Succulent Care In 5 Easy Steps

Succulents are an increasingly popular form of houseplant that offer a wide range of benefits and require very little maintenance. While they may seem low-maintenance, it is important to understand the basics of how to properly care for succulents in order to ensure optimal health. 

When choosing a suitable pot and soil mix, select one with drainage holes and a well-draining soil mix that contains little or no organic material. Overwatering is one of the biggest causes of plant death, so knowing when and how much to water your plants is essential. Providing adequate light is also imperative for healthy succulent growth.

Succulent Watering:

Succulents should be watered deeply after the soil has had time to completely dry out, usually every 7-10 days depending on the season and variety. To tell if the succulent needs water, feel around the surface; if it feels wet then you should wait a few days before watering again. When you do water, give enough that it seeps through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. If you don’t have access to rainwater, make sure to use distilled or purified water as tap water can contain minerals which can build up over time and affect your plants adversely. 

Succulent Light: Place succulents in areas with bright indirect sunlight or use grow lights if necessary. For most succulents, 6 hours per day of indirect sunlight is ideal but this can vary based on type and location. Avoid putting them too close to direct sunlight since their leaves tend to burn easily in hot temperatures. In winter months when there isn’t enough natural light available, you can buy LED lamps specifically designed for indoor plants which will help provide adequate lighting without burning your plants’ leaves.

Succulent Fertilizing:

Most succulents don’t need much fertilizer since they are slow-growing plants but if you don't get many nutrients from your soil mix then an occasional application of mild liquid fertilizer during spring and summer months can help promote healthy growth and blooming (if appropriate). Follow instructions carefully when applying fertilizer as some types such as cacti or desert varieties may not require any additional fertilizers at all!

Succulent Pruning:

Pruning can help keep your succulent looking its best by removing long stems and dead or diseased foliage from time to time throughout the year - especially during active growing periods like spring/summertime - but be careful not to overdo it as this can cause more harm than good!  Be sure only prune off healthy parts which won't damage new growth opportunities for your plant going forward. 

Succulent Transplanting:

If needed due to overcrowding or lack of space in its current container, transplanting into a bigger pot with fresh soil is typically recommended every two years or so during springtime when temperatures start rising again (or earlier if you want). Before transplanting make sure that you protect yourself by wearing gloves since some species have thorns which can cause irritation if handled improperly! Once transplanted, keep an eye out for signs of distress such as wilting leaves – this can indicate shock due to too much upheaval so make sure there is adequate shade & moist soil while it's getting acclimated into its new environment before moving back into its regular spot again after a few weeks have passed by (but watch out for pests along the way).