A rising trend in today’s interior decorating is the use of plants. Succulents, in particular, have risen in popularity since the ’70s. They can be seen being used as party favors, in floral arrangements, and in jewelry. They fill dead space and pure carbon dioxide, among other toxins from the air. 

While they seem easy to take care of, many people mistake treating succulents like an average houseplant. In fact, succulents are more closely related to cacti, resulting in the succulent’s susceptibility to being overwatered. 

In this post, you will learn the correct way to care for your succulents now and in the future. Read on to find out how to keep your plants happy and healthy.

1. Choosing a pot

First things first- when you get your new succulent, you’re going to want to get a cute pot. Unfortunately, some of the cuter ones you’ll see at stores have a critical part missing that could severely damage your plant. This is the drainage hole. 

Succulents don’t like sitting in waterlogged soil, so drainage in the container is essential to prevent the roots from rotting. This hole in the bottom will allow for excess water to escape. Terra-cotta pots are ideal for beginners.

 

2.  Find the suitable potting medium

The material you’re planting your succulent in is just as important as the pot you put it in. These particular plants need soil that drains, so regular potting soil that you might find in common house plants- or your yard- won’t work.

Choose either cactus soil or a potting mixture with sand, perlite, or pumice when choosing your soil.

 

3.  Making sure your succulents get enough light

Most succulents love light and need at least 6 hours of sun per day.

Newly planted succulents may be used to lower light, so avoid putting them in direct sun, which could result in the plant getting burned. From there, you can gradually introduce them to a more sunny location.

If you notice your succulent becoming spindly or stretching toward the light, that indicates your plant is not getting enough sun.

 

4.  When and how much to water

Like all living things, succulents need water, but also like living things, there’s such a thing as too much water. That’s right, you can overwater a plant!

Succulents are particularly susceptible to overwatering. The best way to avoid this is to water more but less frequently.

When watering, saturate soil enough to ensure excess water comes out the drainage hole, but allow the soil to dry out slightly in between waterings. This usually equivocates to waiting 2-3 weeks in between waterings.

 

5.  How are you going to water your plants

There are two main ways to water your plants: bottom watering or watering the soil directly. 

NEVER spray/mist succulents! It’s actually bad for the plant because the water residue left on the leaves can cause mold and fungus to form and produce brittle roots. 

I personally prefer to bottom water my plants because it creates a stronger roots system. To bottom water, place the pots in a pan of water and allow water to be absorbed through the drainage hole. Once the top of the soil is wet, remove the pan. 

Another way to water plants is directly from the top, soaking the soil until water runs out the drainage hole at the bottom. 

 

Afternote: If you notice the bottom leaves on the stem of your succulent shriveling up and falling off, this is nothing to worry about. If the topmost leaves are dying, however, this could indicate a multitude of issues, including disease, pests, and overwatering.