Beginner’s guide to caring for succulents tips and mistakes to avoid

Succulents are one of the most popular types of plants to grow indoors. With their unique shapes and textures, as well as their low maintenance needs, it’s no wonder succulents are a favorite for many indoor gardeners. But caring for succulents indoors does require some specific knowledge to help them thrive. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to successfully grow succulents indoors and make your succulent collection flourish.

Why Grow Succulents Indoors?

Succulents are ideal indoor plants for several reasons. Many succulent varieties originate in hot, arid climates and are adapted to survive with minimal water. This makes them perfect for growing inside our homes where humidity is low and watering inconsistent. Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, and roots which allows them to withstand periods of drought. While they prefer full sun outdoors, most succulents can adapt to lower indoor light. With the right care, succulents make excellent low-maintenance houseplants.

10 Tips for How to Care for Succulents Indoors

Follow these top 10 tips to keep your indoor succulents healthy and help them thrive:

1. Provide Bright Light

Succulents prefer full sun outdoors but can adapt to lower light indoors. Place succulents near sunny south- or west-facing windows if possible. Consider supplemental lighting like grow lights during fall and winter months when sunshine is limited.

2. Use Well-Draining Soil

Succulents require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A succulent or cactus soil mix is best. You can also make your own mix with equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite. Always use containers with drainage holes.

3. Water Infrequently But Thoroughly

One of the most common mistakes is overwatering succulents. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. When you do water, soak the soil completely until water drains from the bottom.

4. Provide Good Air Circulation

Stagnant air can lead to rot and pests. Use small fans to keep air circulating around your succulents.

5. Watch for Signs of Under or Overwatering.

Learn to recognize when your succulents need more or less water. Signs of under-watering include shriveling, weak new growth, and dropped leaves. Over-watered plants may turn brown or translucent.

6. Fertilize Lightly in Growing Season

Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer when succulents are actively growing. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

7. Repot Annually in Spring

Repot succulents each spring before growing season. Carefully remove from the old pot and gently loosen roots before placing in a container just one size larger. Use fresh soil mix.

8. Propagate New Plants from Cuttings

Take stem or leaf cuttings in spring or summer. Allow cut end to dry and callous before planting in soil. This will root new baby succulent plants.

9. Keep an Eye Out for Pests

Check regularly for common houseplant pests like mealybugs and scale. Remove any infected areas and treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

10. Turn Plants to Ensure Even Growth

Rotate pots periodically so all sides get equal light and grow evenly.

Common Types of Indoor Succulents

With over 60 plant families and 10,000 diverse varieties, there are endless options when selecting succulents for indoors. Some popular choices include:

• Jade Plant – An easy-to-grow succulent with thick stems and smooth, round leaves. Tolerates low light.
• Burro’s Tail – Unique braided stems with teardrop-shaped leaves. Requires bright light.
• Echeveria – Rounded, symmetrical rosettes of smooth leaves in stunning colors and shapes.
• Haworthia – Small, unique spiral-shaped succulents. Low light tolerant.
• Aloe Vera – Known for healing gel. Spiky leaves grow in rosettes.
• Snake Plant – Sturdy, upright leaves with yellow edges that resemble snakeskin. Tolerates low light.
• Hens and Chicks – Mat-forming succulent with baby chicks sprouting around the hen. Full sun.

Setting Yourself Up for Succulent Success

Follow this advice to ensure your succulents continue thriving indoors:

• Start with healthy plants from a reputable nursery. Look for signs of new growth.
• Select suitable containers with drainage. Terra cotta pots work well.
• Use a quality potting mix designed for cacti and succulents.
• Place in bright location near window if possible or invest in grow lights.
• Develop a watering routine based on your environment. Check the soil before watering again.
• Pour off excess water from tray after watering to prevent rot.
• Transition new plants gradually into your indoor conditions.
• Remove dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth.
• Research your specific varieties for their unique care needs.
• Fertilize lightly during the growing season or when plants look stressed.
• Repot when roots fill container or soil compacts. Follow basic rules for repotting.
• Propagate overcrowded plants by taking stem and leaf cuttings to start new plants.
• Watch closely for common pests and treat them immediately if seen. Quarantine new plants.
• Rotate pots periodically and prune or propagate to keep plants compact and full.

What To Do If Your Succulents Are Dying

Even if you follow all the tips, succulents can sometimes still struggle indoors. Here are some signs your succulents are stressed and what to do about it:

• Leaves turning brown or getting mushy – This indicates rot from overwatering. Stop watering and remove dead parts.
• Leaves shriveling or falling off – Could signal under-watering or lack of sunlight. Increase water slightly and move to brighter location.
• White crusty deposits on leaves – Hard water or salt buildup. Wipe leaves gently and use distilled or rainwater.
• Yellow leaves – Usually a lack of nutrients. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer.
• Brown spots on leaves – Potential sunburn or fungal disease. Move out of direct light and remove affected leaves.
• White cottony substance – Mealybugs or other pests. Wipe away carefully and treat with horticultural oils.
• Weak stalks or floppy growth – Needs more sunlight. Supplement with grow light.
• Small brown spots on leaves – May indicate over-fertilization. Flush soil and avoid fertilizing for a while.

The key is observing your succulents closely and making small adjustments to find the right balance of light, water and nutrients for your environment. With a little trial and error, you’ll have thriving succulents indoors in no time.

Helpful Tips to Keep Your Succulents Alive Indoors

Here are some final helpful tips to keep your succulents looking their best while grown as houseplants:

• Start with healthy plants and acclimate to indoor conditions slowly
• Select wide, shallow containers with drainage holes
• Use cactus/succulent soil mix or make your own fast-draining mix
• Place in a bright location but avoid hot, direct sunlight
• Water only when the soil is completely dry. Pour off excess water.
• Fertilize lightly every 2-4 weeks during the growing season
• Monitor for pests like mealybugs & treat them immediately
• Repot annually in spring using fresh soil
• Propagate overcrowded plants by taking stem & leaf cuttings
• Remove dead leaves & flowers to encourage new growth
• Rotate pots frequently for even growth & form
• If struggling, adjust light, water, fertilizer until improved
• Enjoy your beautiful, thriving succulent collection indoors!

Growing succulents as houseplants provides a unique opportunity to have these delightful plants in your living space. Follow this indoor succulent care guide and you’ll be rewarded with healthy, gorgeous succulents that thrive inside your home.

In summary, here are the key points:

• Provide bright, indirect light from a sunny window or grow light.
• Use a fast-draining cactus/succulent soil mix.
• Water thoroughly only when soil is completely dry.
• Fertilize lightly during growing season.
• Monitor for pests and treat promptly.
• Repot annually using fresh soil.
• Propagate overcrowded plants.
• Remove dead leaves and flowers.
• Rotate pots for even growth.
• Adjust care if plants are struggling.
• Enjoy your thriving indoor succulents!

Common Questions

Q: What are succulents?

A: Succulents are a type of plant that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. They are known for their ability to survive in dry conditions and thrive in arid climates.

Q: How often should I water my succulents?

A: The frequency of watering your succulents depends on various factors such as the type of succulent, the climate, and the type of potting soil used. As a general rule of thumb, it is best to water your succulents when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to allow the water to drain out completely.

Q: What kind of pot should I use for my succulents?

A: When choosing a pot for your succulents, it’s important to select one with drainage holes at the bottom. This allows excess water to drain out and prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged. Avoid using pots without drainage holes as it can lead to overwatering and root rot.

Q: How should I care for my succulents?

A: Succulents are relatively low-maintenance plants. They prefer bright indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. Water your succulents only when the soil is completely dry. Avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. Additionally, it’s important to protect your succulents from extreme temperatures and frost.

Q: How do I know if my succulent is getting too much water?

A: Overwatered succulents may have yellow and mushy leaves. The leaves may also appear to be translucent and feel soft to the touch. If you notice these signs, it’s a good indication that your succulent is getting too much water.

Q: Can succulents survive indoors?

A: Yes, many varieties of succulents can thrive indoors. However, it’s important to place your succulent in a location where it can receive bright indirect sunlight. Too little light can cause etiolation, which is when succulents become leggy and stretched out.

Q: How often should I repot my succulents?

A: Succulents generally don’t require frequent repotting. It’s best to repot your succulents when they outgrow their current pot or when the potting soil becomes compacted. Typically, every 1-2 years is sufficient for most succulents.

Q: What kind of potting soil should I use for my succulents?

A: Succulents prefer a well-draining soil mix that allows excess water to drain out easily. You can use a commercial succulent and cacti mix or create your own by mixing regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand.

Q: How do I prevent pests from attacking my succulents?

A: Common succulent pests include mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. To prevent pests, regularly inspect your succulents for any signs of infestation. If you notice pests, isolate the affected plants and treat them with an appropriate insecticide or use natural pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Q: What are some tips on how to care for succulents?

A: Here are some tips to help you care for your succulents: 1. Provide them with bright indirect sunlight. 2. Water them only when the soil is completely dry. 3. Ensure proper drainage by using pots with drainage holes. 4. Use a well-draining soil mix. 5. Protect them from extreme temperatures and frost. 6. Regularly inspect for pests and treat if necessary. 7. Avoid overhandling or touching succulent leaves excessively. 8. Avoid placing succulents in overly humid environments. 9. Allow sufficient airflow around the plants. 10. Avoid over-fertilizing, as succulents are low-nutrient plants.