Succulents, with their diverse shapes and minimal care requirements, have become incredibly popular additions to homes and gardens. Their fleshy leaves and stems not only add a unique aesthetic but also promise an easy-going plant ownership experience. As Caro Langton and Rose Ray, authors of House of Plants: Living with Succulents, Air Plants, and Cacti, aptly put it, “part of the satisfaction of living with indoor plants is in their modest requirements.” However, while succulents are indeed low-maintenance compared to many other houseplants, understanding their basic needs is crucial for their health and your enjoyment.
Perhaps you’ve been gifted a charming aloe vera, or maybe an intriguing echeveria caught your eye at a local nursery. Regardless of how you came to own these fascinating plants, knowing how to care for succulents properly is key to ensuring they flourish. Many beginners wonder about the nuances of succulent care: Does the care routine change for new versus established succulents? Do different types of succulents have unique needs? And crucially, how do you strike the right balance of light and water? This guide will address these common questions and equip you with the essential knowledge to keep your succulents happy and vibrant.
1. Ensure Your Succulents Receive Adequate Light
Light is a succulent’s best friend. These plants are native to arid environments and thrive on ample sunshine. Generally, most succulents require around six hours of sunlight per day, though the specific amount can vary slightly depending on the succulent variety. While they love light, intense, direct sunlight all day can sometimes be too harsh, especially for newly planted succulents. Think of it like easing into a suntan – a sheer curtain can act as a buffer, providing filtered light and preventing sunburn, particularly during the hottest parts of the day. If you’re just introducing a new succulent to your home, gradually acclimate it to brighter conditions to avoid shocking the plant.
2. Rotate Your Succulents Regularly for Even Growth
While succulents crave sunlight, consistent, unidirectional light exposure can lead to uneven growth. Succulents are phototropic, meaning they will naturally lean towards their light source. If your succulent sits in the same position day after day, the side facing the window will receive the majority of the light, resulting in lopsided growth. To encourage straight and balanced growth, regularly rotate your succulent. This simple practice ensures all sides of the plant receive adequate light, promoting a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing shape. Leaning significantly towards the light can also be a sign that your succulent needs a sunnier location overall.
3. Adjust Watering Based on the Season and Soil Dryness
Watering succulents correctly is often the trickiest part for beginners, but understanding their natural growth cycle makes it much simpler. Succulents are dynamic plants, and their water needs fluctuate throughout the year. During the spring and summer months, which are their active growing seasons, succulents require more water to fuel their growth. Conversely, in the fall and winter, they enter a period of dormancy and need significantly less water.
The best approach to watering succulents is the “soak and dry” method. Instead of frequent, shallow watering, water thoroughly until water drains from the drainage hole, then allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. To determine when to water, use your finger to check the soil moisture. Caro and Rose recommend checking the top 1 to 2 inches (approximately 2.5 to 5 cm) of soil. If it’s dry to that depth, it’s time to water. Overwatering is a far greater threat to succulents than underwatering, as it can lead to root rot, a fatal condition for these plants. Always err on the side of underwatering if you’re unsure.
4. Select Containers with Proper Drainage to Prevent Waterlogging
Succulents are highly susceptible to root rot if they sit in soggy soil. Therefore, proper drainage is non-negotiable for healthy succulent care. The container you choose for your succulent must have at least one drainage hole at the bottom to allow excess water to escape. This prevents water from accumulating at the bottom of the pot and saturating the roots.
Terra-cotta pots are often recommended for beginners due to their porous nature, which helps the soil dry out more quickly. Terracotta breathes, aiding in moisture evaporation and reducing the risk of overwatering. As you gain confidence in your succulent care skills, you can explore other container types, including terrariums or decorative pots. However, regardless of the material, always ensure adequate drainage. If you fall in love with a pot without drainage holes, you can still use it as a cachepot – simply place your succulent planted in a pot with drainage inside the decorative pot.
By following these fundamental guidelines on light, rotation, watering, and drainage, you’ll be well-equipped to provide excellent care for your succulents. Remember that observing your plants and understanding their changing needs throughout the year is key to long-term success. With a little attention and these essential tips, you can enjoy the beauty and unique charm of thriving succulents in your home.
