How to Take Care of Succulents

With a recent rise in popularity, succulents have become one of the most sought-after home and desk accessories. These quirky plants come in all different shapes, sizes and require different care than traditional house plants. Here are 8 tips for taking care of your succulents to help them thrive indoors:

Pick succulents that thrive indoors

Succulents come in a variety of species, and some are more apt to live inside than others. Make sure you pick one that can thrive indoors! Echeveria, Christmas Cactus, and Jade Plants are a few of the most popular indoor succulents.

Make sure they get enough light

Succulents love light, and most need about 6 hours of sunlight every day to thrive indoors. But, newly planted succulents can scorch if you put them in direct sunlight immediately so it’s best to give them 6 hours of indirect sunlight using a sheer curtain or some distance from the window and gradually work your way up to 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Rotate often

These plants will lean towards the sun. To ensure the health of your succulent, rotate every few days, so it is evenly absorbing light from all angles.

Water according to the season

Succulents need more water in the spring and summer when they are growing and less water in the fall and winter when resting. The best way to tell if your succulent is ready for more water is to feel the top 1 inch of the soil. If it’s dry, water it. If it’s damp, drain it.

Water soil directly, not the plant itself

Unlike most plants, succulents don’t need water on the plant itself. In fact, watering your succulent instead of its soil can actually cause it to wilt and die. Water soil directly and never mist.

Choose a container with drainage

Succulents do not like to sit in wet soil too long because they will rot, so drainage is essential. Plant your succulent in a container with a drainage hole, like a terra-cotta pot that will allow any excess water to drain.

Keep them clean

Since your succulent will be living indoors, it will be susceptible to dust and dirt build-up over time. Regularly wipe off the leaves and spines with a microfiber cloth and a soft paintbrush for hard-to-reach places.

Choose the right soil

Regular potting soil or dirt from the yard won’t drain, so you’ll need to choose cactus soil or a potting mix with sand, pumice, or perlite to help water drain.