Even the most prolific plant killer You can bet on keeping your succulents alive. After all, the desert plant family can withstand even the harshest environments Living status, making them ideal for newbies or frequent travelers. Just because of a plant able A few weeks without water and sunlight doesn’t mean should.
“Succulents are fun. Don’t overthink them,” says Ellis McQuillan, principal designer at Sweetwater Floral, a full-service flower and plant store in Petoskey, Miss. “They’re a great group of plants that make our thumbs greener, tell us exactly what they need, and require minimal care.”
To maximize the growth and vitality of new organisms, we asked McQuillan to share her top tips on proper plant care. Here are seven things to remember before investing in cacti, Mexican snowballs, zebra plants, and more.
For more information, see our list of indoor plants impossible to kill and others Prevent bugs from invading your home.
1. Give succulents as much sunlight as possible
Succulents crave sunlight just as much as we do.
If you’re worried about placing your planter or planter on a sunny windowsill, don’t be. “These plants love sunlight … and as much as possible,” McQuillan said.
If the rays are a little too strong over an extended period of time, look for signs of brittle edges, unnaturally long stems and discoloration. Simply turning the pot usually solves the problem (if done consistently), or you can move the succulent to an area that doesn’t receive direct sunlight throughout the day.
2. Bring succulents outdoors
During the summer, give your plants some direct outdoor sunlight.
Those lucky enough to own or rent an outdoor living space can bring their plants outside during the summer. This will allow for more unfiltered sunlight, fresher air, better drainage, and avoid root rot.
“No matter where you live, your succulents can thrive outdoors in the summer and indoors in the winter,” says McQuillan. “This makes an indoor display a lovely patio table centerpiece this season.”
3. Let succulents go dormant
When your succulents stop growing, that’s a sign to stop or slow down watering.
“Succulents need to be dormant for part of the year,” McQuillan explains. “During their ‘dormant period,’ water them no or very little.”
Signs of dormancy include paused growth, yellowing leaves, leaf drop, shrinkage, and even the appearance of freckles. Don’t confuse this with death, as most miserable-looking succulents will rebound if you have a little patience. As long as the central stem is green and the roots stay moist, you can trust that your plant is still alive.
4. Water succulents when they are wrinkled
Aloe vera is a succulent that is especially useful during sunburn season.
A general rule of thumb for watering succulents is once every two weeks (or even once a month in the winter). If you notice that the leaves are starting to wrinkle, they may need a little moisture.
“Succulents are very good at telling us what they need,” cautions McQuillan, who advises erring on the side of overwatering.
5. Consider your pot
Rubber plants are another hearty, large succulent, but they require care and attention like other plants.
A succulent’s initial home may be temporary, like a hermit crab’s, as the plant should be repotted as it increases in size.
“Succulents may have shallower root systems,” McQuillan explains. “Avoid planting a small plant in a large pot. Instead, repot it gradually as it grows.”
6. Succulents must be drained
The ZZ plant is a succulent that grows larger than most plants.
If there’s one thing your succulents hate, it’s wet feet.
“The bottom of the pot must have a layer of rocks or stones and a drainage hole [if possible]” she added. This prevents puddles from forming in the pot, which could flood your succulents and cause rot.
7. Pay attention to other plants
Choosing the right pot size can help your succulents reach their full potential.
Succulents may be beautiful, but they are also selfish. If you pot them with other water-guzzling plants like ferns, they will fight to survive.
“Put everything in the desert family,” McQuillan advises. This includes common varieties like aloe, agave, and jade, which thrive on each other, so you can enjoy succulents in any shape or color year-round.
