Succulents Questions and Answers – All that’s on your mind

In this long post, I will answer a variety of question you may have while growing succulents. Questions about lighting, watering, air quality, acclimatization of succulents, but also questions such as whether succulents die of old age, how long they life, how hot and cold their tolerate, whether they can live in a box and much more. Question after question, at the end of this post you can consider yourself an expert in succulent growing–at least in theory :). Enjoy!  

How many lumen do succulents need?

In an ideal case, our succulents will get plenty of direct or indirect sunlight during the day. They will flower and thrive, and we won’t spend any money on artificial light. World is not ideal though. Many of us live in places that get little sunshine in some seasons of the year. What’s more, we often work with offices with little or no windows. Yet we still desire to have succulents in our surroundings, benefiting from their air purifying qualities, and enjoying their timeless beauty. The only solution is buying an artificial light, often called also a “grow light”. And while you will find hundreds of grow lights on Amazon, the real problem is choosing the right one. One of the differences in-between the products is the number of Lumen the light emits per square meter. It ranges a lot, and you can get grow lights with 1,000 Lumen per square meter and also 10,000 Lumen per square meter. Not every producer shares this information, but you can guess it by power. The more Watts the higher luminosity, as a rule of a thumb. Of course, technology and type of light also come into question, but that’s not what we want to discuss right now.  

The more Lumen you have the less you need to keep the grow light on

Speaking honestly, there isn’t anything like an exact figure here, such as a certain number of Lumen, which you should aim for. The thing is though that the less luminosity the grow light has, the more you will have to keep it on. And if it is really weak, like 1,000 Lumen, it won’t provide the succulent sufficient light even if it is on 24/7! As a ballpark figure, I will aim for light with at least 3,000-4,000 Lumen. With such lights the succulents can get what they need in about 12-14 hours, which is a reasonable time to keep the lights on. Of course, if you get a more robust product (and always a more expensive one) with 7,000 Lumen, you can reduce the time to half, which means keeping it on only for 6-7 hours a day. At the end it comes to your preferences, budget, and also to some simple Math, calculating how much electricity various lights will consume, and how it will translate to the number on your monthly electricity bill :).

Number of Lumen isn’t the only thing you should consider when choosing grow light for your succulents

It would be a mistake choosing the grow light based on a single factor, the luminosity. You should consider much more than that, mainly:

• Color temperature of the light. The best color temperature for succulents starts at about 5,000 Kelvins, since that’s the type of light (color) most succulents get in their native areas, the semi-deserts and deserts of Africa, Latin America, and Arabian Peninsula.
• The amount of heat the light radiates to the surrounding. You should look for lights that do not emanate too much heat, since it would cause harm to the plants. Luckily for us, the modern LED grow lights do not have this problem, so unless you buy some old-school light in a second hand shop, you should not worry.
• The number of Watts it consumes. This parameter is more about your electricity bill than the well-being of the plant, and we have already talked about it. However, the key is to also calculate how long you will have to leave the light on, since sometimes it actually makes sense buying a light with high electricity consumption but extremely strong luminosity/brightness.
• The design and height fitting for your setup and home. We buy grow lights for indoor plants. I am sure the last thing you want is getting some “ugly” light that won’t fit into the interior design of your house. Or, even worse, light that will be too small (when adjusted to maximum height) for your succulents, so you won’t even be able to use it…. The key is to envision the entire setup, how you want it to look like, and buy a fitting light accordingly.

Final thoughts

There’s nothing like “an ideal number of Lumen” for succulents. No grow light can replace the sun, but succulents can thrive under grow light. The more Lumen it has the less you will have to keep it on, and contrariwise. But you should aim for at least 3,000 Lumen, in order to be able to turn the light off sometimes. Grow lights with low luminosity may not be able to give the succulents the amount of light that they need, even if they are on non-stop…  

Are Self-watering Pots Good for Succulents?

People are curious creatures, and they also try to come up with the “next big thing”. When it comes to plant care, the self-watering pots were deemed as “the innovation of the century in the field”. And in a way it made sense, considering how busy almost everyone is nowadays. Preoccupied with work, family, and thousands of issues, we often forget to water our plants, or at least we do not stick to a regular schedule. Hence having self-watering pots at home means one struggle less. We can just enjoy he beauty of the plants, and the technology takes care of the rest. But will it work with succulents? As it is almost always the case, the answer isn’t completely straightforward. As a rule of a thumb, you can use self-watering pots with succulents, and if you do it correctly, you will even reduce the chance of root rot or stem rot, which is the no. 1 cause of people losing their succulents. However, in some cases, for example when you use a bad size of a pot (too big for a succulent), or water soil from top to bottom in a self-watering pot (which is designed for watering from bottom), things may not end up as expected. Let’s dive into some important details.  

Self-watering pots help with preventing root rot and stem rot

Succulents do not like to bathe in water, and they hate when the soil around their roots is constantly wet. This promotes root rot and will eventually kill the succulent. The soil can be constantly wet for a variety of reasons (you use bad soil mix, pot without a drainage hole, or water the plants way too often), but it is less likely to happen with a self-watering pot, if you use it correctly. In a self-watering pot you should water the plants from the bottom. The idea is that you add enough water to the reservoir, and the succulent takes as much as it needs, whenever it needs it. In theory, and with mature plants, this works like a charm. I have used self-watering plants with aloes, jade plants, snake plants, and one Christmas cactus. I made sure to “fill the reservoir” from the bottom once in every two weeks. The plants grew, thrived, and I haven’t lost a single one to root rot. Many people mistakenly think that the moisture will soak into the soil from the bottom and make it wet, which will result in root rot. But that’s not how laws of Physics work :). The water stays in a reservoir, and the smallest roots of the succulent will simply take it in, benefiting from the capillary effect. The plants will get water, but the soil will stay dry. And that’s exactly what you desire with succulents.

Cases when self-watering pots won’t work with succulents

In some cases though, these pots won’t do the trick. For example when you plant a succulent in a pot that’s too big for its root ball–we sometimes do this for decorative purposes. In such a case, the thin end roots of the plant may not reach the water reservoir. Hence the water will stay there (or slowly evaporate), without a succulent “drinking” any of it. Another case is when we actually have to water the plant from top to bottom, for whatever reason (for example the location of the pot–it is difficult to reach the bottom, and a the same time it is too heavy to move it). What happens often is that we do pour too much water on the soil, the reservoir fills up and leaks, and it makes the room messy. Certain plants prefer top to bottom watering anyway, and for such succulents self-watering pots aren’t the best choice.  

Final verdict on self-watering pots for succulents

In my opinion and experience, the self-watering pots have not put a dent to the world of succulent growing. You can no doubt use them with your plants, and, if you use them correctly (just as I described in previous sections of this post), your plants will thrive, and you will avoid root rot and stem rot.  

Do Succulents Like Coffee Grounds?

Recycling and reducing waste is more important than ever. In US alone, people drink around 400 million cups of coffee each day. That’s a lot of caffeine, and a lot of coffee grounds to throw away as well. Perhaps we do not have to throw it away though, and can use it as a fertilizer of our succulents instead. Will it work though? And do succulents like such a practice? The answer to this question isn’t as simple as it seems. Succulents like slightly acidic soil, and coffee grounds add acidity to the soil. But it also depends on whether you use raw or cooked coffee grounds, in what quantity, and how you apply it on your succulents. We will dive into details in a second, but let me give you a quick answer first: Succulents like coffee grounds, if you fertilize them withe them sparingly, and do it in a right way. Let’s have a look at the details.  

Succulents in general do not like too much fertilization, and coffee grounds are no exception

Succulents are native to semi-desert and desert areas around the world. As you can imagine, people do not run around the desert fertilizing the plants, or throwing coffee grounds on them. And yet they thrive and even flower when conditions are favorable. That’s because succulents thrive in neglect. Give them a short rainy season once in a while and desert sun, and they will do well, and sometimes live for centuries (which is the case with Barrel Cactus or Desert Rose). Bearing this in mind, it is logical than excessive fertilization can only cause harm to succulents. If you think that you can just throw the coffee grounds each morning to one of the few pots with succulents you have at home, you are wrong. Succulents like slightly acidic soil, and they enjoy nutrients in some quantities, including nitrogen and phosphorus and potassium, all present in coffee grounds. But a succulent pot is not a rubbish bin. Adding so much coffee grounds over an extended period to the pots will result in excessive acidity of the soil (and other problems, more on them later), and subsequent issues. You can use coffee grounds for succulents, but in moderation.  

Raw coffee grounds can be toxic to many plants, including succulents

Depending on how you prepare your coffee–and what type of coffee you drink, you are left with either raw or cooked coffee grounds. You may think it doesn’t make much difference for the plants, but it does. Raw grounds are extremely acidic and you may kill your succulents with them, especially if you add them to the soil regularly. To stay on the safe side, you should always use just cooked coffee grounds. It also makes sense adding coffee grounds to your compost first, letting the nature do its magic, breaking them down to smaller particles, and mixing with other things you deposited in your compost. Just then you can add the final mix to your plants, including succulents. It is much safer to be honest, though I understand it is a lot more work, and it may not even be possible if you live in a flat, and do not have some amazing kitchen composter at home.

Plonked coffee grounds can harden and prevent water from entering the soil–you need to apply them correctly

Careless throwing of coffee grounds on the top of your succulent pots at random may result in a disaster. Coffee grounds, when they aren’t mixed into the soil and simply stay on the top of the pot, will harden quickly, forming an almost impenetrable layer, preventing water from entering the soil. What happens is that you water the succulents but most (or all) water stays on the top, not reaching the roots of the plant. What’s more, this can result in stem rot, because succulents do not like when there’s always water around the stem. Hence it is pivotal to apply coffee compost properly on succulents. Gently stir it and mix it lightly to the soil, spreading it evenly in the pot, in the top two inches. It is even safer adding it to water, for example two tablespoons to one gallon, mixing it properly, and then watering your plants with this “homemade liquid fertilizer”. Do not overdo it though, and use just cooked coffee grounds. Less is often more with succulents.  

Coffee grounds help aeration in the soil, but they also retain water

For most plants, coffee grounds work like a miracle–they add nutrients to the soil, help with aeration, and retain water. Most plants will love this, but succulents won’t love the last part–the water retention. We should not forget that root rot is the most common reason why people lose their succulents. Root rot happens when the soil is almost always wet, which can be caused by a variety of factors:

• Over-watering of the plant
• No drainage in the pot
• Bad soil mix–one that retains too much water

Adding coffee grounds in quantities to your succulent soil, or to any pot in particular, can result in significant changes in water retention properties of the soil. If you overdo it, you can easily kill your succulent in this way. The process is slow, and you may not notice anything for the first few weeks. But the roots bathing in water will eventually start to rot, and once the rot progresses to the body of the plant you can say goodbye to your succulent…  

Final verdict on whether succulents like coffee grounds

Nothing is black and white in the world of succulents. Sure, these versatile plants like coffee grounds as an occasional fertilizer, but only if we talk about cooked grounds, and only if you apply them to the plant properly, and in a moderate quantity. I hope you know how to do it now, and what mistakes to avoid. If you aren’t sure what you are doing, it is always safer skipping the fertilization with coffee grounds, and throwing them to a communal compost bin instead…  

Are succulents good for air quality?

Succulents are growing in popularity year after year. Colorful, versatile, and coming in all kinds of shapes and sizes, these plants thrive in neglect, what is an ideal combination for a busy man of 21st century. But what about their health benefits? Do succulents purify the air, and do they do it better than other plant families? And what about humidity in the air, and oxygen we breathe? What role do succulents play here? I will try to answer all these questions on the following linen, and I sincerely hope it will motivate you to grow even more succulents at your home :). Before we dive into details, let me give you a quick answer: Succulents are good for air quality. Good is actually an underestimation here, since they purify the air better than almost any other plants you can grow indoors. Hence if you struggle with allergies, feel that there’s too much dust in the air, or it is way too dry in your house, growing succulents in the rooms where you spend most of your time when at home is an excellent idea. Let’s have a look at the specifics.  

Most plants release carbon dioxide at night, but succulents do produce oxygen

Virtually all plants produce oxygen during the day, as a result of photosynthesis. But when the night falls, most plants breath just like humans do, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. That is the main reason why most experts do not suggest having many household plants in your bedroom. When you sleep, you want the oxygen for yourself, not for the plants. However, succulents are exception to the rule. Members of this amazing plant family keep producing oxygen throughout the night, improving the quality of air you breathe, and in that way actually improving the quality of your sleep. Sure, most succulents are rather small and you cannot expect miracles in terms of the total amount of oxygen they produce in your room during a single night. But it is still better producing some oxygen than actually breathing it and releasing carbon dioxide, like vast majority of household plants do.

Succulents purify the air from volatile organic compounds, making it better for breathing

Snake plant, zebra plant, jade plant and aloe vera are just some of the succulents that, according to NASA’s research, are able to remove 87% of VOC (volatile organic compounds) from the air. You may think that you do not have such compounds in the air back home, but think twice. Benzene or formaldehyde are found in rugs, cigarette smoke, grocery bags, books and ink–and who doesn’t have any of such items at home? What’s more, if you live close to a road with cars, and if it is quite busy (most of us live close to such roads), you can be sure there’s plenty of VOC in the air at your home. Having succulents in all main rooms, such as living room, kitchen, and bedroom, will help you reduce the amount of toxins in the air you breathe significantly. No doubt it would be better live in a place with good air quality, but I can assure you won’t find such places in any modern city. Hence it is important to at least somehow clean the air, for example with a little help from the succulents you grow.  

Succulent groupings can significantly improve the humidity of the air in your home

Dry air does not help asthma, allergy, and many other conditions related to breathing many of us experience nowadays (as a result of constantly polluting our planet, and eating garbage food full of additives and chemicals). But you can make the air up to 10% more humid, which is a BIG difference indeed, with plants in your home, especially if you grow them in groupings, which is popular for the succulents. Dry air promotes many problems such as sore throat, dry skin, or a common cold. Of course, it is just a part of a puzzle–you aren’t going to be super healthy just by placing a few succulent groupings around your home. It is also about what you eat, how often you exercise, your stress levels, etc. But each detail matters, and improving the humidity of the air in your house can help. Another plus point for succulents!

Conclusion

Both scientific and empirical evidence suggest that succulents aren’t only good for air quality–they are the best from all household plants, producing oxygen while other plants breathe it at night, purifying the air from more toxic compounds than other plants do, and also making the air in the house more humid, which is good for both your lungs and skin. At the end of the day, the only thing we can say is that succulents once again rein supreme, and I hope this post motivated you to get more of them :). Good luck!  

Are succulents easy to keep alive?

Nobody wants to spend money on plants that will die in a month. What’s more, we live in a fast-paced era. Everyone is super busy, and unless you are retired, you probably cannot afford to spend an hour a day taking care of your plants. The thing most of us want is to have beautiful plants that are easy to keep alive and care for, plants we will not lose making a single mistake. But are succulents such plants, or do you have to look elsewhere? Before we dive into details, and look at some facts & some myths about growing succulents, let me give you a quick answer to the question: Succulents are easy to keep alive, as long as you do not over-water them. Root rot and eventual death of a plant is the most prevalent reason why people lose their succulents. And over-watering causes root rot. But what about other problems, and myths surrounding succulent growing? Let’s have a look at them now.  

Many succulents thrive in absolute neglect

In order to understand what any plant needs, we should imagine it in its natural habitat. Vast majority of succulents come from semi-desert and desert areas of Africa, Latin America, and Middle East. In many of these places the rainy season is super short–if rain comes at all, and the soil is anything but rich in nutrients. Yet succulents not only grow there–they thrive, flower, and some (for example a barrel cactus, or my favorite desert rose) can live for centuries. Knowing this, you can envision it is pretty easy to keep succulents alive. And you are right, to some extent. Most succulents die because people care too much for them, not too little. They pay too much attention, water the plants too often (which is a bad practice), fertilize them (which most succulents do not really need, and it can cause more harm and good), try to protect them from the sun (some succulents need protection such as shade cloth, but many love as much sun as they can get), etc. It seems the more we care, the easier it actually is to lose a succulent..

Right initial setup plays a pivotal role in your success with any succulent

Castles built on sand rarely last long. Succulents are generally quite easy to keep alive, but it is pivotal to have good initial setup in place, to do things right at the beginning. What does it mean? Good “setup” (or whatever we call it) consists in several things. Having the right pot for your plant, choosing a good soil mix for succulents (commercially sold soil mixes are decent but it is ideal improving them a bit), good placement for the new member of your plant family, and last but not least, also choosing a succulent that can thrive in the environment where you live. Let me give you a brief description to each:

1. Good pot. Regardless of what they say on various websites, you should always choose a pot with a drainage hole. Succulents hate staying in wet soil, and the last thing you want to see is your succulent rotting from bottom up, until you have only one option left–throwing your plant away.
2. Good soil. You should always go for a gritty mix, like this one on Amazon for example, a combination of organic and inorganic material, with inorganic material prevailing. Having said that, not all commercially sold soil mixes branded as “succulent soil mixes” are really that good for succulents, so you should do your due diligence before purchasing.
3. Right placement. Some succulents prefer indirect light, but most succulents love full sun, at least for few hours a day. It is pivotal placing your plant in fitting location, that means a sunny spot with a (relatively) dry air. Avoid placements in offices with no windows, bathrooms, or other humid areas of your house. It is also important knowing when you should bring your succulents indoors for winter.
4. Choosing a right succulent. You may not believe it, but we know more than 10,000 succulent species in the world. If you live in a dry arid area, a majority of them will be a great fit for your place. If you live in some colder zone, or a humid area, however, you should choose more carefully. Succulents are hardy plants and they can survive a lot. In order to see your plants thrive and flower, however, you should pick plants fitting for weather conditions in your area.

 

Not all succulents are easy to keep alive

As I’ve already said, we know more than 10,000 succulents species in the world. This includes many succulents that do not occur in wild nature, succulents that were cross-bred for commercial reasons, such as the famous Korean Succulents. These plants have often intriguing colors and shapes, and it isn’t unheard of paying $100 for a single plant. As a rule of a thumb, the more you pay for a young succulent, the harder it is to keep it alive. It is harder for commercial growers as well, hence the high price tag… Cross-bred succulents are generally more prone to all sorts of problems, such as pests infestations, and they also generally live shorter. This is just logical because when man plays God, trying to improve the perfection we find in nature, it never really works. And it never will. Having said that, it still makes sense buying these succulents and having them at home, for the colors and shapes. You should just count with a possibility of losing them quite early.

Final thoughts

When compared-to other plant families, succulents are definitely easier to keep alive. They thrive in neglect, most of them aren’t prone to pests such as aphids or mealybugs, and as long as you give them a good growing medium and sunny spot, they will be fine, and won’t die. Having said that, it doesn’t mean that most people manage to have their succulents for decades. We make mistakes, over-water the plants, or unwittingly kill them in another way. Reading this blog, however, I believe you will minimize the number of such mistakes and will achieve great results with your plants.  

Can succulents die of old age?

When you look at a high cactus in the middle of nowhere, or spot a Desert Rose in the Saharan desert, you may get an impression than the succulent must have been there forever. Funny thing is that you may actually be right, since some succulents can live for centuries, and other die just seemingly. But you should also realize one thing: We know more than 10,000 succulent species in the world, including species that were bread in plant laboratories, such a Korean succulents. With such a variety you can expect different life expectancy, and that’s exactly the case here. Before we dive into details, and look at how long some succulents do live, and what succulents are almost eternal, let me give you a quick answer to the question: Yes, succulents can die of old age. But in order to understand whether or not this is the case with your dying succulent, you have to know what succulent variety to grow, and how long it does normally live.  

Succulents that do not live long

Let me start with succulents that often die of “old age”, though the word “old” is quite relative here. As a rule of a thumb, cross-bred succulents, the expensive colorful varieties you can get in some specialized store, have a short lifespan when compared to “mainstream succulents”. This is the price you pay for amazing colors and shapes. Colorful succulents bread for commercial purposes are more fragile, and more vulnerable to pests than succulents that grow in wild nature. Some of them may live as little as three to five years. What’s more, with cross-breeding certain succulents lose their ability to reproduce, and are much harder to propagate from leaves or stem cuttings. Hence when you purchase such a succulent you are destined to do it again, opening your wallet again, which is exactly what the corporations want you to do (things are not built to last nowadays).  

Succulents that live longer than humans do

On the opposite side of the spectrum we have succulents that live for centuries. It is almost impossible seeing such a succulent die of old age, unless you got it as a part of a family heritage, knowing that a grandfather of your grandfather’s grandmother was the first one to grow the plant :). Desert rose, one of my favorite succulents, is a prime example. It lives for centuries, and it can be dormant for years, when it doesn’t rain in the desert. Once the rain comes, it will flower, bringing new life to the sea of sand. A very popular Barrel Cactus can also live for up to 500 years. This notorious slow grower (it starts growing quickly but than slows down considerably) can look like a youngster in some gardens. Ask the owners, however, and I can guarantee you that many won’t remember when they planted the cactus, or will say to you it was already there when they bought the house. Interestingly enough, some cacti and succulents from the most harsh regions (the desert areas of Africa and Arabian peninsula) are actually the ones with longest lifespan.

Hens and chicks succulent seemingly dies after flowering, but in fact it never dies

Hens and chick is a special succulent in many ways. Many people know that the mother “hen” dies after flowering (which is typically after three to four years, but in certain conditions it can be up to seven years). What many people do not realize though, is that through new “shoots”, the “chicks”, this succulent actually never dies. Because the new shoots have exactly the same genetics as the mother “hen”, so technically it goes about the same plant! What’s more, if grown in favorable conditions (rocky soil, sunny spot), this succulent will product many new shoots every year. Hence it doesn’t only technically “live forever”. It also never stops growing and expanding. Who knows, maybe one day someone will discover a secluded rocky spot in some semi-arid area, covered from tops to bottom in hens and chicks. He will think many plants grow there, but in fact it may be just a single plant.  

Most commonly grown succulents can die of old age, but you have to wait for decades to witness it

When we forget the extremes (few years, centuries, and “never die succulents”), we can say that most succulents can die of old age. In average, these plants live for decades though, and with the right care indoors (or in the garden) they can actually live even longer than in the wild (where natural selection and survival of the fittest rules the world). Let’s have a look at average lifespan of most popular succulents:

• Snake plant: 5 to 15 years, but it isn’t unheard of seeing even 30 years old exemplars in some houses.
• Burro’s tail: Decades, if you care for it properly. I’ve seen some plants older than 50 years.
• Flaming Katy: 5-10 years, rarely more.
• Jade Plant: Can live easily for 100-120 years, with proper care.
• Zebra plant: 30-50 years.
• Aloe Vera: Up to ten years indoors, but can live for decades outdoors, in its natural habitat.
• Pencil Cactus: Up to 50 years.
• Christmas Cactus: 20-30 years, sometimes longer.

 

Propagation is always an alternative to long life of your succulent

If you are worried of seeing your favorite cactus or succulent dying of old age, you can always have plan B. Common succulents are quite easy to propagate, especially from stems or leaves. It is a bit harder from seeds. Anyway, if you feel that your favorite plant is quite old already, and want to make sure you won’t lose it completely, you can try propagating it from cuttings. We have a great article online for Jade Plant propagation, which you can apply to most other succulents as well. And even if everything fails, you can simply accept it as a fact that nothing in this world is permanent, except of a change. Plants grow, bloom, and die, just like we human do. Then they will decompose, and eventually serve as “food” for other plants which will gather the nutrients from the soil, the burying grounds for your succulents. When we look at it from this perspective, it seems that in a certain way we will all live forever…  

How to care for Korean Succulents?

There’s been a lot of hype around colorful succulents lately, often branded as “Korean succulents“. What many people do not know, however, is that vast majority of these succulents do not really come from Korea. The region has a few species of native succulents, for example Orostchys Malacophylla, Orostchys Japonica, Sedum Aizoon, but most succulents branded as “Korean succulents” are a result of extensive breeding with cross-pollination techniques, where Korean growers and businessmen simply mix some succulents together, trying to achieve some spectacular combinations of colors and shapes. As a result they come up with expensive succulents, often ten times as expensive as “ordinary” succulents that you can get in any store specializing in plants. Imagine an Echeveria in orange color, or even a black Echeveria. It isn’t rare paying $50 for a single small succulent bred in Korea. Having said that, these succulents are really special, and have their place on the market. But how should you care for them? Is there anything you should do differently than you’d do with “ordinary” succulents? We will try to find the answer on the following lines.  

General rules stay in place for Korean Succulents

At the end of the day, a specially bred succulent is still a succulent. What I try to say here is that Korean succulents still like sunny spots, good drainage of the soil, and infrequent watering schedule. Succulents, including the ones bred in Korea, are native to semi-desert and desert areas of Africa, Latin America, and Arabian Peninsula. It doesn’t rain often in these corners of the world, and the soil is pretty arid. You should try to replicate similar conditions at home. It is also important to have a pot with a drainage hole, since Korean succulents are even more prone to over-watering than ordinary succulents. This is a result of cross-breeding and cross–pollination. You may achieve some interesting colors and shapes (and believe me it takes COUNTLESS attempts to come with a new specie as a result of cross-breeding), but you will always pay a price. Korean succulents are more fragile than common succulents, and it is easier over-watering them.

Make sure to keep your Korean succulents in areas safe from pests

What is true for over-watering is true also for other issues succulents may face. As a rule of a thumb, succulents are hardy plants, and do not suffer form pests like mealybugs or aphids often. However, Korean succulents are more vulnerable at this front, and it is pivotal keeping them safe from areas where they can get infested, such as in close proximity of garden plants that are most commonly targeted by the pests I just mentioned. Of course, you can always use fungicides and pesticides and whatever, but keep on your mind that you paid a lot for your Korean succulents, and should do all you can to prevent possible infestation with pests. Prevention is always easier than cure. It is also important to isolate any infected succulent immediately. If you spot bugs or powdery mildew on any of your Korean succulent, take it away from the rest of the plants and treat it in isolation. These pests can jump from one succulent to another, and a typical Korean succulent (not as hardy as its predecessors) is an ideal target for them.  

You may fail while trying to propagate Korean succulents

This depends on the exact specie of a plant, but if you bought one of the expensive Korean succulents with an aim of propagating it and making a fortune, I must disappoint you. Many Korean succulents lost their ability to propagate with the cross-breeding, or at least it is impacted, and you will find it much harder to succeed. Of course, you can use rooting hormones to improve your chances of succeeding, and with some plants you may actually do so. But with many you won’t. This is the price we have to pay for the beauty and uniqueness of Korean succulents though. Some things just cannot be replicated.  

Give your Korean succulents lot of sun in summer, take them inside in winter

The beautiful colors you see on pictures of Korean succulents are often a result of great care. These succulents love to get a lot of sun in summer, and it is the period of the year when they will show their full beauty and array of colors, which is perhaps the no.1 reason why you bought them :). So do not keep them in some shady place! Things change in winter, when many Korean succulents are dormant, and super-prone to over-watering. During winter months, it is often enough watering Korean succulents once in a month, or even less often. Even during summer you should make sure to water the succulents only when the soil is dry. Having said that, you do not have to put them in a box and store them in a cellar like some people do with cacti and succulents for winter. You can keep them in your house, just make sure to water them very sparingly.  

Learn as much as you can about the particular Korean succulent, in order to achieve the best-possible results

At the end of the day, we currently know over 300 types of Korean succulents, or, said more precisely, succulents that are branded as Korean :). And while Echeverias (is all sorts of strange colors and shape) are the most prevalent, it still makes sense to think about the exact succulent specie you bought, and what care it needs. The problem is that you often cannot get enough information from the seller. In such a case, your best bet is learning how to care about the original succulent from which a Koren succulent was cross-bred. For example, when you buy Echeveria Lapine, or Echeveria Lenore Dean (an expensive succulent indeed), care for it as you’d for normal Echeveria, at least if you cannot get any information from the seller.

Final thoughts

Korean succulents come in amazing shapes and colors, and will catch an eye of every visitor of your house. And while sticking to general rules of succulent care will help you keeping them alive, you should also remember that they are typically more fragile, harder to propagate (if it is possible at all), and more vulnerable to pests of any kind. Keep close eyes on your succulents, and make sure they get what they need. They will pay you back a thousand time with their timeless beauty…  

What is the best compost for succulents?

People who are new to succulent growing may often follow the “commonsense wisdom of an experienced gardener“. This wisdom says: Compost is great for plants. You can plant them in it, and in some cases you can simply use it as a natural fertilizer, especially if you prepared the compost at home, and know exactly what you put inside. And while it certainly makes a lot of sense, and I am a big fan of learning from experience, you should realize that succulents are special plants. What works for other plant families, or other plants you grow at home, may not work for succulents. And that’s exactly the case with compost. Let me explain it. Succulents are native to arid areas, deserts and semi-deserts of Africa, Arabian Peninsula, South America. If you’ve ever been to such places, and tested the quality of the soil, you for sure know there aren’t many nutrients inside. This isn’t the same soil you’d use for your vegetables or give to your trees in order to support their growth. Yet succulents thrive in it, with their glistening green leaves and colorful shiny flowers. They do so without any fertilizers or compost.  

No compost is best compost for succulents

And here we come to a surprising answer to your question. The best compost for succulents is no compost. Save it for other plants in your house or garden, or save money for a more useful purpose–if you considered buying compost just for your succulents. These hardy plants to not need fertilizers or any soil rich in nutrients. Just make sure to plant them in a soil mix intended for succulents, and place them on a sunny spot. If you water them with rainwater, and let the fallen leaves to slowly decompose in the pot, succulents will get all nutrients they need, and will thrive, without a need for any special interventions from your side.

Why compost can actually harm succulents

If you have a high-quality compost, but perhaps didn’t let it lie for long enough in the tank (in most climates compost needs at least two seasons to turn to soil and be ready to return to your garden), it can be too compact for succulents. Such a compost holds a lot of moisture, it stays in the soil. Succulents do not like to live in such an environment. Their roots will start to rot, they will lose their ability to transfer nutrients and water to the body of the plant, and the plant will eventually die. Another thing that can happen with a high-quality compost super high in nutrients is that it will actually burn the roots of the succulent, simply because they aren’t accustomed to such a load of nutrients. Other plants would thrive and cherish in such soil, but succulents won’t. These plants prefer slow growth, without fertilizers. They just like to do things their own way, and perhaps they know what they are doing, since many succulents can live for centuries, and some actually never really die–unless you care for them badly, such as when you give them compost that they do not really need or want.  

Exception always proves the rule

There are more than 10,000 different types of known succulents in the world. And for sure there are some we do not know yet, succulents that just wait for some explorer to discover them, and name them after someone dear to them, or themselves, which is often the case. And while most of these plants live in arid areas, some do not. Some succulents actually like humidity, and even richer soil content. We speak here about few species from the vast selection you can buy online or offline. What I try to say here is that while as a rule of thumb you should not plant your succulents in compost, or fertilize them with it, in rare cases such a practice can actually make sense. That’s why you should always research about the succulent you bought. Learn about its preferences, and native living conditions–especially if it is a rare and expensive succulent, because for the most common succulents what I said is valid–they do not need compost and planting them in it will cause more harm then good.  

Can succulents grow in office light?

Succulents are native to semi-desert areas. And as you no doubt know, sun shines most of the time in the desert :). Needless to say, however, we grow most plants in our gardens and houses, regardless of where they come from. And fortunately, thanks to their hardiness, succulents can grow in office light. It comes with some challenges though. Because when the succulent lack one thing they are accustomed to, everything else need to be close to perfection, at least if you want to enjoy your plants thriving, instead of merely surviving. Aside from soil, water, and sunlight, you should consider other things when growing these beauties in an office, under an artificial light. Now we will look at everything in detail.

1. Choose the right succulent variety for your office

Although succulents are usually resilient plants, not all of them grow well indoors. Some of these plants need more sunlight than others. There are a few varieties though that grow well inside. Example of those succulents are: aloe vera, snake plant, burro’s tail, and others. We’ll have a look at it in a second.

2. Make sure you plant your succulents in the right soil mix

Bear in mind that succulents do not like soil that retains too much water. The best choice is a fast-draining soil. It is especially important for succulents you grow in the office, because the temperature inside is lower than the temperature outside, and it takes longer for water or moisture to dry in such conditions. When this happens, the succulents are vulnerable to over-watering, which can cause plethora of problems to your plants. You can make your own succulent soil mix.  

3. Watering succulents that grow in office light

Aside from choosing the right soil, succulents also need a good watering technique which gives them just enough water.  Indoor succulents are prone to over-watering, and there is no single strategy that fits all succulent varieties. However, there are a few things worth considering to make sure you give your plants just what they need and do not drown them in excess water. The first thing to remember is to soak the soil. Avoid misting because it only generates a weak root system. Misting motivates the roots to grow upwards instead of downwards. Thorough watering is the key to avoid this phenomenon. It reaches all the roots and lets them drink well. Second thing to remember is to not water your succulents from the top of the plant. Target the soil instead. Watering the leaves and stems may only cause problems, especially when you grow your plants in office light, which isn’t going to dry their leaves quickly.  

4. Succulents need some light source in the office

Succulents are accustomed to light. Growing them indoors with a complete absence of natural light is a challenge. When the plants do not have enough sunlight exposure, they tend to develop growth issues. If you want to grow succulent in your office desk or space, make sure that the office has a window and some sun shines on the plants every day. Succulents love bright light so it is better to have a brighter window.But what to do if you have no windows, or cannot place the plants near them? This becomes challenging during the winter or cold season, and the only option really is to use grow light (click here to check my recommended grow light on Amazon). With a grow light, you can easily give succulents a few hours of light every day, which may be all they need to thrive in an office environment.  

Three succulents that grow well in low light

Some succulent varieties grow well indoors while others don’t. That being said, it is very important to pick the right variety for the indoor environment, regardless of your light source. The three succulents I recommend for this purpose are:

1. Aloe Vera – Aloe plants come in many sizes. Some species grow bigger than others. Depending on the space in your office, you can choose the right size. I suggest smaller aloes for the office though. Aloes do not demand much care and can thrive in low light.
2. Haworthias – Other great succulent for low light conditions are the haworthias. Although haworthias love bright light, they can survive in low light conditions, and they do not need much maintenance in my experience. I’ve many of them, and they all did well indoors.
3. Snake Plant – Snake plants do not only enhance the aesthetic feature of the indoors space, also help to purify the air. Scientific evidence suggests that snake plants absorb airborne pathogens emitted by the furniture. And they love staying indoors, so you should have no problems keeping them inside.

Final thoughts

Succulents can grow in office light as long as they are given the right type of soil, the right amount of water, and sufficient light. The success in growing succulents in an office starts at picking the right variety. Just remember that not all succulents grow well in office light. Choose those that do, give them all they need, and both you and your plants will be happy…  

How long can succulents live in a box?

Doesn’t matter whether you order succulents from an online seller such as Amazon, or you bought them from a hundred or thousand miles away garden, your concern is always the shipping of the plant. Because succulents are delicate plants, they can die in the process of shipping. Succulents need sunlight and good airflow. If they are packed in a box, it means that they do not have access to light and oxygen. This can definitely affect them, or even kill them. So, how long can succulents live in a box? Fortunately, most succulents are hardy and can survive in a box without light for about 1-2 weeks. Some growers found that succulents can survive in a paper bag for about a month–which tells a lot about how resilient these small plants are!  

Temperature and humidity play a big role

It is important to keep in mind though that many factors can affect the health of a succulent plants in a box. Probably the most important is temperature. Although succulents are hardy, some of them are vulnerable to extreme cold or hot temperature. If you are transporting your succulent plants to a certain place during winter, you should take this into account. Online sellers are aware of this, and they will typically do what they can to keep succulents safe during the shipping process. But I have also a negative experience, so success isn’t guaranteed here. Another thing to consider is humidity–you should pack the succulents in a way that high humidity does not reach them while you ship them from point A to point B. Because of bad aeration in the box, extreme humidity can severely damage the succulents in less than 48 hours.

How to ship a succulent as a gift?

It is hard to ship plants in general, considering how fragile they are. Bad handling can result in a disaster. On the other hand, succulent is a great gift for any plant lover or even for a kid ready to care for their first ever plant, and learn many important live lessons along the way. So, how will you ship succulents to someone living a thousand miles away? It is challenging to say the least… Honestly, as a sender, you have no control over the shipping process. It is the company that transports the plants and their fate depends on them. However, you can take some precautions at least. The first thing I can suggest is to send multiple plants to your loved ones. This way you have more chances of success. If a few succulents die, probably a few remain healthy, and they have at least something. If the recipient of the gift is near you, but you order succulents from a seller who with a warehouse a thousand miles away, consider ordering the plants early so that if some of them die in the process, you still have time to order a replacement.  The last option– and probably the safest one, is to order seeds. As long as the seeds are healthy, your loved one can plant them. Of course though, most people prefer to donate a plant than just a seed :).

Few tips for successful succulent shipping

The first thing you need to consider is the packaging. If you ship succulents in a box, make sure that the box is durable enough to protect the fragile succulents inside. You know how it goes with delivery drivers… They see “fragile” on a box, but they may still handle it without needed precautions. Second, make sure that you research on plant shipping regulation of the place or region you send succulents to. Some states or countries have restrictions when it comes to receiving plant shipments. So make sure that shipping plants are legal in the place of your recipient. Third, when shipping succulents, it is better to ship them bare-foot. The reason for this is that it prevents the rotting of the succulents. Also, because there will be no sunlight and airflow inside the box, succulents will be prone to bacteria and fungi infestations. Shipping them bare-foot will prevent these issues from arising. What’s more, you’ll save some money on shipping fees this way. Remember that the shipping fee is dependent on the weight of the package. The heavier the plant, the higher the shipping fee. Thus, shipping succulents without pots minimize fees.

What could possibly kill succulents in the box?

When succulents are in a box, there is one main factor that will affect their health. And that is the lack of sunlight. Succulents can survive for weeks or months without water, but they won’t last long without sunlight. Keep it on your mind when packing the plants, and planning the schedule for the delivery.

Final thoughts

So, how long will a typical succulent survive in a box? Succulents can survive in a box for 1-2 weeks. Their hardiness allows them to survive in difficult environmental conditions, even in the box, for longer than most plants would. If you are planning to ship succulents as gifts, just make sure to take some safety precautions, like I described them earlier in the post.  

Can you grow succulents in office with no windows?

If you are planning to bring succulent to your workplace, you likely wonder if that’s possible, and if you won’t have to buy a new plant every other month, simply because the succulent dies in an office with no windows. Let me get straight to the point here: succulents can survive in an office without windows as long as they get an appropriate light source and water. I brought a couple of succulents in my office before, and up to this point they are doing well. As always though, things are not as simple as they originally seem. No wonder you want to see your succulents thriving, instead of merely surviving. The questions is whether that’s possible, and how you can achieve it.  

Light source is the key for healthy succulent growth in an office

If your office has no windows, and you do not drill a hole in the wall to give sun some point of access, you have to make sure that there is another light source. Remember that succulent plants are native to semi-desert areas. They need a good light source for their healthy growth. A grow light is a great alternative (click here to check my recommended grow light on Amazon), when you find yourself in an office with no windows and no direct or indirect sunlight.

Picking right succulent variety is also essential

Making sure that a succulent plant thrives well indoors involves choosing the right succulent variety. Some plants grow well outdoors and some grow well indoors–and some do both! So before you bring succulents to your office, make sure that they do well indoors. To such succulents belong Aloe Vera, Echeveria, Crown of Thorns, to name just a few. No doubt when buying a plant you can always see the specification, and whether the succulent does well indoors. Outright outdoor succulents need more light exposure, and they won’t do well in office environment.

Fast draining soil is important because of the office humidity

Soil that absorbs and retains too much moisture and water is not good for succulent plants, especially in the office, where air is often humid, and sun does not help with drying the soil. In such conditions, planting your succulents into the right soil gains utmost importance. This is because succulents already have stored water in their leaves and stems. When planted in soil that is constantly wet, they will eventually die due to root rot. The perfect soil for succulents is fast-draining soil (click here to check my recommended soil on Amazon). It helps drains the excess water during and retain just enough moisture for your beloved plants. 

 

Pot with a drainage hole is a must in an office with close windows or no windows

A pot without drainage is dangerous to succulents as it stores water at the bottom. The stored water will then cause root rot, and this can again happen more frequently in an office or another space with no sunlight, since the soil and the water in the saucer won’t simply evaporate. The combination of the pot with a drainage hole and fast-draining soil keeps the succulent plant safe from over-watering. The excess water will just flow through the drainage hole. Only the needed moisture remains in the pot, and your office succulent will thrive. 

 

When sun is missing, succulents need artificial light to thrive

At the beginning of this post, I have mentioned the importance of light source for succulent plants. When indoors, the best practice is to place the succulent plant near the window to allow the plant to somehow get the light it needs. However, if you are growing succulent in an office with no window, you need some sort of alternative light source. For my indoor succulents, I use grow light (check my recommended grow light on Amazon) especially in winter. You can do the same, if it is allowed in your office. Better consult it with your boss, because no doubt a grow light consumes some electricity, and typically someone else pays the bill. Hence it is important to discuss it with your superior. Do not forget to tell them though that succulents impact you positively in your work, and the little extra money they pay for electricity will be compensated for with your higher productivity. In my case, the light in my office seemed to be sufficient for the two plants I have them, and I haven’t notice any problems with the plant so far. What I also did was that I replaced the plant with another succulent plant once every month just to have another vibrant living plant on my desk. Maybe it helped my succulents survive in an office, that they weren’t there non-stop, but after a short stint at work with me they returned back to garden, or at least to a place with access to sunlight.  

Final words

Growing succulents in an office with no window presents some challenges, especially if you don’t know what you are doing, and what succulents you are growing. But it doesn’t mean that succulents cannot do well in spaces without windows. What you need to do is to make sure that you provide them appropriate soil, pot, water, and sunlight.Hopefully the information I shared here with you will help you to do so.

 

Do succulents attract bugs?

Succulents do not normally attract bugs, unless they are over-watered. The constant wet soil attracts bugs, and in a long run it may ruin the succulent, or the entire garden. The most common bugs succulents suffer from are mealy bugs, scales, aphids, spider mites, white flies, fungus gnats, and ants. If you do not address the problem early and properly,it can cause death to your plants. Let me show you some simple remedies to eliminate bugs in your succulents, and make sure they stay safe from them for a foreseeable future. Let’s have a look at a remedy for all of the most common bugs that may bother your succulents, both indoors and outdoors.

Cotton swab may help you get rid of mealy bugs

Mealybugs are some of the most common pests on succulents. These creatures are tiny with gray or light brown color. You know that your succulents are infested if you notice a white cottony substance. Also, mealy bugs produce sugary substances that invite molds. When that happens, the plants become vulnerable to fungal and bacterial infections, and the entire problem escalates. Such a simple thing as a cotton swab will help you treat the mealybug issue. Dip the swab in rubbing alcohol and directly apply it to the affected area of the plant especially on the white cottony substance. This is the simplest and safest method to get rid of the bugs. The second thing you can do is to spray rubbing alcohol on the white cottony substance. This is better if you want a quick result. You can use pure alcohol or you can dilute it with water. Either way is safe for the plants. Another idea is to use soap diluted in water and spray it onto the affected areas. However, it is important to remember that mealybugs do not retreat easily. It takes a few “spraying sessions” before you completely remove them from your plants. Having said that, I suggest that you repeat the treatment several times. During the treatment process, it is also important that you isolate the affected plants from the healthy ones to prevent the bugs spreading to other plants in your garden or house.

The best way of getting rid of scales is simply removing them from the plant

The second common insect that could damage succulents is scale. This insect comes in two types: the armored and soft ones. Either of these two can potentially bring problems to your succulent plants. The common signs of scale insects are small brown bumps on the succulents. Scale insects’  favorite is the sap of the succulents which will, in turn, cause the plants vulnerable to disease. The first and the quickest way to get rid of scales is by removing them from the plant. You can do it by hand or scrape them from the affected areas. The next method you can use is applying alcohol to the affected area. You can use a cotton swab dip in rubbing alcohol and directly apply it to the bugs. Aside from using a cotton swab, you can also spray the bugs directly with pure alcohol or a mixture of alcohol and water. Like mealy bugs, scale insects do not leave the succulent plants easily. In some instances, you need to repeat the treatment process several times to achieve the desired results.  

Neem oil is a great remedy against Aphids

The third type of insect that commonly infests succulents are aphids. These insects suck the leaves and even stems of the succulent plants.They  secrete sugary substances making the affected succulent plants susceptible to mold. As you can see, aphids are dangerous to succulent plants and you need to treat them. The quick remedy to is spraying the plants with a mixture of water and soap. Make sure to target the affected areas. Other strategies may involve neem oil. Many succulent growers use neem oil to treat aphids. Mix 1 tablespoon of neem oil with 8 cups of water. Spray the affected areas with the mixture and wait for a miracle. When using neem oil mixture, make sure that you spray the plants at night. Avoid doing it during the day, because it could burn the plant.  

Plants heavily affected affected by spider mites must be repotted

These tiny intruders are so tiny that many people won’t even notice them. Succulents that are attacked by spider mites usually turn into almost white and silvery color. This is because these mites suck the sap from their leaves and stems. If you see these in your plants, make sure that you isolate the affected ones. Spider mites infestation can jump to other plants easily, so isolating the affected ones is really the first step you should take. The quickest way to get rid of spider mites is by applying rubbing alcohol onto the mites and the affected areas. You can also use a dish soap diluted in water. Spray it directly onto the spider mites and affected areas. This should scare the mites. Repeat the process if necessary. Remember though that these strategies only work well in less severe cases of infestation. If plants are already heavily affected, repotting the plants is the best idea. In some instances, starting with a new plant is actually the only option. Consider the costs and everything. Getting rid of spider mites may be tricky, cost you lot of effort and money. Sometimes getting a new plant is the right choice…  

Whiteflies do not like alcohol diluted in water

If you have leafy succulents, I am almost sure you’ve seen whiteflies at least once. It seems that leafy succulents are the favorite plants of whiteflies. The problem with these flies is that they produce honeydew which will make the affected plants susceptible to mold and other issues. Luckily, rubbing alcohol diluted in water, or soapy water instead of alcohol, sprayed on affected areas will eventually help you get rid of whiteflies. In my experience though, you have to repeat the process at least five times, but of course this happens on many factors (most importantly the severeness of infestation).

Fungus gnats are almost always the result of over-watering

Fungus gnats are common in over-watered succulents. If the soil remains wet for a long period of time, it attracts fungus. Fungus gnats will stay in your plants as a result. Because fungus gnats are caused by constant wet soil, the best remedy is to minimize the watering of the plant. Allow the soil to dry. The fungus does not like dry soil. In severe cases, change the soil of the succulent. Make sure that you use fast-draining soil next time you plant your succulents. Using the right soil and pot is 90% of success when it comes to issues of plant over-watering.  

Ants do not kill the plants–they can live in harmony with them

Ants are not naturally harmful to succulent plants. But if your succulents are affected by the insects I mentioned before, especially aphids or whiteflies, there is a high chance that the sugary substances that insects produce will invite ants. And while a few ants do not not any harm, and army of ants will definitely cause some damage to succulent plants. And even if it does not, you no doubt do not want to have many ants in your home or garden… Spray the ants with insecticidal soap. You can also spray the ants with a mixture of alcohol and water. Repeat the process until the ants are totally gone. However, keep in mind that ants do not come to any plant without a reason. If you want to get rid of them for good, you need to address the root cause (such as aphids).  

Final thoughts

Bugs are not a common problem in succulent plants. But there are times when succulents do attract bugs. This happens when the soil is constantly wet for a long period of time. As discussed, there are many potential threats to succulent plants. However, the good news is that we know quick and simple remedies for most of them.

 

Should you pull leaves of your succulents?

It isn’t hard to grow succulents, which is one of the reasons why they are so popular all around the world. But sometimes they need a but of attention, such as pruning the old leaves. However, if you are new to growing succulents, you may wonder whether you can just pull off some old leaves that have turned yellow or brown. My quick answer is yes. However, you need to make sure that you don’t damage the stem, healthy leaves, and roots of the plant. Remember that succulents do not have a deep rooting system–that’s because they come from semi-desert areas and in such areas they cannot build a deep rooting system, and hence they are easy to uproot. Using a sharp cutting tool is hence a better idea than trying to pull the leaves just with your hand, and uprooting your beautiful succulent in the process. I also want to stress here that wilting is a natural biological process for succulent plants. It is something you should not worry about unless it is caused by disease or pests. In fact succulents “drop” old leaves so new freshly green leaves can replace them.  

How to dispatch the dead leaves (how to prune your succulents)?

You can definitely just tear the dead leaf  off. However, because of the possibility that you will possibly damage some parts of the plant, it is better to do it in a safe way. As I already mentioned, using cutting tools is a good idea. You don’t have to spend money on this. A sharp knife or a cutter from your kitchen will do. You can also use bonsai scissors (click here to check my recommended scissors on Amazon), should you want to feel like a professional gardener, or should you simply grow many succulents and prune plants regularly. Scissors are super easy to use, and you will save some time with them. It is also important to consider the season when you trim your plants. Spring is the best season for trimming, but in my personal experience, you won’t harm your plants trimming them any time of the year.

Guide on how to trim succulents

Let me give you a few actionable tips that will help you take best possible care of your succulent plants. First one: decide which part of your succulents you want to trim. If you have a mini succulent garden going on, you should consider planning how you want your succulents to look like. If they are on separate pots, then you should also plan out how much of the plant leaves you to want to cut off. Second one: Before moving on to the actual cutting part, you may want to prepare a bowl or basin. Add water and household bleach with a nine to one ratio. Then soak the cutting tool in it. This is to ensure that the bonsai scissors or the knife you are using are disinfected. Third: When cutting dead leaves, consider the type of your succulent. If your succulent looks somewhat like Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum Tectorum), which has a crown shape, avoid cutting the center of its crown. You will have to locate the inflamed part of the plant and cut about a quarter-inch above its bump. If your succulent looks like Burro’s Tail or donkey tail plant (Sedum Morganianum), you should just cut the dead leaves. However, if the stem or the root is damaged, you can cut it off.  

You can use your cuttings to propagate your succulents

Now that you have the cuttings, you can propagate them. Let me again suggest you a few steps, just to make sure you will achieve the best possible results. First: consider the type of plant. If you want to propagate succulents like Tree Houseleek (Aeonium), make sure to leave at least 5 to 7 inches from the stem. After letting it dry, you can replant them by putting them in about 7 inches below the ground. Wait until it grows back to life. If you are done trimming the excess leaves and branches off your sappy plants, make sure you put the trimmed leaves in a clean container. Leave them there for a day or two to let them dry off and callous. The cooler the season, the longer you have to wait for your plants to dry. It is necessary to let it dry so it will not rot. You should also take note that you do not have to water the new succulents immediately. On the contrary,  wait for a few days before watering. This is because too much moisture may lead the plant to decay. As the sprouts start to grow, you may now water them sparingly, again with caution. Always remember that small plant does not need as much water as an adult plant–it is much smaller, and hence there’s not space for it to store the water or use it…  

Final thoughts

It is okay to pull leaves off succulents especially the dead and dried ones. However, you need to be careful not to damage the other parts of the plants. The safest way though is to use cutting tools like a knife or scissors. When pulling leaves just with your hand, it can sometimes happen that you uproot your succulent, or damage it in another way. There’s a reason why professional gardeners use scissors and gloves and do not trim their plants with bare hands. Learn from the pros. You do not need to spend hundreds or anything similar. Just get one excellent bonsai scissors, and always clean them before trimming your plants (to make sure you do not transfer some infestation or disease from one plant to another).  

 

How long can succulents live without soil?

Every succulent grower knows that succulents are unique plants, with their specific needs when it comes to water, soil, nutrients, and light. Succulents can survive in many types of soil, but they can thrive only in fast-draining soil. What many people do not realize though is that in some instances instances a succulent can survive without soil. Just like we can survive for some time without food, or even without water. But we cannot sustain such a lack for a long time, and the same is true for succulents. So, how long will a succulent survive with no soil? Succulents can live for a couple of days without any soil. This is because there are always some nutrients “in their body”, that means in the roots, stems, leaves, and succulent can survive living from its “reserves” for a few days. As a rule of a thumb, the bigger the succulent, the longer it will survive without soil.   

Succulent arrangements in beautiful pots with no soil

You might have seen some wonderful succulent arrangements in beautiful pots. In most cases, those arrangements do not have soil. It triggers questions whether they need soil at all. Well, as you know, like other plants succulents need soil to thrive. If you see succulents planted in just rocks or sand, those are just for short term arrangement–just like on an exhibition, or in a shop window, to attract the eye of the passersby. Succulents can go for a couple of days without soil. As a rule of a thumb though, you should plant them in a fast draining soil (check my favorite succulent soil on Amazon).

Why do succulents need soil?

Succulent plants are not epiphyte plants, special natural species that can survive by just attaching themselves to the branches of the trees. Succulents rely on the soil as their primary source of nutrients. However, it is also very important to remember that succulents do not survive long in a compact or garden soil, or at least they won’t reach their full potential in it. These plants need a soil that does not absorb or retain too much water in it, to keep it nicely dry. Succulents also do not need nutrient-rich soil. The best soil for succulents is the one composed of organic and inorganic materials. Soil like this provides just the right amount of nutrients, good aeration, and drainage, simply a combo succulents love and thrive in. Although succulent arrangements without soil are beautiful and fun to see, they are not designed for long term amusement. Keep it on your mind next time you see such an arrangement and wonder whether you should not make one at home 🙂  

Can you do something to increase the time succulents can survive with no soil

Now you know that succulents do not thrive long without soil. But if you really want to make a driftwood arrangement, you might be wondering if there is a way to somehow prolong their lifespan in such an environment, or at least make sure they won’t wilt away in a few days. And I have good news for you: it is possible. Just add fertilizer or other nutrient sources. The quickest way is to add diluted fertilizer for about a ¼ strength into the water and use it when you water the plant. Because succulents do not need nutrient-rich soil, it will be enough for them to maintain their present condition, and they will survive even if they have no soil around their roots. The second thing you can do is to add moss or coir into the driftwood. You can just attach the succulents on the coir or moss. These organic materials will serve as the main nutrient sources for the succulents while there is no soil around. If you do this, make sure that you lightly mist the moss or coir to provide enough water and also prevent the plant from dying. When using sphagnum moss (affiliate link), however, you don’t need to mist it regularly. This is because it holds the moisture.

 

Can succulents grow in shallow soil?

Succulents usually have shallow roots. This means that they can grow in shallow soil. in fact, most of my succulents are planted in a shallow pot. As the succulents grow, their roots spread out throughout the pot. What I found is that succulents grow well in a 4-inch deep container. I always use pots with drainage holes. This is very important for succulents to drain excess water during watering. Pots without drainage hole are not good for succulents. The excess water will store at the bottom of the pot which will in turn cause root rot. But shallow soil and shallow pot is definitely good.  

Final thoughts

Although succulents can live without soil, they can not thrive long without it. Soil is their primary nutrient source, and if they lack it, they will lose their natural color and eventually wilt. However, succulents do not need nutrient-rich soil. What they need is soil that provides aeration and drainage. Avoid pure garden soil because it holds too much water which will cause root rot. When you want to try putting a succulent plant in a beautiful arrangement without soil, make sure that you provide fertilizer or other nutrient sources such as moss or coir.  

 

Is it fine to water succulents at night?

Watering succulents at the right time is essential to keep them healthy. But many succulent growers, especially the newbies ,wonder whether or not a watering can be done at a certain time of the day. Some growers believe that watering succulents at night is better than during the day. However, because this is not a common practice, many have found it unconventional. Let me put things straight now:

It is perfectly OK to water succulents at night. In fact, it is a better time to do it than during the day. This is because succulents use Crassulacean Acid Metabolism or CAM, a photosynthesis process. In other words, they get more benefit from watering at night than they do during the day. Another reason such a schedule makes sense is that succulent leaves and stems can be damaged when hit by those droplets. The heat from the sun makes the droplets hot which could in turn damage the wet parts of the plant.

But of course, watering succulents in the morning seems to have some advantages as well. During the day, when the temperature is high, the water or moisture in the soil will quickly evaporate. This means that your plants will be safe from over-watering, which is actually the no. 1 reason why succulents die.  

Proper way of watering your succulents

Now that you already know the best time to water succulents, you should learn how to actually do it 🙂 Keep in mind that succulents differ to other plants. They cannot survive if you apply the same watering strategies you often apply with hardy plants in your garden.

The most important thing is that succulents don’t like to get their leaves and stem soaked in water. When watering, make sure you direct the stream of water directly to the soil, avoiding watering the leaves. I know what I am talking about there, because I made exactly the same mistake when I started my career of a succulent grower. Most of my succulent plants died as a result. But times have changes, I have learned from my mistakes, and blogs like this one exist, so you can learn everything about excellent care for your succulents. Yes, there are many factors that determine the health and longevity of your succulent plants. In this post,  however, I want to focus on the right watering technique. And as far as watering succulent plants goes, it is important to understand that indoor and outdoor succulents have different needs.

Watering succulents indoors

The indoor environment has less airflow and light so it takes time for the water and moisture to evaporate. Logically indoor succulents require less frequent watering. The best watering method is in my experience the soak and dry method. It consists in soaking the soil and letting the excess water to drain. And never water the soil again until the soil becomes completely dry. But you can only use this method if you are using a pot with a drainage hole. Avoid soaking the soil if the pot has no draining hole. It will only cause rot of the roots, and your plant will eventually die.

 

Watering succulents outdoors

Watering outdoors is easier than watering indoors. The reason is simple: the outdoor environment has better airflow and high temperature. So the moisture will quickly dry. And moisture is an enemy no. 1 to your succulent plants.

You can use any watering tools to water your succulents. Just make sure to soak the soil and not the plant. Then water again as the soil gets dried. Remember that succulent plants do not like to sit in wet soil for a couple of days. You can apply these techniques when watering succulents at night. The next question obviously is: how often should you water succulents?  

Ideal watering frequency for your succulent plants

The watering frequency for succulents differs in various climates. What works in one location may not yield the desired results in another one. In most cases though, a 10-14-day watering interval will do the trick. Remember though that it depends on the location and the season.

However, the best watering schedule that works well in all areas is the soak and dry method. With this technique, there is no exact timeline to follow. The frequency is dependent on the moisture of the soil. Logically during summer when the environment is so much hotter than during fall or winter, you will water your succulents more frequently. On the other hand, during winter, when the environment is a lot colder, the moisture tends to last longer, and you may need to water the plants just occasionally.

By soaking the soil, all succulent roots will have access to water. This will in turn help the plant develop a larger and more stable root system. This will help succulents to become more resilient to drought.

Final thoughts

Watering succulents at the correct time is crucial for their health. Although succulents can be watered at any time of the day (if you wish to), the best time is at night. This is because succulents use the CAM photosynthesis process. It means that they benefit the most from the water at night. I hope that it helps you come up with the right watering decisions for your succulent plants.  

 

How to tell if a succulent leave is callous?

The beauty about succulents is that they are easy to propagate and maintain. You can propagate from both stems and leaves. However, in this post, we will just talk about leaf propagation. Obviously the first step is to pick a leaf that you want to propagate and start the process. Then, let the leaf to callous before planting it to its permanent pot. But how to tell the right time, how to tell when it is ready to be planted? You’ll know when the bottom where the cut was made becomes nice and dry instead of wet. It will look like sealed as well, which is a big difference when we compare it to a fresh cut. During the process of callousing, make sure to keep the leaf out of the direct sunlight. Just leave it on top of a paper towel, and it will do its thing for a few days. Once calloused, you can lay the leaf on top of the fast-draining soil.

In a few weeks, the leaf will develop roots and babies. As the roots established, you can plant it in a small pot first. At this point, watering should be controlled and really limited to bare minimum. Once the roots are more established, you can mist them once every two days. You need to adjust this to the temperatures of the immediate surroundings. To make clear, I have included in this post a few steps in propagating succulents from leaves. This step by step tips are helpful especially if you are a beginner. Let’s start!

 

How to acclimatize succulents to full sun?

Growing succulents indoors and wanting to transfer outdoors, you may wonder how to do it in a way that won’t harm the plants. In this post, I will share with my personal experience with acclimating succulents, what I learned in the process, and what mistakes you should avoid. Remember that succulents that have been indoors for long may die if you bring them straight outdoors, especially if you live somewhere where the sun is blazing. You need to be careful during this process, unless you want to replace most of your plants with new ones…  

Success lies in knowing your plants

The success boils down to understanding the very nature of your plants. Some succulents love partial sun while others prefer full sun, and as much of it ass they can get. If you don’t know what type of succulents you have, however, or its sun preferences, you can gradually expose the plant to indirect sunlight for half an hour or hour a day. Then every two days try to increase the exposure. If you don’t see any negative reaction, gradually place them under direct sunlight. One thing to remember here though is that, sometimes, during the first sunlight exposure succulents may have signs of sunburn. If you notice this in your plants, reduce the exposure to sun immediately.  The best time to take your succulents to sun is in the morning, because the morning sun is not too hot for any plants. During the afternoon, however, I keep my plants in shade to keep them safe from sunburn. Of course, it also depends on where you live, because in some places the sun will never be too strong–either for humans or for plants.

Timing is everything when it comes to acclimatization

Succulents’ acclimatization usually happens after a cold season. This is when I usually return most of my indoors plants outdoors. But when and how to do acclimation? What works really well with my succulent plants is to take them outside when the temperature does not drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit all day long. With such temperature I know they are completely safe from adverse effects they may get from staying in a cold climate. If you have soft succulents, remember that they are the most vulnerable to extreme cold temperatures.You have to be sure that they are safe outside. If after bringing them outside the temperatures drops again below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (for any reason), bring them back inside. Most soft succulents cannot withstand freezing temperatures even for a day or two.  

Too hot isn’t a good temperature either

Succulents accustomed to indoors environment may easily get sunburned outside. One of the most common signs of sunburn is the discoloring of the leaves, as they turn mostly brown. When you notice brown spots, it is an indicator that your plant is probably getting too much sunlight. If it is the case, you can save the succulents by moving them into the shade. A shade cloth can be a good cover to use (click here to check my favorite and recommended shade cloth on Amazon), if you prefer to (or have to) still keep them outside, regardless of the temperature.

Watering also changes once you acclimatize your succulents

During summer it is always hotter outdoors than indoors. This means that the humidity is lower too–at least in most regions, and succulents need more water than when you grow them indoors. In this instance, you need to adjust your watering schedule, and I always recommend the soak and dry method–which is the best in both summer and winter! Soak the soil totally and then allow it to dry. Water again only when the soil is completely dry. Make sure that you are using pots with drainage holes. There should be a way for an excess water to drain at the bottom of the pot, so your plants do not suffer from over-watering.

 

Pests can attack freshly transferred succulents

Placing succulents outdoors makes them more vulnerable not only to sunburn, but also diseases and pests. Squirrels can be one of the worst threats you may face with your plants. These small creatures can rip your succulents out of their pots. Sometimes, squirrels eat the leaves of the succulents. and while the plant won’t necessarily die, it will lose a lot from its beauty. I have learned that dressing succulent soil with rocks prevents the squirrels from digging. If you want additional protection against these intruders, you can also sprinkle the soil with Cayenne pepper (check this one on Amazon). Once they smell the pepper they will start sneezing and this unpleasant experience will keep them away from your plants. Apart from squirrels, you might also encounter mealy bugs and other fungal infections on your plants. Fortunately, there are simple ways to combat these tiny enemies.

 

Do succulents actually like full sun?

In order  to grow healthily, succulents needs sunlight. Native to semi-desert areas, what they are accustomed to (and genetically preconditioned to) is lot of sun and little of water.  But do they thrive in full, direct sunlight?

In my personal experience, vast majority of succulents are not capable to survive under the full sun for a prolonged period of time. They love a lot of light ,but they need protection against the scourging sun. High temperatures can kill succulents. The smaller your plants, the more vulnerable they are to such a damage. Aside from the full sun, succulents don’t like too much water and moisture. But this does not mean that they can survive without water.

Both sunlight and water are important to allow succulents to grow well. However, just like with us humans, too much of good things will eventually harm us. The same is truth with the plants. Let me share with you a few ideas that will make you and your plants happy.

 

Good air circulation is the key, regardless of sun exposure

Succulents can live indoors. I have many succulents inside my house and they are thriving. Examples are aloe and kalanchoe. There are other varieties that have the same characteristics. However, not all succulents do well indoors. Most of them love arid climates and good air circulation–just like they would get in a semi-desert. If you really want to see succulents grow to their potential aesthetic character, give them enough air to breathe.

This is the reason why most succulents do better outside than inside. I also do recommend succulents in the terrarium. Placing succulents in such a small space prohibits them to get enough air, and they suffer from poor aeration. In such conditions even optimal exposure to sunlight won’t ensure that they will grow to full beauty.

Protect your plants from direct sunlight

The morning sun is the best for succulents. When the temperature reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you better protect your succulents with shade. The baby succulents are even more prone to sunburn from exposure to direct sunlight. Another sign of a vulnerable succulent is the color. Succulents with green, variegated, or pale spine are vulnerable to sunburn.

If you want to keep succulents outdoors, choose the varieties that have blue, red, or with a spine. These types of succulents are native to almost desert areas, and they are accustomed to direct sunlight.

Sun is fine but frost is not

There are many species of succulents. Some of them can survive frost, but some cannot. It is very important that you know what variety of succulents you are growing. Knowing their weakness is an essential in deciding when to take them inside.

If you are growing soft succulents, they couldn’t withstand freezing temperature. Bring those beautiful plants inside, and once the spring returns and with it hotter days, you can take them outside again…

When bringing succulents inside, however, new challenge presents itself–the source of light. They need sun exposure. What you can do is place them in the window still, so they get at least some indirect sunlight each day. Another option is getting a grow light (check my recommended grow light on Amazon). Grow lights are a good alternative to natural light, and in certain circumstances they are your beast bet.

Final thoughts

Succulents do need sunlight, but they cannot withstand full sun throughout the day. You need to protect them by providing shade. They need sunlight exposure in the morning, not in the afternoon. If you leave them under the scourging sun, there is a high chance that they will get burned, and may eventually die.

 

Do succulents like humidity?

Humidity is the presence of water vapor in the air. High humidity means that there is a considerable amount of water in the air. Such a situation often manifests in a fog or a morning mist. No doubt this phenomenon is beautiful for the eye. But what about the succulents? Can they survive, let alone thrive in a humid environment? 

As a rule of a thumb, succulents do not like humidity because it adds to the moisture of the soil, which is one of the top reasons why your succulents may star rotting, wilting, and eventually dying. What’s more, humidity could also trigger fungal problems of the plant, because all sorts of fungi enjoy humid and wet conditions–if helps their ability to multiply.

Humidity & sun–good combination for succulents

Succulents are hardy plants, and they can sustain a lot. Most of them can tolerate a humid environment, as long as it does not last for too long, since rotting is the ultimate result of high humidity experienced over a prolonged period of time. At the end of the day, succulents are accustomed to semi-desert areas, and humidity is not common to such areas.

However, what you can do with your succulents in a case of a humid weather is that you expose them to the sun. After rain there is always sun as they say. Succulents love some hours of direct sunlight exposure every day. So if it is humid in your area in the morning, or if you experience a bout of rainy weather, just make sure to place them in the sun anytime possible, to make sure their soil dries again and they won’t be prone to rotting.

Beginner’s guide on humidity and light for succulents

Giving your succulents a dose of sunlight every day is probably the best remedy. It is not always possible though. What I found difficult is to transfer my indoor succulents back and forth to the sun. I have plenty of succulents indoor that need sunlight. This means that I should bring them outside every morning and bring them back inside some four to six hours later.

If you are working a regular job, the task becomes almost impossible. The second problem that I encounter is the weight of the pots of my plants. If you have succulent arrangements, the pots are usually bigger than those with single succulent planted in them. In this situation, transferring a plant back and forth simply takes time and a lot of effort. Sure, it can be a good exercise for your body if you feel like exercising. But that’s not the case on every day. Let me give you some tips that can help you save this effort, and that relate to keeping your succulents healthy even in a humid environment.

Place the succulents near the windows to maximize the exposure to light

Placing the succulents close to the window allows them to catch some sunlight in the morning, or anytime a sun shines outside. It can help with reducing humidity on the leaves and in the soil, and preventing the eventual issues.

Ideally you should choose a window that’s oriented towards sun, that means south, south-east, or south-west. It makes a little sense placing a succulent on a window that remains in a shade all day long… Remember that plants need sun to thrive. Give it to them, and you’ll reap rewards in the form of their beautiful leaves and colors.

Use grow light in humid areas

High humidity usually occurs during the cold season. This is also the time when the sun is almost invisible in the sky. Putting your succulents close to the windows may not work in such conditions. The plants just cannot get enough sunlight, especially if there’s no sunlight :).

In such cases I recommend you to use grow light (check my favorite grow light on Amazon, * please note that this is an affiliate link and I may earn a few cents at no extra costs to you if you purchase the produce). Grow light can do all the difference for your succulents in winter. It does not only reduce humidity but also helps the succulents get the required amount of light every day.

Will high humidity harm your succulents?

Definitely it will, unless you take the precautions I just described. Back when I was just starting as a grower of succulents, I did not know what to do during the humid season. All my succulents were left outdoors. Not surprisingly, many of them died. I did not even think that high humidity was the cause. As I already mentioned, most succulents will develop fungal problems in humid conditions, or they will start rotting.

This usually occurs especially if you are growing soft succulents (Echeverias, Aeoniums, Senecios, etc). These types of succulents cannot tolerate extreme conditions, and humidity is extreme for the succulents.  They are simply more vulnerable than other varieties.

Final Thoughts

Succulents would love an indoor environment as long as it isn’t very humid. In most cases, succulents grow well in an environment with 70%-90% humidity, at least if they get the desired amount of sunlight every day.

Some succulents though are more sensitive than others. What I found is that succulents grow better in non-air-conditioned space. Air-conditioned spaces are even more humid, and there’s perhaps something else the plants do not like about them.

At the end of the day, there are some succulent varieties that can withstand high humidity. Hence growing succulents successfully in humid seasons requires a good understanding of your plants and their needs. And if you are not sure, you can always use some grow light to get them the extra support they need in humid conditions and indoors.

 

Can succulents survive without natural light?

If you are living in a cold area where the sun barely shows up, you probably ask the same question. For us, humans, lack of sun exposure isn’t too good. But what about the plants, and the succulents in particular? Let me start with saying that succulents are versatile plants. They can survive with minimal care–that’s why they are wild plants as well, living lonely in semi-desert areas, pleasing the eye of an occasional passersby. But can they survive without natural light? The answer is yes. Succulents can survive with no natural light whatsoever. They can grow or without exposure to either direct or indirect sunlight. Succulents can live in apartments, offices, and other places with no natural light, and also no windows (though it is sad, many of us work in such an office). Succulents can thrive under artificial light. But using artificial light is quite complicated as it requires a specific amount of light needed, in order for the succulents to grow well instead of getting burned as one extreme, or deprived of light as another. Let me tell you how to do it right,  

Growing succulents indoors under artificial light

Growing succulents using artificial light requires around 15 watts per square foot of illumination. While using fluorescent light, succulents should be placed 12 – 15 inches under the light. The higher the wattage the light has, the farther you should place your succulents–to avoid them from getting burned. Plants do well if the duration of light is constant. About 12 – 18 hours exposure a day is best for the succulents, in my personal experience. As I already mentioned, using artificial lights can be challenging, especially if you’re a beginner. You need to use reflectors to catch and concentrate as much light as you can into each plant. You also have to rotate the plant every two weeks to make it grow evenly, and ensure that all parts get some light exposure. Related: Can Succulents Grow in Shade?

What is the difference between LED Grow Light and Regular light? Which one is better for succulents?

Grow lights have specific light spectrum wavelengths and support photosynthesis. This is why it is good to use them for indoor plants, such as succulents. It is also convenient for homes as it uses low energy but produces great power. Grow lights are good for growing succulents. The only problem is that they are more expensive than normal lights. Regular lights, on the other hand, are of course less expensive. They can do as artificial lights for indoor succulents, but they tend to be hotter, and can easily burn the plants.  

What grow lights should I buy?

In choosing grow lights, price is only one of the things you need to consider. You can buy either the cheap or the expensive light. As you may already know, quality always has its price. Let me give you a quick list of 4 lights I have personally used in the past–the list should help you decide which one to buy. 1. JumpStart Grow Light System – This light is ideal for seedlings, cuttings, flowers, and house plants, especially for succulents. It’s effective as it grows seedlings faster with 15-20% more lumen. Also, it uses a simple toggle clamp for easy lamp height adjustment. Some advantages:

• Comes with a built-in timer
• Easy to use and schedule with a single press of the button
• With adjustable height
• Easy to assemble
• With T5 grow light output

2. DuroLux T5 Grow Light – This light is 30% more light than other light systems. It has a 2000 lumen-light output – a powerful grow system indeed. Some features:

• Comes with a 20000 Lumen that produces a high light output
• With 95% reflectivity
• Comes with chains and hooks for easy installation
• With 8™ power cord
• Easy to adjust the light output using two switches
• One of the safest grow lights on the market
• With 5-year warranty

3. Nova LED Grow Light – This light keeps plants cool and it also has low power usage making it convenient for homes. They also added a secondary magnifying lens to every bulb, to make sure you use the power for the greatest possible effect.

• One of the best grow lights in the market
• One of the most efficient lights that saves your energy
• Also, the safest grow light you can use for the plants

4. Agrobrite Fluorescent Grow Light System–It includes 4 6400K T5 tubes and has up to 20,000 Lumens. It is also convenient to use for plants as it has three ways to hang overhead, vertical or horizontal.

• Comes with 8 6400K T5 tubes
• With steel housing
• Offers three ways to install including overhead, vertical, and horizontal
• With 10™ power cord
• Can produce up to 40,000 lumen

Is LED grow light good for succulent plants?

LED or Light Emitting Diodes are small yet efficient bulbs used to customize the light spectrum, and typically used in a panel to emanate more than one wavelength at a time. This makes LED effective grow light for all growth stages. It is a monochromatic source of light designed to provide the right spectrum for the growth of your plants. LEDs  save both power and space, making it convenient for growing succulents. Using other regular lights can be dangerous to succulents as they might burn the plant due to high temperatures. In contrast, LEDs do not generate much heat making them safe and perfect for indoor succulents. LED bulbs are also different as they are customizable which means you can choose different color wavelengths. Check my favorite LED grow light on Amazon. In my experience, succulents under this light grow as well as they do under natural light!  

Final Thoughts

Succulents can thrive indoors, but in order to do so they need a regular source of light. You can place your succulents near the window to expose them to natural light in the morning. If this is not possible, you can use one of the grow lights I just described. Choose one that fits both your needs and the needs of your plants. And don’t forget that light isn’t the only thing your succulents need indoors.

 

Is it OK to mist your succulents?

Misting is an “act” of gentle watering, at least when compared to direct watering. Sprinkling some water on the plant, the leaves, the stem, but also the ground, with a sprinkler or spray bottle, or any other fitting tool-that’s what misting is all about. But do succulents like it? And is it necessary? I will try to answer the questions on the following lines. 

To start with, misting is beneficial to the majority of succulent varieties. Actually, you can gently mist your succulents in about 2-4 days interval, or simple 1-2 times per week. If you live in arid and dry climate, or have your succulents outdoors where they get a lot of sunlight, you can mist them every 3-4 days. Just be sure that you mist only the surface soil of your succulent, instead of soaking it wet, which may result in over-watering and subsequent issues. 

For those in colder places, you can mist your succulents once a week. Just give them enough sunlight and day-interval for them to sip all the water. Misting helps greatly in propagation and pruning of succulents. It maintains the moisture of the plant and gives your succulent an easy recovery and growth, so when you want to take a leaf off (for propagation purposes), the process is smooth and the plant does not suffer.

 

Misting succulents before pruning them

When it comes to pruning, you can actually mist first your succulent before you proceed to cut the parts, especially if your succulent has leaves, like echeveria, aeonium, and kalanchoe. Misting the soil will provide them enough water to strengthen their stems or core, and pruning should not cause them trauma, or a hard time, just because the soil was too dry during pruning or cutting.

During propagation, it is important to remember that misting is a vital process especially in creating a recovery soil. You must prepare a good soil for your succulents’ parts and maintain its moisture, in order to make sure the plants can successfully propagate and reproduce.

A good recovery soil is moistened or can be misted for at least 1-3 times a week depending on the dryness and amount of sunlight your recovery pot received. If your recovery soil with propagated parts is in direct sunlight, you can mist it 2-3 times a week with short interval. If the recovery pot is in shade and in colder places, 1-2 times per week would do.

 

Clay and plastic pot are good for succulents you mist

Propagating succulents is a sensitive process. It is important to have a regular watering schedule to maintain the moisture of the plant. In propagating succulents, you can have a large shallow pot with drainage holes that serves as your “recovery pot”. Pots made up of plastic or clay, compare to metallic containers, are a better choice.

Clay and plastic pots are good at maintaining the right temperature for the plant and give it a balanced amount of water and heat. Metallic pots will trap excess heat keeping the temperature a little unbalanced for the plant causing it is a more rapid water loss that may lead your plant to under watering and wrinkling.

 

Mist one or two times per week after replanting a succulent

When replanting young succulents, prepare your soil exactly as the soil in your recovery pot. You can mist it for at least 1-2 times per week. But be cautious for it is too fragile, and such a young succulent can die, especially if you over-water it. It may rot or form molds that will surely affect the growth of your plant.

When replanting mature succulents, there is no need to exert delicate care because they are less fragile. You can actually water or mist them once a week or every other week.

Related: How to Prepare Soil for Succulent?

 

Misting plays a role in succulent fertilization

Misting and watering also plays a big role in fertilizing succulents. It maintains the quality of the soil, the compactness of the arrangement and its roots, and it improves the color and speeds up the growth of your succulent.

For indoor succulents, you can fertilize them once a year. Just be sure that you give them enough sunlight and water to cater to the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium induced to the soil by the fertilizers. For outdoor succulents, you can give them fertilizer twice a year (one in fall and one in spring or once every 6 months).  

Misting spreads evenly the application of fertilizers especially the direct-application or dissolved fertilizer. You can also spray or sprinkle the soil of your arrangement, and then mist it with water. Some growers prefer the manure tea fertilizers, because aside from being hundred percent organic, it is safer and easy to use when compared to other fertilizers.

 

Misting plays little role in the life of mature succulents

Mature succulents have already developed their capacity to hold water in their structure, their leaves, stems, and roots. Logically they do not need misting or frequent watering. It is best for their soil to stay dry for a couple of weeks or even months before watering again. Excessive water will make them unstable and weak.

Misting plays a role in early stages of cacti and succulent development. Once they are grown, it plays a little role, though it won’t harm your plants to mist them once every other week, for example. At the end of the day, rain also falls in semi-desert areas, the native lands of succulent plants. So they get their “misting” there, and are accustomed to it.

 

Can succulents survive a heavy rain?

We all know that water is very essential to every plant, and also to our own survival. When there’s rain outside, it is reason for celebration and gratitude, not for worries and for being upset. In most cases we’ll be thankful for the rain, because it means we don’t have to water the outdoor plants in our garden. And if you have a BIG garden like me, you know that watering it can easily take an hour or more.

When growing succulents, however, the rainy season, or even a succession of a few rainy days, can be alarming. Such a rain brings too much water which may cause some issues to the succulent plants, and limit their healthy growth. So, can succulents survive a heavy rain, or a rainy season?

 

Too much moisture will kill soft succulents

Succulents, especially the soft ones, will suffer a lot in a rainy season or a succession of days with heavy rain, and in most cases they won’t survive such an experience (unless we protect them, more on that later on in this post).

Right amount of rain can nurture and actually help a succulent to grow, and to flourish with all the beautiful colors. To the benefits succulents get from an occasional heavy or prolonged rain belong:

• Rain cleans the dirt out of the plants, and since the dirt is restraining photosynthesis, it has a positive effect on the entire pant;
• Rain can also wash away salts and damaging chemicals that came from the soil;
• Last but not least, slightly acidic rain provides nitrogen that is important to the growth of any succulent plant.

Succulents are said to be better in regions where yearly rainfall doesn’t exceed 25 inches. It’s okay to let the succulent under the pouring rain, unless it repeats few days in succession, which may easily destroy your succulents.

 

Things you can do during a rainy season

In my experience, you can do variety of things to protect your plants from damage during the rainy season:

• Place your succulents under your home’s eaves.
• Make sure to have patio umbrellas that have strong bases to protect the succulent plants from heavy rain. This will also help to keep the soil from draining.
• You can also put pumice around the soil of the plant. Pumice can absorb excess moisture and save succulents from root rot.

After the rainy season, you can cover your succulent plants with fabric or frost cloth to protect them from scourging sun. Do not use a plastic cover because it may only damage the plant by restricting light and air, and it traps moisture as well–another minus for plastic. Plus it isn’t ecological so simply forget it altogether :).

You should always remember that it is important to keep the soil just as wet as a wet sponge–not more! The fatter the plant is, the more capable it is to store water in its tissues. And the more water it can store, the less it needs. Keep it on your mind when deciding what to do with your succulents in a rainy season, or after a very heavy rain.

Although a succulent may grow new roots after suffering from root rot as a result of over-watering, keep in mind that the old or dead roots may damage the plant as they often harbor pathogens or bacteria and viruses that can spread across the healthy tissues of the plant.

 

Opuntia and ribbed cacti actually like heavy rain

Opuntia cacti (the round and flat cacti that actually bears fruit you can eat) rapidly grows new pads in the rainy season. In a matter of weeks these plant can double their size. The same is true for the ribbed cacti (the long that shapes like an oblong), it pops and stretches out whenever it has lot of water. So while most succulents do not like prolonged rain and you have to protect them, keep in mind that certain cacti plants do not mind even a two weeks long rainy period.

Best way to protect succulents from heavy rain

To protect your succulents from heavy rain, it is better to have a tent or shelter that can protect your plant. Tents from fiberglass panels are ideal, but the supporting bars should be from metal, just to make sure the tent won’t fall on your succulents in a heavy wind–which often accompanies heavy rain… The tent should be tall enough to allow aeration for the succulents. 

Pot choice also impacts how the plants deal with the rain. Succulent plants prefer pots in which the soil drains quickly. This keeps the succulents safe, especially during extremely long rainy season. Using a right pot (with a drainage hole or other drainage system) and a right soil mix (and that does not retain too much moisture) is a recipe for success.

Keep in mind that when you add sand into the soil, the succulents will have difficulty growing, because when the soil becomes wet, it will be heavy and the roots will be deprived of oxygen. To make your succulents happy and in good condition outdoors, always place them to a spot where water drains easily and quickly. Allow your succulents to breathe by proving soil that can supply enough oxygen.

Final thoughts

Rain is essential for succulents. But it can also harm these tiny plants. Make sure to take protective measures, just as I described in this post (covering your succulents with a tent, opting for the right pot and soil, making sure you protect them from root rot).

My final word is that you should always treat your succulent plants with care. While they are versatile and can sustain a lot, heavy rain can kill them, and you need to keep it on your mind.

 

How often do succulents flower?

All plants do flower, don’t they? Actually they don’t. We know plants that flower–which is the bigger group, and plants that do not. Fortunately, succulents do flower, though not all of them do follow a regular blooming period. It is because some of these plants are monocarpic, which means that they bloom only once and than they “die”. Seems like a sad story, but in my view, what can be better than leaving at your very peak, at the point of your highest beauty? To the most common monocarpic succulents belong Sempervivum and aeonium. They will die after their very first and last bloom. You know, just like you have just one night with the girl–hoping it is first of many, while in fact it is the first and the last at the same time (sorry for this remark, but I am editing this post on Valentine’s day).. Good thing is though that monocarpic plants “generate” babies that continue to thrive after mother plants die.  

My top 3 tips when it comes to caring for flowers on your succulents

When you see the stalk of flowers on your succulents, make sure to keep aphids away from it. Aphids love succulent flowers, so it makes a lot of sense to spray 50-70% alcohol product or horticulture soap on the plants, before aphids get attracted to the blooming succulents. Another important thing to remember: When the flowers are developing, place the plant in sunlight and be careful not to burn the leaves and pads. If it’s placed outside while flowering, make sure to give it at least an hour of sunlight every day. For indoor succulents, you can use a heat lamp or grow light (check the one that I recommend on Amazon). This is perfect during winter or rainy days–and some succulents do flower in winter. The temperature has an impact on your succulents. If you want to get your succulents to blooming stage, you must provide enough sunlight. Succulents need warm temperatures to bloom.

When do different succulents bloom?

The blooming time of succulents depends on their seasons. For instance, Aloe Vera typically blooms in summer, but can also bloom in another season, if it finds the conditions right. Some succulents bloom in late spring to early summer. An example of this is the Echeverias. While rhipsalis, kalanchoe, hoya, and jade plant bloom in winter and autumn. In most cases, succulents bloom first time at the age of four to six years. Some could bloom earlier, but it is more an exception than a rule. Aside from temperature or season, age, watering, sunlight, fertilizer, and amount of water, we also have to considered the photo-period of succulents— the biological clock of your plant, just as we have our own “biological clock”.  

Biological clock and pollination of succulents

Scientists say that biological clock has a specific molecule (protein) interacting cells throughout the plant. For example, Schlumbergera Cultivaras also has known as Holiday Cacti needs a long-night and short days. When succulents bloom, insects should pollinate them. Wild pollinators such as insects and butterflies help succulents and  plants to pollinate, which is another way of  surviving for succulent species. Some succulents cannot self-pollinate. The only way to generate more succulents is cross-pollination.  

Succulents won’t bloom unless you grow them in the right soil

Different soils have different characteristics that can be good or bad to a specific plant family. The best potting soil for succulents is the one that has some drainage. It helps the water to continuously flow and absorb particles of the soil, so the plant can enjoy these nutrients through the rooting system. Making your DIY ducculent soil can save you some money. Also, the materials or ingredients are easy to find–unless you live in a big city of course, where the only thing you can find is tarmac and garbage.  Basically you need three ingredient:

• potting soil,
• coarse sand (turface or poultry grit),
• pertile or pumice.

Vermiculite or any kind of moisture control plotting mix is not advisable. Your succulents soil will hold too much moisture which is bad for the plants, and they won’t flower in such a soil. Garden soil is not also advisable. Coarse sand is the second ingredient. You can use any type of sand except the really fine stuff. Perlite, on the other hand, consists of very lightweight organic soil. It looks like small pieces of styrofoam. Just combine all ingredients and mix them in your mixing container. Then stir all ingredients together. And there you are, you already have to DIY succulent soil–one in which your plants can thrive, and eventually bloom, when their time to bloom arrives. I hope this helps, enjoy your growing, and the beautiful flowers of your succulents.

 

How many succulents can you grow in one pot?

You have to consider several things before  you plant succulents in a nice arrangement, many plants in one pot. First things first, you should know that succulents can grow in small pots for a long period of time, because their rooting system is relatively small and they do not need much space for their roots (in contrast to many other plant families). Succulents usually grow in at least four inches’ deep pot with a drainage hole in it. In my experience, you can plant succulents very close to one another, as long as you have a good size of the pot. 

You can plant multiple succulents in a single pot. But what about the space between the succulents? If you plant the succulents closely together, they will slowly grow and they will maintain their original arrangement, which is at the end of the day the main reason why you planted them this way :). However, it is a bit hassle to water them once they grow in such an arrangement. Wanting to give someone an unforgettable gift, however, or sell your succulents with some nice profit, such an arrangement is perfect. Succulents are slow growers in general, but you can plant them with a little more space between each plant, just to make it easier when watering the plants.  

Roots dry better in better airflow–remember it when arranging your succulents in a single pot

It is pivotal to prevent root rot in succulents. If there is an extra space between the plants, the aeration is better, roots to not intermingle, and it is easier to prevent root rot, no. 1 cause of issues in succulent plants . However, if you put too much space between the succulents in a single pot, they will focus more on producing roots rather than on getting larger… So, how many succulents can you place in a nice arrangement in a single pot? The answer to this question depends on a few factors, as you already know. As a rule of a thumb though, I recommend that you maintain at least ½” to 1” between the plants to allow them to breathe and get enough nutrients from the soil. This means that the bigger the pot, the more succulents you can plant in it! Let’s have a look at some more variables and questions you need to keep on your mind.

Large pot is not the best one for succulent arrangement

It is important to consider the pot size for your succulents. A large pot is not your best choice, simply because succulents have shallow root system. And if you plant it into a deep and non-breathable pot there is a high tendency that your plant will eventually rot. But if you want to use a deep pot I have a workaround for you. First, to avoid moisture use of soil which has good drainage. The best choice is perlite and coarse sand which have a high draining medium percentage. Second, you should place your pot into the gravel in order to improve the drainage. Lastly, repot the succulents when they grow bigger after two years. On the other hand, there are some types of succulents that have a strong root system like Haworthia. This type of succulent has a high tolerance of excess moisture and can grow beautifully in a deep and non-breathable pot. It is also important for a pot to have a drainage hole. The primary function is to control and eliminate the water inside the pot. The hole must be at least ½ inch for smaller pots and up to an inch for a larger pot. To be honest it doesn’t harm to have a bigger hole in this case.  

How to combine succulents in an arrangement

Before planting succulents in one pot, you should also consider whether or not the varieties you are working with can grow together closely. Let me explain a few things you should consider.

Growth Needs

The key is to choose succulents that have similar needs. Doing this will ensure the harmony and desired appearance of the entire arrangement. Let me give you an example. A winter grower Crassula (Jade plant) and a Graptosedum California Sunset (a summer grower) is not your combo. Basically, you can’t plant these two in the same pot because they don’t have similar needs. When you want to combine different succulents in the same pot, you must always consider their watering, growing season, lighting, and soil that they need. If you want to combine some winter dormant succulents, Agave, Echeveria, and Sempervium is the best choice. On the other hand, when it comes to summer dormant succulents, you may choose Aeonium, Aloe, Graptopetalum, and Kalanchoe. It is not just about combining and arranging the succulents, but it is also important to consider their height and color, to make sure you end up with a desired harmonic result in your pot. Most importantly, your arrangement must-have a thriller, filler, and spiller. Tall succulents are the thriller ones which make the entire projection outstanding. Shorter succulents as a filler around the thriller. Finally, a spiller trailing succulents may put around the pot to make it simple and beautiful. But this is just an example, and the design is all up to you. Let your creativity do some wonders. This is your choice, your house, your garden. You can do whatever you want when it comes to arrangements and looks.  

Colors should complement each other

Planting a succulent is indeed a therapeutic hobby, and when you are arranging the plants, you are slowly turning into an artist, because you are already imagining what will be the theme of your arrangement once the succulents grow bigger. I suggest you to consider the colors and how different colors will complement each other to form a better picture. It can be monochromatic or colorful, it depends on what combination you are doing, and the goal you try to achieve. Monochromatic, analogous or complementary are the 3 main ways to combine colors in a plant arrangement. For monochromatic arrangement, you put together succulents with the same colors but a different shade. For analogous, you are going to form a color wheel by grouping the colors sitting next to each other such as orange, yellow and green. Lastly, complementary arrangement is the one when you are going to position each of the opposite colors on the color wheel such as red and green…  

Best pot for your succulent arrangement

• Terra Cotta or Ceramic. Terra cotta and ceramic is a breathable type of material. It works well in some surroundings which may not get enough of airflow and this kind of material also works both outdoors and indoors. But if you keep it directly on the sun, it will heat up which is not ideal for the succulents. This kind of material is heavy and if you choose to plant a succulent in a large terra cotta or ceramic pot, you will have a very hard time moving it after. Another thing is that you must very careful not to drop it, because ceramic is fragile and it will quickly break.
• Plastic. If you don’t want a heavy pot, plastic material is the best for you. This material is lighter than ceramics and terra cotta, which is its advantage. But just like any other material, it has its downside because plastic material isn’t breathable. Hence, the water will not evaporate as fast as in terra cotta and ceramic pots. However, its downside is not a problem if you have well-draining soil and your plastic pot has a draining hole. You can also buy different variety of plastic pots with different colors and designs which can help with your beautiful succulent arrangements.
• Wood. If you want a unique pot go for a wood pot, this is not usual but wood is great for the succulent when it is hot outside, because it carries water which cools the succulents. Wood is not advisable though when you are planting in an environment with less airflow and less sunlight, because wood material can easily rot and then it will keep your soil wet for a longer period of time. However, you can still use wood as long as you know how to place your succulents properly.
• Metal. If you want your succulents to live longer, the metal material isn’t a good choice. But if you want to use it, you should be aware that the metal properties can change the temperature quickly which in the end will be the reason for too much heat of the soil. However, if you ever use a metal pot or designed for planting, you should also consider the possibilities that it will eventually turn rusty which is not healthy for succulents.
• Glass. If you want your succulents to look elegant and beautiful, the glass material is one of the best choices. But  it has some problems–it lacks drainage hole, which is the reason why I do not use glass pots for my succulents. What’s more, just like the ceramics and terra cotta, glass is fragile so if you are planning to move your succulents around, you should be careful. It also gets dirty easily, and you’ll have to clean it regularly…

To sum it up, you have many choices when it comes to the pot for your succulent arrangement. Each one has some pluses and some minuses. Consider your situation, your design goals, as well as the succulents you want to plant in the pot, and decide accordingly.

 

Can succulents survive in bathrooms?

Succulents are plants that are mostly small and easy to take care of indoors–which is one of the reason they are so popular, virtually in all corners of the world. They are planted in a little pot that usually has tiny holes in it to prevent water from being stuck in the bottom of the pot, and are simple to carry around your house, so you can place them in a kitchen, in a living room, or even in the bathroom.

I’ve seen this several times, and did my own experiments, trying to understand whether or not a bathroom (or even a toilet cubicle if you want) is a fitting place for succulents.  And what conclusion have I come to? The simple answer is yes. Succulents can survive in bathrooms, living rooms, and windowsills, as well as in the toilet cubicle. As always though, things are not as simple as they seem.

 

Humidity is a big factor when it comes to the well-being of your plants

Bathrooms are usually humid–sometimes extremely. Putting it simply, humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. The more water evaporates in the air, the more water vapor rises into the air that causes higher humidity. Since we wash and bath in the bathrooms, it is only logical that the place is often pretty humid.

Bathrooms, usually smaller than bedrooms and tend to be a hotter place which makes it more humid since heat causes faster water evaporation. In many instances, the bathroom is part of the house that holds the most humidity. And although some succulents can survive in bathrooms, some are not capable to sustain such humid conditions. Those succulents that cannot thrive in bathrooms are those with vulnerable leaves. They cannot stand the humidity inside the bathroom.

The survival of succulents depends on the thickness of their leaves and how they adapt to their living space. Since a bathroom is a humid place (as a rule of a thumb), succulents that can thrive are those with fleshy leaves and are able to withstand moisture.

Controlling the humidity in your bathroom to help your succulents

Fortunately, you can take some steps to control humidity inside of your bathroom. It includes reducing the heat of the shower, putting wet towels inside, and if you have an exhaust fan, you can turn it on to minimize humidity.

The best thing you can do before you place a succulent in the bathroom is to know the variety of the plant and its ability to survive indoors, in a humid environment, and without direct sunlight. Some succulents demand contact with sunlight, and though they may survive in a bathroom, they won’t reach their full beauty in such an environment. Let’s have a look at two of the most popular succulents that actually can survive in a bathroom.

 

Aloe Vera  can easily withstand extreme humidity

The first one is Aloe Vera.  It belongs to species of succulents that are greatly known for their fleshy, thick leaves, not to mention their numerous benefits for human beings, and I do not speak only about fantastic natural creams like this one (affiliate link).

Aloe Vera does well in humid conditions. It only needs monitoring from time to time. If you place it in your bathroom, however, do not forget to place it in a window, so it gets enough of sunlight (direct or indirect).

 

Echeveria is also fine in bathrooms

The other popular succulent to grow in a bathroom is Echeveria. They share similar properties with Cacti and Aloe Vera. If you are living in a tropical area with a lot of humidity, Aloe Vera and Echeveria are the right plants for you, at least as long as we talk about succulents (because obviously there are better plants for tropic conditions in general).

Depending on the area you are living in, you might find other succulent varieties that can survive in the bathroom environment. In my case though, I found the two mentioned above are the best as far as choosing indoor succulents goes. The benefits that you can get from Aloe Vera and Echeverias are beyond aesthetics. They have the ability to absorb carbon dioxide and have it converted into plant carbohydrates that they can use to survive while providing oxygen.

This really helps especially if you have furniture indoors. Furniture and cleaning agents produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Examples of these chemicals are the Formaldehyde and Benzene. They are both toxic. Aloe Vera and Echeverias are very good at filtering the air and preventing the toxic airborne chemical from harming the air. However, if the amount of Benzene and Formaldehyde are too much, they will, in turn, create brown spots in the succulents.

Final thoughts

For me, succulents are some of the best plants indoors because of their drought-resistant characteristics. They are easy to take care of, come in many different sizes and shapes, and are easy to propagate.  Having succulents in your bathroom, particularly some aloe vera plants and echeverias does not only contribute to esthetics inside the house. It also refreshes the air you and your family breathes.

For years of growing succulents, what I found is that plants, especially succulents, can make a person happy. And for a person with heart disease (like me), being happy is more than a necessity on a daily basis. Since 2012 when I had a heart attack, my succulent plants have been making me feel good. And thankfully, since then, my condition is getting better.

This is not a scientific claim, but I can personally say that my plants really help me. Previous studies also found that growing flowers and other types of plants such as succulents has a positive effect on both psychological and physical health.

 

Do succulents get bigger? And how big they actually get?

Because most succulents are small, many people think that these plants remain small for their entire life. But is it a truth, or a myth? Do some succulents stay small forever whereas others grow really big, or how is it? We will try to find the answers together.

In most cases, people see small succulents sold in the markets. It often leads to the misconception that succulents do never grow big. But in fact they can grow quite big, and it depends on the variety of succulent. Some of them stay small while others can grow into absolutely giant plants. Believe it or not, some succulents can grow to be up to 40 feet tall.

Most of the growers choose to grow mini succulents though,the slow-growing types. Both small and giant succulents share the same characteristics, having thick leaves and an ability to grow in dry conditions.

 

How quickly do succulents grow?

Different species have different growth rates. But almost all of the succulents grow much slower than a typical plant you know from a garden or even from a forest. Honestly, something like a no. of inches a succulent should grow in a year does not exist.

Seasons impact the succulent size. The growth slows down in the so called “dormant period”, which is winter with most succulents, but some plants are actually dormant in the summer. Even the “summer” growing succulents though sometimes cannot endure the scorching sun at the heat of the day. If you keep them in such an environment, they may become dormant. 

How big do succulents actually get?

Different species have different growth size. If you choose giant succulents then set your expectation higher because they might reach 40 feet above, and you don’t want your home looking like a forest. If you choose to grow a mini succulent, then it will stay small. 

Fast-growing succulents will reach a huge size in just a month or so. You will notice the size increase in at least four months. These fast-growing plants include Irish rose (Aeonium arboreum), Hen and chicks (Echeveria sp.), Jelly bean plant (Sedum rubrotinctum), Jade plant (Crassula sp.), Haworthia (Haworthia sp.), Lavender scallops (Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi), Aloe vera (Aloe vera), String of buttons (Crassula perforata), and Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera sp.).

Slow growing plants give an impression of not growing at all. Examples of these house plants are the following: Crinkle leaf plant (Adromischus cristatus), Living stones (Lithops sp.), Air plants (Tillandsia sp.), and Barrel cactus (Ferocactus sp.)

 

Indoor succulents tend to grow more–seeking sunlight

Indoor succulents can actually have taller and larger leaves. Seeking for sunlight, they stretch out their leaves, as if they were trying to reach something from above. This characteristic is called etiolation. It commonly happens when plants need sunlight, which is the case with many indoor succulents. 

With the right sunlight, we can prevent this unwanted tallness of your little succulents. It is important to always consider what is best for your plant. Know your succulent’s needs, give them the right amount of sunlight, temperature they like, appropriate soil. They will thank you a thousand times with their beauty.

Remember that the absence of sunlight can cause succulents to lose saturation, while too much sunlight will cause succulents to produce lighter pigments such as red or orange color.  Size also depends on the pot you use. As a grower, you have the power to control the size of your plant. If you don’t want your succulents to grow taller or bigger, then cut away the new buds every single time. You can also plant the cuttings in a new pot to grow a new family of succulents.

 

Some cacti and succulents can live for decades and more

Belonging to the family of cactus species, succulents expect to live for a long time. Cacti in particular can live for decades, and some can cross the century mark!

Due to their characteristics as slow-growing plant and their ability to adapt to environmental changes, succulents can live long, in relatively dry conditions, with relative neglect. Remember that in their natural environment they often have to save their energy (for worse times), and hence they won’t grow too big just for the sake of growing.

 

How can you tell when your succulent has finally reached its final size?

Succulents may grow that slow that you cannot even notice any changes your succulents has gone through. For example, you believed that their appearance is just the same as before, even though their leaves become darker.

Another example, you may notice how much the pot becomes smaller as the succulents grows bigger. Succulents are versatile. You cannot tell if it’s its final size, because it never really is. As long as they get the nutrients they need, they may start growing again, at anytime.

 

Echeveria VS Sempervivums as two large succulents

Echeveria is polycarpic, they can produce flower many times during their lifetime. This is a good thing about Echeveria since it will not die after flowering. On the other hand, Sempervivums die every time their flower blooms. The life span of this plant is much shorter so you need to learn propagating to ensure that you will never lose this plant on your pad.

Talking about cold hardiness, most Echeverias cannot stand in a very cold climate, unlike sempervivum. Echeveria is originated in Mexico and Central America, and the cold bothers them. Most of them can survive in cold unprotected but some are not. So if you are living in a cooler climate, then you must evacuate your echeveria into a greenhouse. Build a temporary shelter for them and help them overcome the coldness, and feel their owner’s warm from the outside. 

But if the winter season starts to freeze all the way, then you should put your plant inside. Temporary shelters cannot make them feel warm any longer! Put them in any window sills for them to receive at least a little sunlight from the outside. You see that both of these plants has some advantages, and some specifics when it comes to growing. Think about them for a while and just then decide which succulent you want to have in your garden. 

 

When do succulents get wrinkly, and what you can actually do to avoid it?

Many succulent growers had asked me this question before. Only a week ago, I received an email from one of the readers wondering why her succulent has become soft and wrinkly. So let me explain this problem for everyone out there. First of all, there isn’t a one cause only. The most common reasons for your succulents to turn wrinkly are under or over watering, lack or too much sunlight exposure, and compact soil that could cause root rotting.  In most cases though, at least in my experience, the two factors to blame are over and under watering.  Keep in mind though that under-watering is less likely to occur, since succulents can survive for a few weeks without any water. So even if I left them unattended during holiday vacations, they were just fine when I came back.  

Over-watering as the most common reason why your succulents may wrinkle

Over watering is often the core of the problem. It happened to me as well, when I was just starting to grow succulents. Enthusiastic and often wanted to do more than necessary for my plants, I gave them too much water and they wrinkled. Luckily, I found the remedy that keeps my succulents safe from too much water, and it is a simple one. I transferred my plants into Terra Cotta Pots (click here to check these pots on Amazon). What I like about these pots is that they provide excellent drainage which allows the excess water to exit the pot, unless the plant needs it. Since I choose the right pots for my plants, I don’t worry about excessive water and wrinkling issue. However, sometimes it is hard to figure out what exactly is causing the problem. If you are growing succulents for a while now, you for sure know what I am talking about. The main challenge stems from the fact there is no one rule or technique that will solve all the problems. Wrinkly succulents are not the only issue. There are many types of diseases that could affect the health of plants. What I realized throughout the years is the importance of being brave enough to experiment every time I encounter new problems in my plants.  

Adjusting the amount of water should always be your first experiment

Normally, the first thing I do is adjusting the amount of water. I either add or decrease the amount of water and see what works better for the plant. If this doesn’t solve the problem, the second step is changing the soil. The wrinkling of succulents leaves may also be the result of compact soil. The “soil” that works very well with my succulents is the Noot Organic Soilless Potting Mix  (check this soil on Amazon, it works great for my plants). Honestly speaking, I tried many succulent and cactus soils before, but with some I found more issues than benefits. This one is another breed though, working really well, which helps me avoid many issues other people face with their succulents.

How to avoid over-watering before succulents get wrinkly?

Well, as I already mentioned, there’s no single way to determine when the succulents get over-watered. This is because the amount of water they need is influenced by so many factors. Sun exposure, the climate, the type of soil, type of succulent, etc. I found a great remedy here as well though, and it is using a cocktail stick or wooden skewer. What you need to do is to put the cocktail stick in the soil. Make sure that the tip of the stick reaches the bottom of the pot. Then pull it and check whether the soil clings to the stick or not. If it does, that means that the soil is pretty moist. In this case, avoid watering your succulents, regardless of how long you haven’t watered them. If it does not stick, you can give your succulent more water.  

Drying too long can indicate lack of sun exposure

If soil takes an unusually long time to dry, it can be an indication that your plants need more sun exposure. This commonly happens indoors, and especially in humid areas. In such cases it may sometimes seems that the soil never really dries. If you have indoor succulents, place them near the window so they can feel presence of sunlight every morning. It helps them get the energy they need. In a way plants are no different to humans–they need some sun to thrive, just as we do… Another option is to bring the plants outside once a week or every morning if you can. It may take quite an effort (especially if you have many plants), but it will be well worth it. In winter, I suggest you to go with artificial lighting for your beloved plants. The one that helps my succulents to thrive is the Ankace 40W Dual Head Timing Grow Light (check this grow light on Amazon). It gives your plants the light they may need to thrive in winter.  

Few other things to keep your eye on while growing succulents, starting with etiolated growth

Etiolation usually happens indoors. It is a tendency for succulents to be stretchy. The main reason for this is the lack of sun exposure–they are literally stretching their branches to get some sun. Succulents are like any other plants in this regard. If they remain in an area with limited or no access to light, they stretch their branches towards the area of the house where they can “feel the light”. If you notice this with your indoor succulents, it means that they need more light than you think. You can either place the plants near the window or provide them with grow light, to make sure they will thrive and won’t wrinkle.  

Physical Damage

Although succulents are tolerant to some environmental conditions, they are vulnerable to physical damages. This happens when pests attack them. Or, sometimes, animals and humans can knock them over. If you have little children in your house, I suggest you to place the succulents in safe areas. If you are relocating your plants, make sure that you place them on a sturdy place. Physical damages seem too simple to concern about. But the truth is that similarly to humans, physical damages hurt the plants more than almost anything else. Keep it on your mind when deciding about the placement of your plants.  

 

Do succulents need direct sunlight?

Generally speaking, plants have four major needs: water, sunlight, temperature, and soil. That’s what 95% of all plants need to survive, in quantities and qualities fitting for each plant in question.  But how much direct sunlight do succulents need? Well, it depends on the type of succulent you have in your garden or back at home. Each succulent variety has certain sunlight requirements.

In most cases though, succulents need at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight exposure every day. The morning sun is ideal for succulents in my experience. Harsher sunlight (such as in the afternoon between 1pm and 4pm) can be even deadly to some succulents. Remember that some succulents are vulnerable to sunburn and direct sunlight they are exposed to for a long period of time will damage them. This commonly happens with soft succulents. If left untreated, the plant may eventually die.

 

Shade is a good idea in tropical locations

If you are living in a tropical area where the sun is hotter than it is in other geographic locations, especially those succulent plants are native for, providing the plants with shade will help them survive.

Many have fallen for the misconception that succulents are resistant to scorching sun. But my personal experience suggests the opposite. The truth is that succulents could not stand the punishing sunlight. In fact, if left unattended, succulents may die under the strong direct sunlight. It happened to many of my readers who sent over complaints, not understanding why their succulents died.

 

Acclimatization to direct sunlight

If you transfer an indoor succulent outside–which is often a great idea, do not directly bring the plant outside under strong sunlight. The plant needs a transition period. This means that indoor succulents need gradual exposure to direct sunlight to allow them to adjust to the new environment. This is the way to ensure the plant will endure such an environment.

If succulents are placed under minimal sunlight, they tend to stretch their stems. The stems will lean towards the well-lit areas of the house. Succulents do change color too if they receive too little sunlight. This is good evidence that suggests that succulent does need direct sunlight to thrive and live longer. In the absence of one important ingredient they need for their growth such as the sun, succulents may survive, but they won’t thrive.

Succulents that tolerate low-light environment

Many succulent growers wonder if it is possible to grow succulents without giving them sunlight. Well, as I mentioned earlier, succulents do need sunlight to grow healthily. Without it, the plants may survive, but will never thrive.

However, we know a few indoor succulents that can tolerate low-light environments and do decently well in such. These types of succulents can grow well indoor with minimal sunlight exposure. I will share with you 8 best indoor low-light succulents. Here are the succulents that don’t need much sunlight to grow well.

 

1. Snake Plant or Sansevieria trifasciata

Snake Plant is also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue. This succulent is super versatile that it can survive in dimly lit areas for a considerable amount of time. This is the reason why snake plants are commonly found in offices as ornamental plants. They seem okay with no direct exposure for a long period of time. They can even tolerate neglect.

They can also tolerate with minimal water. You can just water snake plants a few times in a month and they will be alright. But what fascinates me the most about this plant is its ability to propagate almost effortlessly. You can start with a little shoot and grow a garden of snake plants later.

 

2. Jade Plant or Crassula ovata

Another great succulent that does not need much sunlight is the Jade Plant. When it comes to versatility and low-light tolerance, this plant is one of the best. This succulent is not only good for indoors but also outdoors. But unlike other succulent varieties, the jade plants grow bigger. I personally love this plant in my garden due to its size.

Jade plants are also known for their ability to survive neglect and extreme environmental conditions such as drought. They can be considered as one of the most resilient succulents you can have in your garden. Most succulents die on neglect and abuse. Jade plant on the other hand always makes its come back after losing their leaves or any tragic situations. If you are looking for a succulent that could survive nearly on its own, you might want to try Jade Plant.

 

3. Bear Paws or Cotyledon Tomentosa

Another good contender in this category is the Bear Paw. Bear Paws do prefer direct sunlight exposure but they can grow well indoors. This succulent gets its name from its very structure. It has thick and fuzzy leaves that have 3 or more teeth at the end similar to the paw of a bear.

Because Bear Paws need more sunlight than other succulents, I suggest that you expose this plant under the sun once a day for about 3-4 hours. Of course this may be difficult if you work and your plant is back at home, so consider it carefully before you decide to purchase it.

 

4. Zebra Cactus or Haworthia attenuate

If you are looking for a succulent that does not need much sunlight and can also boost the ambiance of your office, then the Zebra cactus is what you are looking for. This succulent variety has a unique feature that makes it stands out of other succulent varieties.

The Zebra Cactus is a slow-growing succulent making it one of the best indoor ornamental plants you can have in your office or house.

 

5. Burro’s Tail or Sedum morganianum

The Burro’s Tail is another excellent variety of indoor succulent. And probably the easiest trailing succulent to grow. This succulent is good for the low-light environment. The only drawback that I have seen with this plant is that its leaves could easily fall when firmly touched.

If you are growing this plant indoor, I suggest that you place it in the corner of the house to protect it from traffic. You can also hang it from the ceiling to make the plant undisturbed.

What I like the most about this plant is that it is super easy to propagate. You can propagate using the leaves. As long as you do it right, this succulent will just grow almost on its own.

 

6. Aloe or Aloe vera

As you might notice, Aloe is everywhere. You can find it in many homes. So people love this plant.

Well, there is a very good reason why millions of plant enthusiasts grow this plant. And that reason is Aloe plants are super easy to grow. You don’t need a green thumb to grow it. As long as they get their basic needs, they just grow without your constant care.

Just water this plant once a week and it will thrive on its own. You can place this plant in your office or in the outdoor garden.

 

7. Ponytail Palm or Beaucarnea recurvate

You might not expect it, but the Ponytail Palm is actually a succulent. This plant has cute features that will surely enhance the aesthetic value of your garden.

What I like about this plant is its ability to survive on neglect. It grows slowly and requires low maintenance too. This plant can grow well both indoors and outdoors. I like this plant outdoor though due to its size. It can be a great inside because it can survive in the low environment.

8. Cylindrical Snake Plant or Sansevieria cylindrical

The last but not the least succulent that only a little sunlight is the Cylindrical Snake Plant. This one is one of the most unique and beautiful succulents you can have in your garden or house.

Its ability to survive under low or direct sunlight makes this plant versatile. It only needs little maintenance so you don’t have to worry about its health, and can just enjoy its beauty. You need to be careful though. This plant has sharp leaf tips that can cut your skin if you accidentally bump on it.

Final thoughts

Although many succulent varieties are versatile and seemingly resistant to low-light, they cannot survive with the total absence of light. However, there are succulents that can survive with minimal sunlight source. But they too need at least minimal sunlight exposure (at least behind the window).

As a succulent grower, it is part of your job to figure out what type of succulent you are growing. Different succulent varieties have different sunlight requirements.

 

Succulents suddenly growing a long stem. Should you worry?

For years I have observed this phenomenon “of a long stem” with my succulents. And while I generally like it, it can impact the overall shape & beauty of the plant. Sometimes the long stem may even intertwine with other plants, especially if you grow your succulents close together. It is a messy picture indeed.

Eventually I pruned them when they stretched. The good thing about succulents, however, is that they are easy to propagate and replant–and this actually related to the long stem. So, let’s have a look at two main reasons why a stem of your succulent may grow long, and what you can do to address both of them.

Some succulents simply like to grow a long stem

One of the reasons why succulents become leggy or stretchy is the nature of the plant. There are succulents that naturally grow longer than their counterparts. Among popular succulents, we can pick Burro’s Tail, String of Pearls, and Agave. 

All these beauties naturally grow longer stems, and if you do not like to see it, you can always prune them to get them to the preferred size.

 

Searching for light source

Another reason is lack of light. This happens mostly with succulents you keep indoors. Succulents need sunlight. They are accustomed to having an abundant source of sunlight. However, in an indoor environment, light is minimal, unless you use some great grow light. If you don’t use the light, they are forced to find the light source with their own powers. This is the reason why they tend to lean and grow towards the area with light, such as a window. The best solution to this is to rotate the plants every month or two. In this way you evenly expose them to light source, all their stems and parts.

When is the perfect time to prune succulents?

You can literally cut the leggy succulent anytime you want. But if you want to give extra care for your succulent with a long stem, it is better to do the pruning during spring or summer. These seasons are perfect to give the plants enough time to recuperate before the freezing season.

However, if you living in places where there are no winters and falls, you can prune your plants at anytime of the year. Just take into consideration needs such as water and good soil mix.

 

What are the coldest temperatures a succulent can tolerate?

I get this question frequently from my readers, especially from those living in those beautiful regions where four seasons change every year–at least for now, because with global warming and everything else we experience in the world, four season can soon become just a history. Anyway, back to the succulents and cold conditions.

Although succulents are versatile and can sustain a lot of stuff, they may struggle to survive under extreme temperatures. When winter comes with snow and cold weather, you have to think carefully about your plants. To say it as it is, in most cases, succulents can tolerate up to 40°F. However, even cold tolerant succulents do need sunlight and warmth. So what can you do to protect your succulents?

 

Frost clothes are your first remedy

One of the best protection you can use for your succulents is the frost cloth. Covering the plants by a frost makes the warm air trapped inside while the cold air from the outside could not penetrate. You don’t need to wrap the plant. The frost cloth should not be reaching the ground to give the plant space to breathe.

To avoid the frost cloth to be blown away by the wind, you need to put weight on the side to make it resistant to windy conditions. The size of the cloth is dependent on the size of the succulent. Bigger succulents do need bigger frost cloths. If you don’t have a great frost cloth for succulents like this one from Amazon, you can use any type of cotton-made cloth. A blanket will do. The most important thing is to give some sort of protection for your plants.

Use furniture to cover the succulents

Outdoor tables and chairs are good covers for outdoor plants during winter. Put succulents under the table during the freezing climate. The good thing about this is that tables and chairs are easy to move when necessary.

You can also incorporate tables with cloths and other covering materials for the plants. A plastic cover can also be a good choice. However, when using plastic, make sure that there is sufficient space between the ground and the covering. This helps the plant to breathe freely. You also need to be aware that when occasional sunlight arrives in winter, the plastic cover can hurt the plant. The heat from the sun will be trapped inside which in turn suffocates the plant. In my opinion, if you can avoid plastic with your plants–plastic in any form, you should avoid it. It is better for both plants and the environment.

 

Hessian cloth

An old Hessian cloth or commonly known as burlap can be used to protect succulents from freezing temperatures. The good thing about Hessian cloth is that it is breathable. Meaning, unlike plastic, the air can easily enter the cover allowing the plants to breathe.

If the cloth is too thin, you can double it to provide good protection from snow or ice. This way you can keep the succulents safe from damage, or simply make sure that they won’t suffer any unnecessary extreme environmental changes.

 

Move succulents to safer place

During winter, there is no safer place for succulents than indoors. If the previous remedies do not work, or you want to keep things simple, transfer your plants inside. A barn can also be a safe place for the plants. It protects them from cold wind and punishing snow. However, there are things you need to remember when moving succulents indoor.

 

The size of pots and containers

You need to consider the size of the pots or containers before moving plants inside. Smaller pots are easy to carry when moving. Bigger pots, on the other hand, are difficult to move.

As long as possible, avoid planting the succulents in large pots. I personally prefer the smaller containers not only because I need to move them from time to time, but also they are easy to manage especially when watering. If you have succulents planted in the ground, it is better if you transfer them into smaller containers.

 

Dirt and debris

It is very important to remember cleaning your succulents before moving them inside. You don’t want to bring dirt and debris to your house. Examine each pot and plant. Make sure that you wipe out the dirt and take away dried leaves.

Dust may not only bad for indoor but also could potentially block the light that should have been absorbed by the plant. The best way to remove dust or dirt is by using a washcloth to carefully remove the dirt. Spraying water may not a good idea. This is because succulents don’t like water on their leaves.

 

Insects and pests

Aside from dirt and debris, you should also pay attention to insects and pets. Before moving your plants inside, check them for insects. They can be hiding in the leaves, for example beneath them, and before you know it, they will jump onto your other indoors plants, and you’ll have a big problem. 

If some of the plants are infested, you can isolate them to avoid the pest from spreading out. Keep them away from other plants for days or weeks until you manage to get rid of the pests. For this purpose I suggest you to check my guide on fungicides for succulents.

 

Light source for succulents

Lighting for plants does play an important role in keeping the plants healthy inside especially during winter. A grow light (click here to check my favorite grow light on Amazon) will temporarily serve as the source of light necessary for photosynthesis.

Whenever the sun is available (which typically isn’t too often during the winter) put the succulents in places where the sun can reach them. When you see your succulents start to lean towards a certain direction, that indicates that they are seeking for sunlight, and you should make them easier for them to reach the sun, by moving them to that spot.

 

Water frequency and quantity

In 99% of cases, indoor succulents, especially in winter, need a lesser amount of water than succulents you grow outdoors. To avoid over-watering, follow the soak and dry method. Just water the plants when the soil is completely dry. The watering frequency may completely rely on the moisture in the soil.

Avoid fertilizers in winter and cold temperature

During the winter season, applying fertilizer for succulents is not a good idea. This is because the plants do not need extra nutrients. So save your money and resources too, and wait for a better time to fertilize the plants, such as spring or summer.

 

Can a frozen succulent be brought back to life?

The possibility of revival heavily depends on the damage of the plant. For minimal damage like blackening or rotting on the leaves, you can simply cut affected areas and the succulents will be saved. Of course, once you do it you’ll also have to make sure to take it to more favorable conditions so it can recuperate.

Use cutting tools in removing affected areas. A disinfected sharp knife is a good option in cutting the damaged parts of the plants. Most of the time the affected areas have changed color such as brown or black. The texture also changes. It turns into mushy or soft.  Cut those parts of the plant that have brown, black, or mushy texture until you see the green tissue. It indicates that you have cut out the affected areas. After cleaning, isolate the plant and place it under a shade. At this point, the plant is not ready yet for receiving direct sunlight. Do not water it as well.

After a week or so, the plant will heal itself. It will develop and grow once again. New branches or leaves will grow. At this time, you can begin with moderate watering. And once you see the plant is growing nicely again, it is time to take it to direct sunlight again.  It is important to remember though that the strategy only works with succulents up to certain level of damage. When the plant is soft from the leaves down to the roots, that means that there is no chance that you can revive the plant. Shed a tear, say goodbye to your plant, and make sure to write down what exactly happened so you won’t repeat the same mistake with your succulents the next winter.

 

Moving succulents back outdoors after winter months

Outdoors has several benefits, such as exposure to sunlight and fresh air to breathe. Hence you should always move your succulents back outdoors once the winter ends. Make sure to give them gradual acclimatization though.

I know you may be tempted to transfer your succulents outdoors right away. But this is not good for the plants. This is because, during winter, they got accustomed to an indoor environment where direct sunlight is not accessible. Transferring succulents outdoor right after winter may hurt the plants. The direct sunlight can potentially cause sunburn which may in turn kill the plant.

To keep succulents healthy, you should expose them to sunlight gradually. At first, you can move the plants to a shaded location. As they adapt to the outdoor environment, you can transfer them to a brighter place. For those types of succulents that love direct sun exposure, place them under direct sunlight straight away, but make sure that they do not stay there all day long, at least right after winter. Move them to shade after they got a few hours of sunlight in a day.

Do not forget to change your watering schedule after winter

The watering schedule may change once you move your succulents back outside. You can increase the frequency as well as the amount of water you need to give. But this does not mean that you should overwater the succulents. Again you should go with the soak and dry method.

What’s more, plants may need more nutrients to sustain their growth momentum after long winter. If you want to make sure that the fertilizer is best for your succulents, you can try my favorite brand. I use this fertilizer to all my succulents (check it on Amazon). It can also be helpful for your plants too…

Final thoughts

Succulents are hardy plants that endure a lot. A bit of freeze won’t kill them. Neither will a bit of snow. However, you should also remember they are native to semi-desert areas, and hence you should try to protect them from anything that is unnatural for them.

A frost cloth, covering them under a table, or bringing them inside for the winter, are the most common remedies you can use to protect the plants from frost and temperatures they cannot tolerate. Remember though that your work does not end there. Succulents demand some light also during winter, and it is important adjust the watering schedule, and also to return them outdoors when the time is right–because they prefer to live outdoors…

Anyway, that’s it for today’s post, and do not forget to check also my complete guide on how to grow succulents.

How often should you water your succulent plant?

Although succulents can survive with lesser amount of water than most plants, they cannot thrive in a complete absence of the vital liquid. The key is to find the optimal watering schedule for your plant. But how can you do that? Let me tell you right now, starting with a quick yet effective answer:

The general rule is that you should water the succulents when the soil in the pot (or in the ground) is dry. The time duration is arbitrary really, depending on the factors that affect the moisture of the soil. For instance, during the rainy or winter season, watering should be less frequent. In contrast, a drought season requires more frequent watering. But this is just the very basic account.

The climate, temperature, season, container or pot, type of soil, etc, they all play role when it comes to deciding about an optimal watering schedule for your plants.  Before decide how much water you should give to your succulents, and how often, you should consider all the factors I mentioned.

How do you know when succulents are over-watered?

Over-watering harms all succulents. But how do you know when it occurs? One of the indications is the discoloring in the leaves. This is the first sign. If neglected, the rotting process will begin in roots, in the stem, and in the whole plant structure.

If you notice the succulents changing color, touch the leaves. Affected succulents feel squishy. If you notice it, you likely water your plants too often to their liking. Remember that succulents store water in their balloon-like storage. This is the reason why succulents are resistant to drought. However, this is also the reason why they are prone to over-watering. When over-watered, these balloon-like sacs will burst which in turn damages the cells of the plants.

 

How do you know when succulents are under-watered?

Although succulents are drought resistant, they need water. The total absence of water will kill them–just like it will kill any other living organism on Earth. But how do you know that your succulents lack water, and you should perhaps water them with more frequency?

Wrinkled leaves and shortening of the plant is one of the signs. This is due to the decrease in the amount of water in the storage of your succulent. In this case, what you can do is to increase the amount of water. But make sure that you don’t drown the plants. It is easy to fall in the wrong belief that over-watering stops dehydration. A small increase in water will help the succulents to continue growing healthily, whereas drowning them with water will just move you from one problem to another one…

 

Beginner mistakes when it comes to growing succulents

Although succulents are some of the easiest plants to grow, they are not without risks. In my experience, every beginner makes some mistakes. Make sure to keep your eye on the following mistakes, all related to water.

1. Over-watering. Succulents are special plants. They need water but they are not like other plants. Succulents cannot stand too much water or even too much moisture.>
2. Using spray bottle. If you have read pieces of advice online, you might notice that some people advise you to use a spray bottle when watering succulents. But for me, that’s not good advice. Using a spray bottle will not actually help succulents get enough water. Spray bottles are good to use for watering during the propagation process. For regular watering, it is not a good idea. Remember that the water should reach the roots of the plants. If you’re using spray bottles, the water will not penetrate the soil.
3. Planting succulents in pots without drainage holes. Another mistake that you should avoid is planting your succulent plants in pots without holes. Drainage is very important to avoid problems with over-watering. Drainage holes allow the water to drain easily, therefore, disposing of the excess water.

 

Deep watering is a way to go

If there are things you should avoid, there are always also things you should stick to. To water your succulents deeply is one of them. This means that you water your plant directly to the soil and not from the top of the plant like you’d do with some other plants.

Pouring water straight to the root gives succulents enough water without over-watering (assuming you’re using the pot with drainage holes). This is the reason why I don’t recommend using a spray bottle.

Most people think that because succulents don’t like too much water and moisture, giving them a little amount of water is enough. That is actually a misconception. Succulents love to have soil soaked in water and eventually dry. What they don’t like is if they are submerged in the water.

 

Soak and dry watering technique is my choice

The soak and dry strategy is the succulents’ favorite watering method. In this process, the soil is soaked in water and the excess water drains through the bottom of the pot. Until the soil is wet or moist, you do not water the plant again. Succulents are accustomed to this watering setup. In their natural habitat, they absorb a lot of water during a rainy season or a storm, and preserve the water for drought season.

The moisture in the soil determines the watering interval. The faster the soil dries the shorter the interval. This usually happens during summer when air is dry and the environment is hot. In contrast, during a rainy season, the watering interval is longer than the summer season. This is because it takes time for the soil to become completely dry.

 

 

How often to water indoor succulents?

There is no clear cut answer to this question. It always depends on the temperature or the climate of the place. The size of the plant is also a determining factor. But the rule of thumb is that for smaller succulents, you can give a ¼ cup of water every week.

However, for larger succulents, 1 ½ cups of water per week can be sufficient. But of course, you can give more or less depending on the moisture of the soil. If the soil is already dried after several days, then you should water succulents regardless of the amount of water you previously gave.

There is no single rule that controls the whole watering process. Every situation is unique, so is every plant. So you need to know your plants better and experiment with watering strategies to see what does actually work.

 

How often and how much water do outdoor succulents need?

Watering outdoor succulents is similar to watering indoors succulents. However, the impact of the climate can be more robust on outdoor plants than on the indoor ones. For drought season, exposing succulents to direct sunlight could quickly kill them. In the season like this, you should water your outdoor plants more frequently.

My suggestion is that the watering interval for outdoor succulents is more frequent. A 2-4-day interval is good. However, as mentioned, this depends on the weather. The rainy season, of course, requires no watering effort on your part.

Constant checking your outdoor succulents is always a good practice. Check the moisture in the soil. This is the best advice I can give. To me, the watering interval and the amount of water you be giving to your plant should be based on moisture in the soil. Even in the rainy season, if your outdoor succulents are not receiving water, the soil can become completely dry. So they still need water even in winter. Monitor your plants constantly to achieve optimal results.

 

How to water succulents during a propagation stage?

Succulent propagation is an exemption of the rule as far as watering goes. This is because the baby succulents need more water to propagate. Also, it is at this stage that a spray bottle is suitable for watering.

If you are propagating using a succulent leaf, you need to water it every day using a spray bottle. This technique allows the succulents to absorb water from the air. Frequent watering helps the plants develop roots usually in white or pink color. But as soon as the succulents produce more and more roots, you should minimize watering. Then, depending on the environment, climate, and soil you are using, you can set a new watering schedule.

How do climates or seasons affect watering interval for succulents?

There are many factors that affect the watering schedule for succulents. The season is one of the biggest determining factors. Every season has its own impact on the plants’ growth.

• Summer. During summer, the air temperature is typically high. In this case, the water moisture in the soil evaporates quickly. This means more water and more frequent watering schedule for your succulents. As a general tip, always check the soil. If it is already dry, give enough water to maintain the healthy growth of your succulents.
• Fall. During the fall season, the amount of water the succulents need may be lesser compared to summer. During this season, watering once a week can be a good idea.
• Winter. Winter is the coldest season. This means more moisture in the air circulation. For succulents, this means an even lesser amount of water and the less frequent watering schedule. This is because the moisture coming from the air is enough for them to thrive. Giving extra water at this point of the year will harm the succulents especially if they are in the outdoor setting.
• Spring. Unlike winter, the spring season is a period of time when the temperature begins to rise again. As a result, succulents need more and more water as the season progresses. In general, watering once a week is a good watering schedule.

 

Additional factors that could affect how often should you water a succulent plant

Apart from the four different seasons discussed above, there are other factors that could also affect the amount of water and watering schedule for succulents.

• Type of soil. The soil you are using for your succulents is one of the most determining factors for your plants’ growth. If you want to avoid over-watering, you should pick a soil that is easy to drain. Some soils are compact and do not drain water and store more water instead. If you are using soil like this, chances are you’ll notice changes in your succulents’ color and texture. This is because the water storage could burst to make your succulents feel squishy. The key is to use well-draining soil.
• The amount of available sunlight. Sunlight is very important for any type of plant. Sunlight triggers the photosynthesis process necessary for the overall health and growth of the plant. Most indoor succulents encounter problems due to acquiring an insufficient amount of light. If you are growing indoor succulents, I suggest that you occasionally bring your succulents to spots with access to sunlight. 3-4 hours of sun exposure is enough for indoor succulents. If you don’t have time to do it, the best alternative is to place your succulents near the window where there is sun ray. In this way, you can save time and effort. Of course, the more time your succulents spend on direct sun, the more often their soil will dry and they need some watering from your side (unless it rains outside).
• The pot or container you are using. This seems not an issue until you notice problems with your succulents. The pot or container you are using can definitely affect the health of the plant. For instance, if you are using a clay container, you may need more frequent watering. This is because clay pots are water absorbent. So the water that is supposed to be for succulents can be absorbed by the pot leaving succulents lacking water. My recommendation is to use a pot that is healthy for succulents. It should have drainage holes to allow excess water to drain. With a pot like this, you don’t have to worry about overwatering. Read my complete guide on how to grow a succulent correctly including the best type of pot you should be using.
• The environment. Indoor and outdoor environments have different specific needs. Both locations demand special attention. Outdoor succulents, for instance, require more water and more frequent watering schedule. This is because the outdoor environment is exposed to direct sunlight. In contrast, indoor succulents have minimal water and care requirement but they need more sunlight (it depends on the type of succulent).
• Size of the succulents. Larger plants need more water than the smaller ones. This is also true with succulents. If you have large succulents, you can apply a more frequent watering schedule and give them more amount of water. Larger succulents are more capable of storing water than smaller ones. They can handle it, and are less prone to over-watering.

Final thought

With all the techniques discussed above, it all comes down into one general rule. The rule is that water your succulents every time the soil is completely dry. This applies to any type of succulent and any environmental condition, and it is by far the easiest way to avoid issues.

Always remember that it is better to have an under-watered succulent than the over-watered one. You can always go back and give water to the under-watered plant, but once a plant is heavily over-watered, you may not be able to save it…

How often should you water succulents indoors?

Watering plants is easy in most cases, as one faces little risks. However, when you are growing special types of plants like succulents, things can get a bit tricky. Unlike other plants, succulents require a specific amount of water. Giving them too much water can harm their growth or even kill them. So, how often should one water succulents they grow indoors?

The answer to this question depends on your understanding of the very nature of the plant. Because succulents are capable of storing water in their entire system, they do not need much water. For indoor succulents, the general rule is that water them only when the soil is dry.

But how long will the soil dry? It depends on the moisture inside the house and the outside temperature. In rainy seasons, the potting soil usually remains moist up to two weeks without water. But during summer, the soil can dry within a few days, and then you should water your succulent again.  Having said that, as a rule of a thumb I recommend watering indoor succulents once every two weeks during winter. And once a week during summer. But of course, it always depends on the moisture of the soil, and that should be your primary benchmark.

 

Is tap water good for indoors succulents?

Most people use tap water for their succulents. You should remember though that tap water usually contains dissolved minerals, and often also chemicals that are good neither for humans nor for plants. These minerals could build up over time in the soil which in turn harms the succulents in the long run.

My recommendation is to use rainwater. I know that it requires additional effort on your part. But if you really want to grow healthy and beautiful succulents, collecting rainwater will definitely pay off. The reason why we recommend rainwater over tap water is that obviously, rainwater is safer than tap water.

So during the rainy season, try to collect the water. You can build a special underground tank for this purpose on your backyard, or just use a bigger empty barrel.  Don’t forget to keep the stored water safe though. Uncovered water storage is a favorite habitat of mosquitoes. They lay eggs there making it dangerous not only for your succulents, but also for your family. So cover your water storage. Make sure that no mosquito can get inside.

Appropriate watering technique for indoors succulents

Apart from how often to water succulents indoors, many of our readers also ask how they should actually do it. Like with many other things in life, you have a variety of options, and at times you may struggle to decide which one to use.

However, our recommendation is to soak the soil or make the whole potting mix completely wet then let it dry. Then, water the soil again once it dries. The watering interval depends on the season and climate of your location. If you are living in regions where temperatures are high, the watering interval for your succulents may be short. In contrast, if you are living in a location where temperatures are low, the watering interval may be long, two weeks or even more!

 

Bigger indoors succulents are less prone to both lack of water and excess of water

Bigger succulents can survive for many days without water. This is because they have so much liquid stored in their big bodies and leaves, almost an endless resource they can gather water from when you do not give them any water.  Remember though that although succulents are very good at storing water in their leaves, they cannot survive in the total absence of water in the long run. Like other plants, they need water.

Aside from location and temperature, potting soil also plays an important role in how much water should you give to your succulents. If you are using our recommended gritty mix from Amazon, you can water your indoor succulents once a week. That’s because this excellent soil mix does not hold too much moisture, and the soil dries more quickly.

Another thing that you need to consider in watering your succulents is the thickness of the leaves. Succulents with thicker leaves are more resistant to drought. This means they need a lesser amount of water and more capable of surviving without water. The secret to successful succulent growing is understanding that the size of the plant, the thickness of the leaves, location, and season are all factors we should consider when deciding about an optimal watering schedule for the plant.

 

When should you bring your succulents inside?

Succulents love sunshine, but it doesn’t mean they cannot survive inside of the house. They just need a good place, so the sun rays can still reach them. When the rainy season comes, however, it is time to bring your lovely plants inside. Make sure though that you expose them to sunlight sometimes–if it shines at all during the rainy season… 

When winter season arrives, most succulents simply want to survive, and you need to bring them inside. An exception just proves the rule, such as the Sempervivums (also known as hens and chicks) and Stonecrop Sedums. They can stay outside all winter, at least in moderate climate, tolerating temperature up to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s quite amazing, considering they can sustain both high and low temperatures. These plants just can’t stop surprising me with their versatility!

 

Most succulents cannot tolerate freezing temperatures

If you have tender succulents, or the types that can’t tolerate freezing temperatures, you need to bring them inside before the frost hits. Echeveria, Crassula, Kalanchoe, Aloe, Tender Sedums, and Senecio are some of the more popular succulents that fit into this category.

Let’s have a look at more details, such as when exactly should you bring your succulents inside, and what you should do to make sure you’ll be able to take them outside in the spring, and they won’t die during the winter.

* May also interest you: Can Succulents Survive Winter?

35-40 degrees Fahrenheit is the limit, but you need to take some succulents inside as soon as temperature drops below 50

During winter some succulents can only tolerate up to 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit and some can endure below freezing temperature if kept dry. But tropical succulents prefer 50 to 60 degrees and above. Example of these is Adeniums, Euphorbias, Lithops, and Stapeliads.

In my opinion, it makes no sense to hesitate too much. As soon as the temperatures drop, you should simply take your succulents inside. If the drop is temporary, you can always take them out again, so they enjoy more sunlight before the winter arrives with full power.

How do you keep your succulents alive indoors?

First of all, you need to determine the variety of your succulents. This is because not all succulents can survive indoors. There are some types that simply prefer to stay outside, regardless of the conditions.

As a rule of a thumb, that bright-colored succulents or the succulents that have red, orange or purple colors prefer to be outside. And succulent that have naturally green color do well indoors. Bright-colored succulents need more direct sunlight than those that have green color. Some of the perfect succulents for indoors growing are Hawarthia and Gasteria.

Picking the right succulents for your home decor is only the first step. There are many things you need to remember to keep them alive indoors. First of all, all plants need sunlight for their healthy growth. Of course, many succulents will survive without direct sunlight. But I believe you want your plants to thrive, and not merely survive.

 

Place the succulents near the window

A good and simple practice is to place succulents near the window, so they get at least indirect sunlight. Since they will be having less sunlight, make sure you give them the right soil. They love a soil mix with sand to increase drainage – you can check this great one on Amazon for example (* an affiliate link, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase). Also, remember to only water them when their soil is completely dry because they hate having watery surroundings.

Whenever you see a dry or drying leaves, collect them from the plant, to avoid surrounding leaves to start rotting as well. And if you really want them to be healthy, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer (less than 10%) once a month. You may opt for a natural variety, like this one on Amazon, one that I like very much.

I also suggest you to consider re-potting your plants once a year while your succulents are young. Put them into larger pots, about 1 inch larger in diameter. But if they have a 6-inch diameter pot, just change the soil with a fresh one and they would be fine. Not all succulents are the same. To make sure are doing it right,do your research, and contact some experts if you have a rare type of succulents.

 

Succulents can endure the dry winter air

Succulents have fleshy leaves, thick stems and enlarge roots for their special adaptation abilities. These characteristics allow them to survive indoors. Their leaves store water for survival, it is also the reason why you don’t need to water succulents as frequently as most other plants.

The best thing about succulents is that they can endure dry air during winter when they are indoors. Unlike other plants that can only survive for a few days or weeks, succulents can thrive even in some unforgiving temperatures. All you need to do is to give sunlight for about 4 hours every day or intermittently. Early morning and late afternoon are the best time to do this.

 

Can succulents stay outside in winter?

If you are new to growing succulents, you may wonder whether or not these plants can survive in extreme environmental conditions. Some people may live in an area that gets extremely hot in summer, and others reside in places that get quite cold in winter. So can succulents withstand such cold conditions? The answer is it depends on the type of succulents you are growing. There are succulents that can thrive during winter while others cannot.

In most cases, cold temperature makes it hard for succulents to survive. The combination of extremely cold temperature and minimal presence of sunlight is a threat to almost every well-known succulent. The increased temperature mostly increases the rate of chemical reaction in the plants. As a response, a plant will need more oxygen, carbon dioxide, and a supply of water. A lack of water may cause wilting.

On the other hand cold conditions slow down the process. Because of the presence of ice, parts of the cell in plants may freeze which can cause damage and interruption in the pathway of nutrients and water flow. At some point, it may cause the death of succulents. Luckily not all succulents hate the winter. Some actually love it, and we will have a look art the list right now!

Succulents that can survive outside in winter

• Sempervivum. It is rosette-forming succulents that produce abundant offspring and it is also known as hens and chicks. These succulent species are capable of adjusting and adapting to their environment, including very cold conditions.
• Winter Hardy agave. Usually, Agaves form a beautiful rosette of usually thick, rigid, fleshy leaves with marginal teeth and a sharp terminal spine. They are mostly monocarpic, they flower once and die thereafter. Some Agaves produce offsets that will happily replace the dead plant. And the best part–they do not mind cold temperature.
• Cobweb Sempervivum Arachnoideum. Cobweb Sempervivum obviously forms prominent trichomes or hair-like filaments. It is the trichomes that break up the flow of air around the leaves and it protects them from drying out. It also prevents ice crystals from forming directly on the surface of the leaf, which makes this plant frost-hardy.
• Delosperma. A very popular with commercial plantings and It is also known as ice plant. It has an amusing low maintenance ground cover that creates blankets of dazzling blooms that causes the attraction of butterflies and honeybees.
• Cold Hardy Succulent Cactus. Opuntia Pinta Rita is an example of it that has an extraordinary coloring. The leaf pads are turquoise the projects a vivid, amethyst purple/magenta with the slightest stress. Opuntias can survive a lot, including relatively cold temperatures.
• Coldy Hardy Jovibarba/Sempervivum Heuffeli. It is similar in the form and habit to the hens and chicks (Sempervivum) This type of succulents is richly colored and maintains its vivid hue instead of intensifying and fade with seasons. It develops a baby rosette in between the leaves of the mother plant for an extraordinary appearance.
• Orostachys. They refer to it as a charming winter succulent that deserves to be more widely grown. An example of it which is Orostachys Iwarenge forms a low mat of rosettes that sooner or later will begin to elongate into conical forms that have a pink blush that can reach 6’’ tall.
• Stonecrop Sedum Winter. It has amazing forms and color and an example of it is the stonecrop Sedum Fuldagut or fire glow. In the sun, the bronze-colored green leaves it has will turn into coppery then a deep burgundy in the fall. 

Extra care for succulents that stay outside in winter

As you can see on my list, many succulents can survive outside in winter. The question is though how you should adjust your care to make them thrive, or at least survive until spring returns. Let me give you a few crucial tips.

1. Lessen the frequency of watering. During winter, soils are rich in water because of the humid that winter brings. Obviously, the best thing you can do is to lessen the watering frequency. Because an abundant amount of water is the quickest way to kill a succulent.
2. Check for Bugs. Despite the cold season, bugs are inevitable. Since bugs are a hindrance to the growth of succulent, keep them away as much as possible. Inspect them closely for mealybugs which is the most common pest of succulents.
3. Make sure it receives plenty of sunlight. It is necessary for succulents to receive sunlight outside. Aside from it is necessary to complete the photosynthesis, sunlight also provides that warm that succulents need in order to avoid freezing. Move it to a place where it receives direct sunlight and removes anything that covers the succulent.
4. Remove the snow from the pot. The abundant amount of snow could cover the entire succulent. What’s more, it may cause frost damage because of the temperature drop. It may kill the succulent because of too much water when the snow starts to melt. Hence removing the snow (or at least most of it) is the best thing you can do for your succulents.
5. Watch your succulent if it’s freezing. Winter season usually causes frost damage. You consider putting your succulent inside (or at least to some outside room where temperature doesn’t drop that much, such as close to the walls of your house), especially when it gets super cold. Sure enough, succulents can survive a lot, but it doesn’t mean that you have to take chances…

Final thoughts

Winter season is hard for succulents, but once you know which succulents can survive outside in winter, and how to take care of them during the cold weather period, they should survive, so they can start growing and blooming again once the spring and summer arrives.

 

Final thoughts

Well, that was a long long post…But I really wanted to cover all areas of questions one may have while trying to successfully grow succulents, over a long time. I hope you have found all your answers. If not, you can always contact me, or check one of the following post:

• Succulents and animals, do they eat them?
• Succulent pests and most common problems.