Succulent Care 101

Whether you live in sunny California or the mountains of Colorado, succulents are for you! They are perfect drought-tolerant landscaping options. Or they make great indoor gardens. In colder zones, there are still several succulents that are hardy, such as sempervivums, aka Hen and Chicks! This succulent care guide applies to indoor or outdoor succulents.

Succulent Care-Water

Succulents are susceptible to root rot, making watering the most important step to keeping a succulent healthy.

I bought a huge syringe to target the root ball of succulents. This allows for control of how much water they get. I absolutely love this syringe, especially for watering for succulent propagation. This is especially important for plants in the wrong soil, in a container without drainage holes, or with less sunlight.

I have been watering my smaller plants in nursery pots by running them under the faucet using the hand held sprayer. I get them completely drenched and then put them back on the shelf. !!!! Caution though!!! My succulents are under grow lights, so unless yours are outside and get a lot of sun or also under grow lights, please be careful if using this method because no one wants root rot!!!!!

***If you are unsure if your soil is dry, do not water it. Be on the cautious side and let it keep drying.***

Succulents store their water in their leaves, so if you have lost many succulents due to root rot, maybe try waiting for water until the leaves become wrinkly, which indicates that it is thirsty.

Succulent Care-Light

This will depend on what you want your succulents to look like. I love soft succulents(echeverias/grapto/etc.) meaning they will stretch to go find the sun if they don’t have enough, this is called an etiolated succulent.

Some succulents that do better in lower light is Jade, sempervivums, Hiawatha, or string of pearls. Succulent’s color will change depending on the amount of sunlight it receives. Echeveria perle von nurnberg (shown to the right) will turn bright purple/pink when exposed to full sun but will be more green when in less sun.

However, make note that lots of hot sun can sunburn your succulents. So consider somewhere in indirect sunlight throughout the day and gives it morning sun if possible.

Grow lights make a great alternative to sunlight in darker rooms. This is the one I use and love. The four lights give ample lighting for your succulents.

Succulent Care-Pots/Planters

It is better to have a well-draining pot (holes at the bottom). However, succulents can be grown in anything. Just keep in mind the amount of water you give it if planted in a non-draining pot since it will take longer to dry out.

Succulent Care-Soil

Succulents need airy soil. Many people use a combination soil. I purchase cactus soil.  Another great growing option is pumice.

For projects, succulents also grow well in sphagnum moss. This is more of a temporary rooting medium, but it does great for succulents!

I hope this guide helps you grow bountiful succulents! My collection has grown drastically and I hope yours does too.