Succulent Care Guide

When it comes to succulents there are two types of people. Those that have great success and those that can’t seem to keep them alive no matter how hard they try.

I’ve found the number one reason succulents don’t thrive is lack of light. Most would say they die from overwatering, which could technically be true, but even the perfectly watered succulent will die a slow death if it’s not getting the proper amount of light.

A good rule of thumb when purchasing a plant is learning where they grow and thrive naturally. Most succulents are desert plants. They grow in a sandy, rocky medium with periods of drought and harsh sun.

When we bring them into our homes we should find the sunniest spot. Right near a south facing window is prime real estate. When a succulent has enough light and a good chunky cactus soil mix, it can handle a heavy watering hand.

When it’s time to water, do it the way nature would. A deep thorough watering—not just little sips. Pour a good amount on until it runs out the drainage hole, wait a few minutes, then do it again. For a 4” pot I use roughly 2-3 cups of water. Then wait. A long time. 2-3 weeks in summer, 2-3 months in winter.

If you love the look of succulents but have struggled in the past, try again! They’re relatively inexpensive and can grow quickly in the right environment. Just make sure you have bright sun, a fast draining mix, and a good solid watering when the soil is completely dry.