6 Simple Succulent Care Tips for Beginners
Learn 6 simple care tips for taking care of succulents and helping them thrive! Recommendations for pot types, soil mixes, light and watering are all discussed here!
Succulents were my gateway into gardening. These resilient plants are not only beautiful but also incredibly easy to care for. Their low maintenance nature and the ease I found in propagating them made it easy to love succulents! These simple care tips will help you keep your succulents healthy and thriving.
1. Choose the Right Pot
Drainage is Key: When selecting a pot for your succulent, make sure it has a drainage hole. This prevents water from pooling at the bottom, which can lead to root rot.
Material Matters: Terracotta pots are excellent for succulents as they allow moisture to evaporate, keeping the roots dry.
2. Use the Proper Soil
Go for Cactus Mix: Use a cactus or succulent soil mix. These mixes are well-draining and specifically designed to allow excess water to flow through quickly.
DIY Soil Blend: You can create your own succulent soil mix by combining regular potting soil with perlite to improve drainage.
3. Water Wisely
Less is More: Many people lose their succulents due to overwatering. Succulents store water in their leaves, so they can go a long time between waterings. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. When in doubt, dry it out!
Signs of Thirst: Look for wrinkled leaves or a dull appearance—these are signs your succulent needs water. When you do water, give it a good soak, saturate the whole pot with water, and allow excess water to drain out.
4. Provide Adequate Light
Bright Sunlight: Succulent really do best outdoors, thriving in very bright light. If you choose to keep your succulents indoors, south or west-facing windows are ideal.
Rotate Regularly: Turn your potted succulent plants every few weeks to ensure even growth, as they tend to lean towards the light.
5. Monitor Temperature and Humidity
Ideal Conditions: Succulents prefer temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Keep them away from drafts and extreme temperature changes.
Low Humidity Lovers: Succulents thrive in dry conditions, so avoid placing them in overly humid areas.
6. Prune and Propagate
Remove Dead Leaves: Regularly check for withered or dried up leaves, typically found at the base of succulents, and remove them to promote healthy growth.
Propagation Made Easy: Many succulents can be propagated from cuttings. Allow the cut ends of the succulents to callous over for a few days before placing them in soil. After a few weeks, roots will develop into the soil.
