Succulents are popular houseplants known for their thick, juicy stems and/or leaves. Found in various plant families, including the stonecrop (Crassulaceae), spurge (Euphorbiaceae), and cactus (Cactaceae) families, they require little care and thrive in similar environmental conditions. While all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti.
They're admired for their attractive leaves, stems, growth habits, and flowers, which come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. Their small size and variety make them highly collectible. Because they all thrive in the same growing conditions, they are perfect for dish gardens, where multiple plants are growing in the same conditions.
General Care | Growing Conditions | Planting & Repotting | Propagation | Common Issues | Popular Species | More Information
General Care
Overall, succulents require minimal care to be successfully grown indoors. Below are the basics of care. More details on care and ideal growing conditions can be found in the next section.
Place succulents indoors in bright, indirect light. This is light bright enough to cast a shadow, but not direct sun.
Grow succulents in well-drained potting soil in containers that provide good drainage. Cacti & Succulent mixes are good options, but you can also add amendments like perlite and sand to potting soil to increase the drainage.
Succulents thrive in average home temperatures and humidity. Temperatures between 55°F and 75°F with nights being cooler than days are ideal. Humidity indoors, especially in winter tends to be low and succulents thrive in these conditions.
When watering succulents be sure to thoroughly wet the entire root ball and allow all excess water to drain away. Never allow water to sit in saucers or outer sleeves. Watering frequency is less often with succulents than other houseplants, but they still need regular watering. Typically once every two or three weeks works well, but it will depend on soil type, light level, humidity, and container type. If lower leaves are becoming wrinkled or drying up, conditions are too dry. If leaves yellow and stems become soft and weak, conditions may be too wet.
Most succulents do not require much fertilizer to thrive. Provide an all-purpose or succulent specific fertilizer in the spring and summer months at a rate of one-half to one-quarter the rate listed on the label.
Growing Conditions
Light | Soil | Container | Temperature | Humidity | Watering | Fertilizer | Air Circulation
Light
Light is often one of the most limiting factors when growing succulents indoors. They need ten or more hours of bright, indirect light (indirect light is bright enough to cast a shadow, but not in direct sun). Some species tolerate lower light levels, but most need at least six to eight hours.
Rotate plants to prevent lopsided growth. In low light, plants become lanky and pale. Move them to brighter locations or use supplemental light like high-output, full-spectrum light fluorescent or LED light fixtures.
In summer, can be moved outdoors, but place them in part-sun to protect from bright sun, as intense light can damage leaves and stems.
Soil
Soil is one of the most important considerations for succulents as they need sharp-draining soil that dries quickly and doesn't hold too much moisture. Typical potting soil retains too much water, risking root rot.
A good mix is one-third organic material and two-thirds mineral material. To make your own, combine one part organic material (potting soil, pine bark, compost, or coir) with two parts mineral material (perlite, coarse sand, pumice, or fine gravel).
Commercial "Cactus and Succulent" mixes can also be used and are great choices for new indoor succulent gardeners.
Container
Containers for succulents can be made of glazed pottery, ceramic, terracotta, clay, plastic, or glass, but they must have drainage holes. Succulents don't tolerate staying wet, and "drainage layers" of coarse gravel at the bottom of a container is not a suitable replacement for a drainage hole. If the desired container cannot accommodate a drainage hole, grow the plant in a slightly smaller container with adequate drainage and set that pot inside the desired container (double pot).
Containers can range from a wide range of materials including glazed pottery, ceramic, terracotta, clay, plastic, and glass. They must contain a drainage hole. Succulents do not tolerate staying wet and even if a “drainage layer” or coarse gravel is placed in the bottom of the container, they often stay too wet for plants to thrive. If you cannot create a drainage hole consider using a different container or use a double pot. Double potting consists of a plant growing in a slightly smaller container with drainage holes and setting that container down inside the desirable container that does not have drainage.
Clay or terracotta pots are ideal since they are porous and allow quicker soil drying. Succulents thrive in small or shallow containers because the small volume of soil will dry out more quickly.
Succulents also do well in larger containers with multiple species planted together (dish gardens) since nearly all succulent species share the same growing requirements.
Temperature
Most succulents don't need above-average temperatures and thrive in typical home conditions despite being native to hot, dry climates. They prefer a temperature range of 55°F to 75°F, with some tolerating as low as 45°F and as high as 85°F. Indoors, they often do well with cooler nights and warmer days, mimicking their natural habitats.
Humidity
Succulents usually thrive in the low humidity found in most homes, especially during winter. Low humidity helps the soil dry out quickly, which is beneficial.
If the air is too dry and plants are shriveling, wrinkling, or developing dry leaf edges or tips, consider raising the humidity by using a humidifier or pebble tray. It's rare for indoor conditions to be too dry for succulents.
Watering
Watering is crucial but often misunderstood in succulent care. Use a wet-dry cycle: water thoroughly, wetting the entire root ball until it drains, then let the soil dry completely before watering again. Succulents will not tolerate staying wet. Never allow water to sit for more than a few hours in trays, sleeves, or double pots. Plants that yellow, develop soft stems or leaves, or collapse are often in overly wet soil conditions.
The frequency depends on light, soil, container type, temperature, and humidity. Start with watering every 2-3 weeks. Check if the soil is dry several inches down before watering. If damp, wait a few days.
While succulents prefer low amounts of water, they still need water to grow and flourish. In fact, growth can be greatly accelerated when they are provided with regular moisture utilizing a wet-dry cycle of watering.
Fertilizer
Most succulents need little fertilizer to thrive. Use a all-purpose fertilizer in spring and summer at half to a quarter of the recommended rate. Fertilizers made specifically for cacti and succulents can also be used as directed on the package.
Apply a water-soluble fertilizer every 3-4 waterings during active growth (spring and summer) or use a slow-release fertilizer early in the season. Avoid fertilizing in winter when they're not growing.
Air Circulation
Succulents benefit from good air circulation. Moving air helps dry soils, lower humidity, and can reduce the risk of insect pests like mealy bugs and spider mites. Space plants appropriately to allow for good airflow around the plants and if succulents are cramped, consider a small fan to help circulate more air.
Planting & Repotting
Succulents don't need frequent repotting and often thrive in slightly smaller containers, as the soil dries more quickly. Over time, soil can break down and hold more water, and larger plants may become top-heavy, needing a larger container to remain stable.
Choose a container just big enough to fit the root system, ensuring it has a drainage hole. Avoid overly large containers, as they often take longer to dry out. Handle succulents carefully when potting to avoid breaking stems or leaves. Use a folded band of paper or thick gloves to handle spiny plants. Gently remove loose soil from the root ball, place the plant in a new container, fill with well-drained soil, and lightly water.
Repotting is an ideal time to propagate plants. Cut back leggy stems and remove crowded offsets for propagation.
Propagating Succulents
Most succulents are easy to propagate vegetatively by offsets, stem cuttings, or leaf cuttings. The type of propagation you choose depends on the species of plant and how it grows. Learn more about propagating succulents in this article: How to Propagate Succulents.
Common Issues of Succulents
Succulents have relatively few pest and disease issues. Learn more about the potential issues that may affect succulents and how to manage them in this article: Common Problems and Issues of Succulents.
Common & Popular Succulent Species
Succulents are a diverse group of plants and there are many different species to choose from. Get a list of some of the best species to try in this article: Common and Popular Succulent Species.
More Information
- How to Care for Houseplants
- Indoor Plants (publication)
- How to Propagate Succulents
- Propagating Houseplants
- Common Problems and Issues of Succulents
- Diagnosing Houseplant Problems
- Common and Popular Succulent Species
- Moving Indoor Plants Outside for the Summer
Photo credits: Aaron Steil