Succulents are some of the easiest plants to grow, thanks to their natural ability to store and conserve water in their thick stems and leaves, making them perfectly suited to hot, dry environments. Whether you want to add a few potted succulents to brighten up your indoor space or design a stunning outdoor garden full of unique colors and textures, these resilient plants require minimal care and are sure to thrive. With a range of shapes, colors, sizes and textures, succulents can adapt to various conditions, making them a go-to plant for experienced gardeners and beginners.
When growing succulents indoors, place them in a bright, sunny spot like a south or west-facing window. If you notice the stems becoming leggy, pale or weak, it’s a sign they’re not getting enough light. Succulents thrive in typical household temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees F, though keep in mind that the soil may dry out faster in these conditions.
Succulent planters can be moved outdoors once the risk of frost has passed, typically around Memorial Day. To transition them, start by placing the plants in a shady spot for a few days, gradually moving them to a sunnier location. During the summer, succulents can tolerate temperatures ranging from 40 to 90 F. Be sure to move them back indoors in late September, before nighttime temperatures drop below 50 F.
As easy as succulents are to grow, they can quickly fall victim to too much attention from their owners, particularly through overwatering, which can lead to root suffocation and rotting. Before watering, check the soil and observe the plant for signs of need. Does the soil feel completely dry and lightweight when lifted? Are the stems and leaves soft and slightly wrinkled?
In most indoor conditions, succulents typically need to be watered once a week or less. The frequency and amount of water depend on the time of year, as well as the size of the plant and container. Always allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and when you do water, soak the soil thoroughly, ensuring excess water drains from the bottom of the container.
Many succulents can be easily propagated to create new plants for family and friends. Simply snip off a leaf or a 3- to 4-inch section of the plant, allow the cut area to form callus tissue (which can take up to a week), and then place it into a moist medium or soil to begin root formation. Many succulent varieties also reproduce naturally by producing new tissue at the base of the mother plant, known as offsets or plantlets.
Once the offset plants are large enough to handle and have established roots, they can be separated and repotted. If an offset hasn’t developed roots or was damaged when removed from the mother plant, it will need to callus before being repotted.
Due to the thickness of their stems and leaves, very few pests or diseases affect succulents. To remove occasional mealybugs, wipe them off with rubbing alcohol, and use a strong stream of water to spray aphids off the tips of the plants.
Whether you’re looking for indoor plants or additions to your garden, there’s a succulent to meet your needs. Dish gardens in creative containers or glass bowls filled with succulents make unique arrangements perfect for displaying on a table or desk. Plant perennial succulents, such as sedum, hens and chicks, or prickly pear cacti, in a rock or xeriscape garden for a striking, low-maintenance landscape.
