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Even the most prolific ones plant killers can bet on keeping succulents alive. After all, the desert plant family can withstand the harshest living conditions, making them ideal for beginners or those who travel constantly. Simply because a plant i can going weeks without water and sunlight does not mean that Must.
“Succulents are fun. Don’t overdo them,” says Ellis McQuillan, lead designer at Petoskey, Michigan-based Sweetwater Floral, a full-service flower and plant shop. “They’re a great group of plants to make that thumb a little greener by telling us exactly what they need and requiring minimal care.”
To maximize the growth and vitality of your new living creatures, we enlisted McQuillen to share his best tips for proper plant care. Here are seven things to consider before investing in cacti, Mexican snowballs, zebras and the like.
For more, see our list of indoor plants that are impossible to kill and others who keep bugs from invading your home.
1. Give succulents as much sun as possible
Succulents crave sunlight just like the rest of us.
If you’re worried about placing a pot or planter on an ultra-sunny windowsill, fear not. “These plants love the sun … as much as possible,” says McQuillan.
If the rays are too strong for an extended period of time, look for signs of crisp edges, unnaturally long stems and discoloration. Simply turning the pot can usually fix the situation (if done consistently) or you can move your succulents to a location that doesn’t get direct sunlight all day.
2. Take succulents outside
Provide your plants with direct outdoor sunlight during the summer months.
Those lucky enough to own or rent outdoor living space can move their plants outside during the summer months. This will allow more unfiltered sunlight, fresher air, better drainage and avoid root rot.
“Chances are, no matter where you live, your succulent can grow outside in the summer and come inside for the winter,” McQuillan says. “This makes the indoor display a charming patio centerpiece for the season.”
3. Leave succulents dormant
When your succulent stops growing, that’s a sign to stop or slow down watering.
“Succulents need to be dormant for part of the year,” explains McQuillan. “During their ‘dormant time’, don’t water them or water them extremely infrequently.”
Signs of dormancy include stunted growth, yellow and fallen leaves, shriveling and even freckles. Don’t mistake this for death, as most miserable-looking succulents will recover with a little patience. As long as the central stem is green and the root portion remains moist, you can count on your plant to be alive.
4. Water succulents when they are wrinkled
Aloe is a succulent that is especially helpful during sunburn season.
The general rule of thumb for watering succulents is once every two weeks (or even once a month in the winter). If you notice the leaves starting to shrivel, they may be begging for some hydration.
“Succulents are good at telling us what they need,” reminds McQuillan, who advises erring on the side of *not* overwatering.
5. Think about your pot
Rubber plants are another hearty large succulent, but they need care and attention just like other plants.
The initial home of your succulents may be temporary, like hermit crabs, as repotting should be done as the plant increases in size.
“The root systems of succulents can be a little shallower,” explains McQuillan. “Avoid planting a small plant in a huge pot. Instead, gradually repot as it grows.”
6. Drainage is a must for succulents
The ZZ plant is a succulent that grows larger than most.
If there’s one thing your succulent hates the most, it’s wet feet.
“A layer of rock or stone at the bottom of your pot is a must, along with a drainage hole [if possible],” she adds. This will prevent water from pooling in the pot, which can essentially drown your succulents and cause rot.
7. Be considerate of other plants
Choosing the right pot size can help your succulent reach its full potential.
Succulents may be beautiful, but they are also selfish. If you pot them with other water-loving plants such as ferns, they will struggle to survive.
“Keep everything in the desert family,” advises McQuillan. This can include common varieties such as aloe, agave and jade plants, which thrive interdependently, so you can enjoy succulents of any shape or color all year round.
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