Succulent Care

In this blog post we will cover the basics of how to care for these desert divas.

What are succulents?

Succulents are some of the lowest-maintenance indoor plants you can grow. Once you understand how to care for succulents, they aren't super-fussy.

Even if you don't live in the desert southwest, you can enjoy these amazing plants as small specimens in pots. Many types of succulents can be grown indoors and out—but if you live in a cold climate and plan to grow succulents outdoors, make sure you choose a type of succulent that's suited to survive winters.

Best of all, succulents come in many different varieties, sizes, and shapes. In fact, you may not realize it, but cacti are also a type of succulent. All cacti are succulents, though not all succulents are cacti. The obvious identifying feature is that cacti typically have sharp spines.

What type of sunlight do succulents need?

Succulents need full sun, which means they should be placed near a source of natural light where they can get direct sun exposure or bright indirect light. Line them up on a sunny windowsill or a corner side table near a window. You should also rotate their pots regularly so they're evenly exposed to the sun. If they don't get enough light, succulents will flatten and lean toward the light.

Pro tip: Grow lights are a good way to give them extra light if you don't have adequate natural lighting.

How much water is enough?

The biggest mistake most people make with succulents is overwatering. Succulents are plants that store water in their tissues in order to survive long periods without it. So the fatter the plant, the more water it contains thus, the less it needs. They can be watered once every week or two.

Pro tip: Insert a popsicle stick or chop stick into the soil to see if it comes out with no soil sticking to it before you water.

Naturally, succulents tend to like low humidity levels, which means they'll do well in most homes with forced air heating in the winter. Just don't put them right in front of a vent or they'll get too dry.

What's the best soil for succulents?

Succulents like fast-draining soil. The easiest thing to do is to use a cactus mix, though you can use general-purpose potting mix and mix it half and half with pumice (crushed lava rock).

Is there a best type of container for succulents?

Almost any container is will do as long as it has drainage holes. Succulents don't like their roots to sit in water, so ensure excess water has a way to escape the pot. If you find a cool decorative pot without holes, simply place a smaller plastic one that does have holes inside it.

That’s the basics! Now go out and catch some sun with those happy little desert divas!

Check out our other blog posts for more tips, tricks, and interesting information! Hope to see ya at the Man Cave!