Indoor Succulent Care Guide

Succulents are easy-to-care-for houseplants that thrive with plenty of light and minimal watering. Follow these simple tips to keep your indoor succulents healthy and vibrant.

Light

Succulents are very hardy plants, to keep them that way they have to absorb lots and lots of light! All succulents are different, some needing more light than others. 

A general rule to follow is that the darker the succulent, the more light its needs. Lighter, greener succulents are able to absorb light easier than its darker, purple counterpart. 

East and North windows are better for those lighter succulents, giving them partial sunlight (4-6 hours of afternoon sun). West and South facing windows are the best for sunlight loving plants, providing the fullest amount of sun (6 or more hours) during the day.

Water

Like most succulents in nature, they need great drainage and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining soil with 50% to 70% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply enough for water to run out the drainage hole, then wait for the soil to fully dry before watering again. 

You can either water your succulents once every 2-3 weeks or check the soil with a toothpick or skewer, If it comes back dusty or clean you need to water again.

Fertilization and Repotting

Succulents don't need very much fertilizer to get by, if none at all. They originate in somewhat nutrient void environments, so they don't need feeding like usual houseplants. As long as they are potted with good quality, nutrient rich soil, they can thrive.

To repot your succulents into a bigger pot just wait until the soil is dry, pop them out, place them in a new container, and fill in with a well draining succulent potting mix. If you wish to remove the old soil, soak the dirt in water and gently scrub the dirt away from the roots. 

Repot your succulent once its growth starts to slow down, a good routine is to repot your succulent with fresh soil once a year. 

Temperature

Most succulents prefer temperatures between 60–80°F (16–27°C). It's best to keep them away from cold drafts and heating vents.

Pest Control

While succulents are relatively pest-resistant, they can occasionally attract common houseplant pests.

Mealybugs: Appear as white, cotton-like clusters on leaves and stems.
Spider mites: Cause tiny webbing and speckled or discolored leaves

If you notice mealybugs or spider mites remove the visible pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Rinse affected plants with water when appropriate. Use neem oil for persistent infestations, following product directions.

Common Problems

Wrinkled leaves: Plant needs water.
Soft, mushy leaves: Too much water.
Leggy growth: Not enough light.