How to Care for Succulents

Caring for Succulents in General

Purchase a sturdy wide pot. This is necessary for all varieties of succulents. They have thick roots that spread out and require a wide diameter for proper growth. If your variety grows large and top-heavy, aim for a sturdy pot that won't tip over. Terra cotta is a good choice. Make sure the pot has drainage holes at or near the bottom. If you're repurposing a container, avoid glass or other materials that you can't add holes to. Varieties with roots that remain close to the soil surface will thrive in a shallow pot. Those with taproots that penetrate deeply into the soil require a taller pot. Read the care instructions that come with your plant (usually on a plastic tab that sticks in the soil) for details.

Fill the pot with cactus soil mix. Look for cactus soil mix at your local garden center. Read the label to make sure it contains equal parts compost, horticultural sand, and grit. Double check that all ingredients are horticultural-grade.

Pot the succulent. Invert the original pot and tap it gently to loosen the plant. Carefully clear the soil away from the roots using a chopstick or toothpick. Then, place the plant in the new pot. Use soil mix to cover the bottom of the plant to the same point that it was covered in the original pot. If the succulent outgrows its current pot, repot it. The new pot should be slightly larger than the old one to allow for new growth.

Put the plant in a sunny place. If you live in a hot climate, put your plant in a location that gets 6-8 hours of filtered sunlight each day. In colder climates, 6 hours of full sun is acceptable. For indoor plants, choose a window where the plant can get full sun. Don't put your plant in a south-facing window if you live in a hot climate. If you live in a cooler climate, test any south-facing windows for too much heat in the afternoon. The plant can become sunburned with too much sunlight. If you have a “-veria” succulent, keep it out of the direct afternoon sun to avoid sunburn.

Water at least weekly during the growing season. The frequency of waterings depends on the variety of the succulent. Make sure the soil is moist at all times during the spring and summer months. Follow the care instructions for details specific to your variety. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.

Reduce waterings during the dormant season. Like deciduous trees, succulents enter a dormancy phase during the fall and winter months. Allow the soil to dry completely before rewatering during this time. Depending on the variety, this can be as little as once a month. Some flowering varieties need more water than ones that don't produce flowers. Read the care instructions for details.

Bring the succulents inside during freezing weather. You can overwinter the plants inside by putting them in a warm, sunny windowsill. Wait until the last frost has passed before putting them back outside.

Fighting Pests

Identify common pests. Mealy bugs, aphids, and vine weevils are the most common pests that succulents attract. Check for mealy bugs at the point where the leaf attaches to the stem. Look for aphids on leaves, stems, and flower buds. Watch for impaired growth or limpness, which is evidence of vine weevils or root mealy bugs. Mealy bugs are usually about 2 millimetres (0.079 in) to 3 millimetres (0.12 in) long and resemble lice. When they first attack, they'll leave balls of white fluff on the plant. When squashed, they leave a red stain. Aphids are about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) long. Their bodies are pear-shaped and can be black, green, yellow, pink, gray, or brown. Scale are small gray bugs. They may look like a cluster of small, cottony pinheads.

Fight mealy bugs, scale, and aphids with insecticidal soap. Mix a few drops of soap in tepid water. If you have severe infestation, add a few drops of cooking oil to the mixture. Apply it to the affected areas with a cotton swab or spray bottle. You can buy insecticidal soap at your local nursery. For root mealy bugs, remove and discard of the soil. Replant the succulent in fresh, clean soil.

Quarantine new plants. Pests can “hitchhike” on plants fresh from the nursery. If you're already growing succulents, isolate the new arrivals for about two weeks. Check for pests and signs of disease daily. After you plant your succulent in its permanent location, continue to monitor for problems at least once a week.

Choosing the Appropriate Succulents for Where You Live

Purchase zone-appropriate varieties. Succulents are available in varieties that can grow in agricultural zones as cold as Zone 4 and as hot as Zone 9. If you live anywhere between Zones 4 and 7, go for the sempervivum or similar variety. For Zones 8 and 9, opt for more heat- and drought-tolerant varieties. Before you make the final purchase, read the label on the plant or speak to an expert at your local nursery. If you're not certain which zone you live in, visit the website for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or non-U.S. equivalent for assistance.

Check the drainage of your soil. Succulents need soil with good drainage. Avoid low spots in the garden where water can pool. If your garden soil stays soggy for a long period of time, read up on how to improve the drainage.

Buy native varieties, if possible. You'll have this advantage if you live in a dry climate. Native succulents have their own built-in defenses against pests in your area. They also invite local beneficial insects that could help in the growth and propagation of other plant varieties in your garden. Visit your state or provincial government website, university websites, or local botanical societies for assistance.