I used to be the person who couldn’t keep a houseplant alive to save my life. Then I discovered succulents.
Not only are they incredibly hard to kill, but they are also one of the only plants that you can actually turn into more plants for free!
PRO-TIP:
Never buy more than one of the same succulent! These plants are the ultimate “Buy One, Get Infinite Free” deal. Using the leaf propagation method, you can turn a single $5 plant into an entire garden over time. Also, check the floors of garden centers—often leaves fall off and start sprouting right there; most employees will let you take those “floor scraps” for free if you ask!
1. Change the Soil Immediately
Most store-bought succulents come in standard soil that holds too much moisture. To keep them from rotting, swap the soil for a desert-dweller mix.
TIP: Don’t buy expensive pre-mixed bags. Mix half of your regular potting soil with cheap perlite or coarse sand to create perfect drainage.
2. The “Soak and Dry” Watering Rule
Forget the “misting” bottles. Succulents want a deluge, then a drought. Give them a deep soak until water runs out the drainage holes, then wait for the soil to be 100% dry before watering again.
In the winter, you can often go a month or more without watering.
3. Direct Light vs. Scorching Heat
Indoors, succulents love a sunny windowsill. However, if you move them outside, be careful. Smaller varieties can actually “sunburn” if the temperature hits 90°F. Keep them in bright, indirect light for at least 6 hours a day.
4. Ditch the Glass Containers
Terrariums are pretty, but they are “death traps” for succulents because they lack drainage. Succulents hate “wet feet.” Stick to TerraCotta or ceramic pots with holes. TerraCotta is especially good because it breathes and helps the soil dry out faster.
5. Propagation: Your “Free Plant” Machine
This is where the magic happens. You can grow a new plant from a single leaf:
- Gently twist a healthy leaf off the bottom of the plant (make sure it’s a clean break).
- Let the leaf “callous” over for 3-5 days in a dry spot.
- Place it on top of soil and mist it occasionally.
- Watch for tiny pink roots and a new “baby” plant to sprout!
6. Don’t Over-Fertilize
Succulents are slow eaters. A once-a-year feeding at the start of spring is plenty. Over-fertilizing can actually lead to “leggy” growth where the plant stretches out too much and becomes weak.
7. Give Them Some Breathing Room
While crowded arrangements look great in photos, they are breeding grounds for mold and bugs. If you buy a crowded arrangement, pluck them out and give each one its own pot. They will grow much larger and healthier when they aren’t fighting for resources.
💡 QUICK TIP: If your succulent is turning purple or orange, it’s usually getting plenty of sun (this is called “stressing” and it’s actually beautiful!). If it’s turning yellow and mushy, you are watering it too much!
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
How often should I really water my succulents?
There is no set “schedule.” You should only water when the soil is bone-dry from top to bottom. For most indoor succulents, this is every 2–4 weeks. In the winter, they go dormant and may only need water once every 6 weeks.
Why is my succulent getting “tall and skinny” with big gaps between leaves?
This is called etiolation. It means your plant isn’t getting enough light, so it is stretching to find some. Move it to a brighter window or consider a small LED grow light.
What does a healthy succulent leaf feel like?
A healthy, hydrated succulent leaf should feel firm—almost like a piece of plastic. If the leaves are wrinkled and soft, the plant is thirsty. If they are translucent and mushy, it has been overwatered.
Can I grow succulents in a pot without a drainage hole?
It is extremely difficult, even for experts. Without a hole, water sits at the bottom and rots the roots. If you must use a decorative pot without a hole, keep the succulent in a slightly smaller plastic “nursery pot” inside it and remove it to water.
Why are the bottom leaves on my succulent drying up and falling off?
If it’s just the very bottom leaves, don’t panic! This is a natural part of the growth cycle. The plant sheds old leaves to put energy into new growth at the top. Simply pluck them off and discard them.
Do succulents need a lot of humidity?
No. Succulents prefer dry air. High humidity can actually lead to fungal issues and rot. Avoid placing them in bathrooms or near kitchen sinks where steam is common.
Pro-Tip: If you see “white fuzzy spots” on your plants, you likely have mealybugs. Dip a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the bugs to kill them instantly without harming the plant.
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