But don't let their reputation for being "impossible to kill" fool you. Ironically, many succulents perish not from neglect, but from kindness. Too much water, too little sunlight, or the wrong soil can quickly turn a healthy plant into a struggling one. Fortunately, once you understand a few basic principles, caring for succulents becomes one of the most rewarding and enjoyable aspects of gardening.
What Are Succulents?
Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. This remarkable adaptation allows them to survive extended dry periods in deserts, rocky mountainsides, coastal cliffs, and other environments where water may be scarce.
There are thousands of succulent species from around the world. Popular genera include Echeveria, Sempervivum, Crassula, Sedum, Aeonium, Haworthia, Gasteria, Aloe, Agave, and countless varieties of cacti.
Although they come from many different climates, most succulents appreciate similar growing conditions.
Give Them Plenty of Light
The most common cause of weak, stretched-out succulents is insufficient light.
Most succulents prefer bright light and several hours of direct sun each day. Outdoors, morning sun and bright afternoon light are ideal for many varieties, although some desert species can tolerate full sun throughout the day.
Indoors, place succulents in your brightest south- or west-facing window. If natural light is limited, a quality LED grow light can make a tremendous difference.
Signs your succulent needs more light include:
- Long, stretched stems
- Wide spaces between leaves
- Leaning toward the window
- Faded coloration
- Loose or open rosettes
If moving a plant outdoors, introduce it gradually over a week or two to prevent sunburn.
Water Deeply—but Infrequently
This is the golden rule of succulent care.
Rather than watering a little every few days, water thoroughly until moisture drains from the bottom of the pot. Then allow the soil to dry almost completely before watering again.
How often this occurs depends on:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Pot size
- Soil type
- Season
- Plant species
During the heat of summer, many succulents may need water every 7 to 10 days. During winter, some require watering only once every three or four weeks.
When in doubt, wait another day or two.
Use Fast-Draining Soil
Succulents dislike sitting in wet soil.
Use a potting mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents or create your own by combining quality potting soil with coarse sand, pumice, expanded shale, or perlite to improve drainage.
Heavy clay soils or moisture-retentive potting mixes often lead to root rot.
Choose Pots with Drainage Holes
A beautiful container without drainage may look attractive, but it greatly increases the risk of overwatering.
Pots with drainage holes allow excess water to escape and help keep roots healthy.
Terracotta pots are especially popular because they allow moisture to evaporate through the clay, reducing the chance of soggy soil.
Fertilize Sparingly
Succulents generally require far less fertilizer than many flowering plants.
Feed lightly during the active growing season using a balanced, diluted fertilizer or one formulated for cacti and succulents.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which encourages soft, weak growth that is more susceptible to disease.
Understand Dormancy
Not all succulents grow at the same time of year.
Many Aeonium species actively grow during the cooler months and become semi-dormant in summer.
Many Echeveria, Sedum, and Crassula species grow most actively during spring and summer.
Knowing your plant's natural growth cycle helps you adjust watering and fertilization accordingly.
Keep an Eye Out for Pests
Healthy succulents are generally trouble-free, but they can occasionally attract pests such as:
- Mealybugs
- Scale insects
- Aphids
- Spider mites
Inspect plants regularly, especially around leaf joints and under foliage.
Most infestations can be controlled early with insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or by dabbing individual pests with isopropyl alcohol using a cotton swab.
Don't Fear Pruning
Succulents are remarkably forgiving.
Remove dead leaves from the base of the plant to improve appearance and discourage pests.
Many succulents can also be trimmed to encourage branching or to restore a compact shape after becoming leggy.
Propagation Is Half the Fun
One of the greatest joys of growing succulents is how easily many varieties can be propagated.
Depending on the species, you can grow new plants from:
- Leaf cuttings
- Stem cuttings
- Offsets ("pups")
- Division
- Seeds
Allow freshly cut stems or leaves to dry for several days before placing them on well-drained soil. This callusing period greatly reduces the chance of rot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners occasionally make these mistakes:
- Watering too often
- Using heavy potting soil
- Growing plants in containers without drainage
- Providing too little sunlight
- Fertilizing excessively
- Leaving outdoor succulents exposed to freezing temperatures beyond their hardiness
Correcting just one of these issues often transforms a struggling plant into a thriving one.
Growing Succulents Outdoors
Many gardeners are surprised to learn that numerous succulents are hardy enough for outdoor gardens.
Certain Sempervivum, hardy Sedum, Delosperma, and Yucca tolerate freezing winters, while others thrive year-round in warmer climates.
When planting outdoors:
- Choose excellent drainage.
- Avoid low spots where water collects.
- Consider raised beds or rock gardens.
- Match species to your USDA Hardiness Zone.
The right succulent in the right place can provide beauty throughout every season.
Why Gardeners Love Succulents
Succulents reward patience without demanding constant attention. Their fascinating forms, remarkable diversity, and incredible resilience make them equally suited for beginners and seasoned collectors.
Whether you're filling a sunny windowsill, creating a drought-tolerant landscape, or building a collection of unusual varieties, these remarkable plants remind us that some of nature's greatest beauty is found in simplicity. Give them sunshine, fast-draining soil, and restraint with the watering can, and they'll reward you with years of healthy growth.
At GoGardenNow, we're proud to offer a carefully curated selection of succulents—from colorful Echeveria and dramatic Aeonium to classic jade plants, striking aloes, and many other fascinating varieties. Explore our collection and discover why these extraordinary plants continue to captivate gardeners around the world.
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