If you struggle with houseplants (we've all been there), we've got the answer: succulents, aka some of the lowest-maintenance indoor plants you can grow. Once you understand how to care for succulents, they aren't super-fussy. "Succulents have many classic and unusual shapes, unlimited colors, and ease of maintenance," says Debra Lee Baldwin, author of Designing with Succulents. "The plants like the same things you do: warmth, sunlight, and dryness."
Even if you don't live in the desert southwest, you can enjoy these amazing plants as small specimens in pots. Many types of succulents can be grown indoors and out—but if you live in a cold climate and plan to grow succulents outdoors, make sure you choose a type of succulent that's suited to survive winters in your USDA Hardiness Zone. Otherwise, you'll need to bring your plants inside in the fall before freezing temperatures arrive.
Best of all, succulents come in many different varieties, sizes, and shapes. In fact, you may not realize it, but cacti are also a type of succulent. "All cacti are succulents, though not all succulents are cacti," says Baldwin. The obvious identifying feature, of course, is that cacti typically have sharp spines.
Ahead, here's everything you need to know about how to care for succulents.
How Long Do Succulents Live?
It depends on the type, but many succulents are hardy plants that can live for decades—as long as you don't overwater them. Succulents that are especially long-lived include Christmas cactus, snake plant, and aloe vera plant.
Do Succulents Need Direct Sunlight?
Succulents need full sun, which means they should be placed near a source of natural light where they can get direct sun exposure or bright indirect light—such as from an east-, west-, or south-facing windows. Line them up on a super-sunny windowsill or a corner side table near a window.
You should also rotate pots regularly so that they're evenly exposed to the sun. "If you don't give them enough light, succulents will flatten and lean toward the light," says Baldwin. Grow lights also work if you don't have adequate natural light.
What Is the Best Type of Succulent for Beginners?
A few types of succulents, such as snake plants and haworthia (aka zebra cactus), do fine in low light levels, such as on a desktop or several feet away from a window. If you're a novice plant parent, these are both great beginner succulents to try.
Is It Better To Plant Succulents in the Ground or in Pots?
You can do both. When planting a succulent in the ground, make sure it's a type that can survive your winters. If you're planting a succulent in a pot, it can enjoy summer vacation outdoors then come in for winter. Or it can reside on a sunny windowsill year-round.
How Often Do You Water Succulents?
The biggest mistake most people make with succulents is overwatering. Succulents, by definition, are plants that store water in their tissues in order to survive long periods without it. So the fatter the plant, the more water it contains—and thus, the less it needs. Give them a drink once every week or two, but only if a chopstick inserted into the soil comes out with no soil sticking to it, says Baldwin.
Naturally, succulents also tend to like low humidity levels, which means they'll do well in most homes with forced air heating in the winter. Just don't put them right in front of a vent—they'll get too dry.
What's the Best Kind of Soil for Succulents?
Succulents like fast-draining soil. The easiest thing to do is to buy bagged cactus mix at the store, though you can use general-purpose potting mix and mix it half and half with pumice (crushed lava rock).
What's the Best Container for Succulents?
Almost any container is fine as long as it has drainage holes. Remember: Succulents don't like wet feet, so you need to give excess water a way to get out of the pot. But if you find a cool decorative pot without holes, simply place a smaller plastic one that does have holes inside it.
Are Succulents Toxic to Pets?
Here's where it gets tricky: The answer is yes and no. According to the ASPCA, some types, such as pilea and Christmas cactus, are safe around pets. However, other types, such as snake plant or jade plant can cause GI upset, vomiting, and lethargy if ingested. If you're unsure if your pet is a nibbler, keep all plants—including succulents—out of their reach. And if you suspect your pet has eaten a houseplant of any sort, call your vet ASAP. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
Now that we've settled all of that, let's get to the fun part! Here's everything you'll need to start growing succulents.
Miracle-Gro Cactus Potting Mix, 2-Pack
Mini Succulent Pots with Saucers, set of 6
Succulent Pot Display Stand with Pots
JapanBargain Long-spout Mini Watering Can
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Hadley Mendelsohn is the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House. When she's not busy writing about interiors, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, researching ghost stories, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again. Along with interior design, she writes about everything from travel to entertainment, beauty, social issues, relationships, fashion, food, and on very special occasions, witches, ghosts, and other Halloween haunts. Her work has also been published in MyDomaine, Who What Wear, Man Repeller, Matches Fashion, Byrdie, and more.
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
