, your plant might need more water.
3. Keep Your Succulents Warm in Winter
Most succulents aren’t hardy below 4°C. During the colder months, monitor nighttime temperatures to decide when to bring them indoors. Ideally, the average nighttime temperature should be around 10°C. Avoid leaving succulents outside during frost, and bring them inside when temperatures drop to 5°C or below.
4. Provide the Right Home
Succulents need well-draining soil to prevent soggy roots. Use a special cactus or succulent potting mix, or create your own with 40% peat, 20% coir, 20% perlite, and 20% coarse sand. For a natural look, topdress the soil with small stones or sand. Ensure pots have drainage holes, and consider shallow clay or concrete containers for optimal growth.
5. Fertilize Sparingly
Succulents don’t need a lot of fertilizer. During their growing season June to August, you can use a regular indoor plant fertilizer or one designed for succulents. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months December through February—tap water is usually enough to keep them healthy and hydrated.
Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth, which weakens the plant and makes it more vulnerable to disease. Instead, apply a diluted solution of fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the active growing period to ensure your succulents receive the nutrients they need without the risk of burn. In the colder months, when the plant is in dormancy, it’s best to allow it to rest.
During this time, you can focus on providing adequate sunlight and letting the natural soil moisture sustain the plant. By fertilizing sparingly and following the seasonal rhythms of your succulents, you'll help them thrive while preventing unnecessary stress or damage.
