Okay, let's get real about succulent care. You brought home those cute little plants because they're supposed to be unkillable, right? Then why are they turning yellow, dropping leaves, or just collapsing into mush? I've been there – killed my first Echeveria by treating it like a regular houseplant. Big mistake. Truth is, learning how to take care of succulents properly means understanding they're desert survivors, not your average ferns. Forget those Pinterest-perfect terrariums; we're talking gritty soil, tough love with watering, and lots of sunshine. Stick with me and I'll show you how to keep them thriving, not just surviving.
Sunlight: Where 90% of People Go Wrong
Light is everything with succulents. Seriously. That etiolated, stretched-out look? That's your plant screaming for sunlight. Most beginners underestimate how much light these guys really crave.
For indoor setups, south-facing windows are gold. East/west can work but might need supplementing. My Aloe 'Christmas Carol' gets about 6 hours of direct sun in an east window and stays compact. But my Haworthia? It actually got sunburned in that spot – go figure.
| Plant Type | Direct Sun Needed | Can Tolerate Medium Light? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echeveria | 6+ hours | No | Will stretch within weeks without enough sun |
| Jade Plant | 4-6 hours | Yes | New growth may be lighter green |
| Haworthia | 2-4 hours | Yes | Scorches in intense afternoon sun |
| Sedum | 6+ hours | No | Ground cover types need maximum sun |
| Snake Plant | 2 hours | Yes | Will survive (not thrive) in low light |
When natural light isn't enough – especially in winter – grow lights are non-negotiable. Skip those purple LED gimmicks. After testing 7 brands, these work best:
- Barrina T5 Grow Lights ($45 for 4ft 6-pack) - Bright white light, easy to daisy-chain
- Sansi 36W LED ($33 on Amazon) - Single bulb for small collections
- Mars Hydro TS600 ($75) - For serious collectors, full spectrum
Position lights 6-12 inches above plants and run them 12-14 hours daily. Set them on a timer – your plants need consistency.
Watering: The Silent Killer
Overwatering isn't just the top succulent killer – it's an epidemic. These plants store water in their leaves. Soaking them weekly like other houseplants is a death sentence. Here's the brutal truth: when in doubt, don't water.
How to check if they need water:
- Poke your finger an inch into the soil. Bone dry? Proceed.
- Check lower leaves. Slightly wrinkled or soft? Thirsty.
- Lift the pot. Feels feather-light? Water time.
My watering ritual: I use a Haws Long-Spout Watering Can ($28) to target soil, not leaves. Water until it drains freely from the bottom holes – this usually takes 5-10 seconds per pot. Then walk away. Seriously. No "just a splash" later.
| Season | Frequency | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Active Growth) | Every 7-14 days | Water mornings only |
| Spring/Fall | Every 2-3 weeks | Check soil more than calendar |
| Winter (Dormant) | Every 4-6 weeks | Just enough to prevent root die-off |
| Heat Waves | May need weekly | Watch for shriveling |
Soil & Pots: Your Foundation Matters
That potting soil you bought? Dump it. Regular mixes hold too much moisture. Succulents need fast-draining, gritty soil.
DIY Soil Mix Recipe (Works Every Time):
- 50% potting mix (Espoma Organic Cactus Mix works)
- 30% mineral grit (pumice > perlite – doesn't float)
- 20% coarse sand (horticultural, not beach sand)
Total cost: $25 for supplies that last a year. Worth every penny.
Pot Selection Criteria:
- Material: Terra cotta breathes best. Plastic holds moisture longer.
- Size: Just 1-2 inches wider than root ball. Too big = wet soil.
- Drainage: Non-negotiable holes. Drill them yourself if needed.
My favorite brand: Unglazed Terra Cotta Pots from Imarku ($15-50). Cheap, functional, and breathable.
Feeding & Fertilizing: Less is More
Succulents aren't heavy feeders. Over-fertilizing causes weak, leggy growth. During active growth (spring/summer), feed monthly at half strength.
Best fertilizers I've used:
- Schultz Cactus Plus 2-7-7 ($7) – Gentle NPK ratio
- Espoma Organic Cactus! ($9) – Slow-release granules
- Worm Castings ($16) – Top-dress soil monthly
Never fertilize dormant plants or freshly repotted succulents. It's like force-feeding a sleeping person.
Pest Control: Catch Them Early
Mealybugs are the ultimate succulents care nightmare. Those cotton-like masses in leaf joints? Act fast.
My battle-tested eradication protocol:
- Isolate infected plant immediately
- Dab bugs with 70% isopropyl alcohol using cotton swabs
- Spray entire plant with diluted neem oil (Bonide Ready-to-Use works)
- Repeat every 3-5 days for 2 weeks
Prevention tip: Quarantine new plants for 2 weeks. I learned this after losing 8 plants to scale insects from a "trusted" nursery.
Seasonal Care Secrets
Winter Survival Guide
Dormancy isn't optional – it's biological. Forced growth in low light creates weak plants. Here's how to overwinter succulents:
- Temperature: Keep above 50°F. Avoid drafty windows.
- Water: Reduce to monthly. Seriously, they're sleeping.
- Light: Supplement with grow lights 12hrs/day.
Summer Stress Management
Heat waves demand adjustments:
- Provide afternoon shade for potted plants
- Water early morning to prevent leaf scorch
- Watch for pests attracted to stressed plants
Propagation: Free Plants 101
The best part of succulent care? Making baby plants from leaves! Success rate varies by species.
My leaf propagation method:
- Gently twist healthy leaves until they snap cleanly
- Let them callous for 3-5 days (crucial step!)
- Place on dry succulent soil, no water
- Wait for roots + baby plant to appear (2-8 weeks)
- Mist lightly ONLY when roots are visible
Fastest propagators: Sedum morganianum (2 weeks), slowest: Lithops (months). Patience pays.
Top 5 Mistakes in Succulent Care Routine
- Using decorative pots without drainage
- Misting instead of proper watering
- Assuming "low light" means no light
- Repotting immediately after purchase
- Treating all species the same
Your Succulent Care Questions Answered
How often should I really water my succulents?
Frequency depends on your environment. In Arizona summer? Maybe weekly. Humid Florida? Every 3 weeks. Always check soil dryness before watering.
Can succulents survive in low light?
"Survive" isn't "thrive." Some (like snake plants) tolerate low light but grow painfully slow. Most stretch and fade. Bright indirect light is the bare minimum.
Why are my succulent's leaves falling off?
Overwatering (mushy leaves) or underwatering (crispy leaves). Could also be temperature shock if moved suddenly.
What's the white powder on my succulent?
Most likely farina – a natural protective coating. Don't wipe it off! If it's cottony, it's mealybugs. Spot the difference.
How to take care of succulents in winter?
Less water, more light, warmer temps. Think desert winter – cool nights but frost-free. Reduce watering to monthly.
Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow translucent leaves | Overwatering | Stop watering, check roots |
| Wrinkled lower leaves | Underwatering | Deep soak, then drain |
| Stretched, pale growth | Insufficient light | Increase sunlight gradually |
| Brown crispy spots | Sunburn | Move to filtered light |
| Black mushy stems | Root rot | Cut above rot, reroot |
Look, nobody masters succulent care overnight. I killed my first three plants before getting it right. The turning point? When I stopped treating them like decorations and started respecting their desert DNA. Give them gritty soil, brutal sunlight, and tough-love watering. They'll reward you with years of growth. Got a specific problem? Google won't help as much as observing your actual plants. Check those leaves, feel that soil, adjust your care. You got this.
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