Succulents are a wonderful plant to grow both indoors and out. They are easy to maintain, have a fun modern look, and can be a great way to invite some nature into your space. If you have wanted to grow succulents but weren’t sure how, take a look below at 5 tips for growing succulents that you can try. When you try these tips, you can be a pro at growing these gorgeous plants!
5 Tips for Growing Succulents
Note: These tips will work with both indoor and outdoor succulents. It also won’t make a difference as to which variety you are growing, since there are so many to pick from.
1. Opt for bright light.
Try to place or plant your succulents on a south facing window. This gives them excellent sun and warmth. If the leaves begin to discolor (they will turn brown or white) then it is time to pull back as the sun is too overpowering.
2. Don’t fret about the temp.
Succulents can grow in temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees. As long as they are slowly acclimated to the environment, they will thrive. Don’t worry too much about the temperature, as long as you acclimate your plants to it gradually.
3. Water more in the summer.
During warmer months, succulents will need more water. While the soil should never be soaked or have freestanding water, it should stay damp. During the winter, the plant will slow down its growth and not require nearly as much water. You can cut back watering by as much as half.
4. Pick the perfect soil.
Find a soil specially designed for cacti. Succulents will thrive in this as it is fast draining and helps support the root system. A soil such as this not only helps provide the proper drainage, but nutrients as well!
5. Fertilize in the summer months only.
Fertilize as you would any other houseplant during the summer months. During the winter you can skip this step entirely as the plant basically “goes to sleep” and won’t be needing the nutrients.
Growing succulents is so easy and enjoyable. They require a bit of care in the summer months, but when winter hits they are virtually care free. Give these tips a try and see how simple it can be to grow succulents of your own.
Nell says
I purchased my first succulents this past summer. I am now hooked and planning where and how to include more succulents next year. I found your 5 tips very helpful. I just discovered your blog and enjoy it very much.
Alea Milham says
That’s awesome! Succulents make such a wonderful addition to gardens – both inside and out! Thanks for taking the time to visit with us!
Sherritta says
I got hooked on succulents this summer and went hogwild and bought starts online. They arrived in great shape (which surprised me a little) and they adjusted to the So. Oregon weather throughout the summer. However, come the colder months of winter, I decided to bring most of them inside because it can get below freezing and even snowy. The plants did not adjust well. I put them all in southern windows, cut back on the watering and they still are dying off one by one. I don’t know if I didn’t choose the correct plants for this area or if bringing them inside from outside was their demise but when I start again next spring, it would be good to know how to care for them in the cold months of winter so they can go back outside in the spring.
Mandy says
Don’t know if this will help or not, but I got hooked as well. I brought all mine under the patio and covered them with a clear plastic. I made come shaped covers to set over them. I bought a moisture reader and I gave them a bit of water when it registered the appropriate number. In Northern California Our temperature gets below freezing and I didn’t loose a single plant!!! I felt so successful!!!
Lucy says
Now when I am reading your tips and recommendations it makes a perfect sense and looks so easy. The first time when I tried to grow succulents it was a complete disaster. But back then I wasn’t aware to plant them on the south facing wall and that there is soil specially designed for cacti. With these new knowledge I will give myself a second chance. Cross your fingers for me.
Lyn Lyon says
I have a Christmas Cactus that was really big in TN and I moved to NV. Now it is just falling part. It is half what it was. What am I either doing wrong or what can I do to stop the dropping?
Andrea Beswetherick says
I have a variety of succulents on my front porch. I live south of San Francisco in moderate weather, not foggy where we are. I have them in 3 different containers on my front porch, not directly hit by sun. One is planted with a bunch of small succulents in a picture frame. They are beginning to get brown and I think maybe not getting enough water. I just got another one in a frame that I hang on my front door, so far so good. Last night I just planted three more medium sized succulents in pots on front porch, again getting light but no direct sun. Would appreciate advice on how to care for these.
Terry says
What is the best fertilizer for this type of plant?