Essential Care of Succulents Indoors: A Simple Guide for Success
Introduction to Growing Succulents Indoors
Succulents have become a favorite for indoor plant parents. These resilient plants are known for their ability to store water in their thick, fleshy leaves and stems, which makes them incredibly well suited for dry indoor conditions. Unlike many other houseplants that may struggle without frequent waterings, succulents thrive on neglect, making them a perfect choice for busy plant parents or beginners who want low maintenance greenery. Succulents are considered low maintenance plants due to their hardy nature, drought tolerance, and minimal care requirements, making them especially appealing for those with busy lifestyles or new to plant care.
With just a little bit of attention to lighting, soil choice and watering, growing succulents indoors can be extremely rewarding. From compact rosettes to trailing varieties, succulents add the same amount of versatility and charm as tropical plants. Succulents are a diverse group, offering a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, which makes them ideal for indoor growing. When choosing succulents, it's important to select varieties that are well-suited for indoor growing conditions to ensure their success.
A close up of an assortment of succulents
Photo by Maria Orlova on Unsplash
Lighting Requirements
Providing enough sunlight for succulents indoors might be a little tricky. They need about six hours of bright light (sometimes even direct sunlight) to truly thrive and not get leggy. Succulents require enough light, ideally about six hours of direct sunlight per day, to grow well indoors. However, some species can tolerate lower light conditions. Certain succulents are adapted to low light environments and may require supplemental lighting if they do not receive enough natural light indoors. Place your succulents by your brightest window or on a bright window sill. Consider placing your succulents under grow lights during the winter months and outside during the growing season. And if you notice crispy edges or leaf burn, move the succulent a few inches away from the light source or use a sheer curtain to help filter sunlight in bright windows. Be cautious, as intense light can cause damage to succulents, especially if they are exposed to harsh sunlight suddenly after keeping them indoors. If you are moving your succulents from inside to outside, transition them slowly so that you don't burn them.
Soil and Container Considerations
Soil is one of the most important components to get right when growing succulents indoors. They require well draining soil, such as a mix specifically designed for growing cacti and succulents—often called cactus soil. Specialized cactus soil or succulent mixes are recommended for good drainage, which is essential for healthy succulents to be properly planted in containers. Many times, regular potting soil is too dense and will hold onto too much moisture causing root rot.
To make a good succulent potting mix, use one part organic mix (any potting soil that’s made for cacti and succulents), with two parts mineral material such as; pumice, horticultural sand, perlite or fine gravel. Or you can grab a ready to go soil mix from Sol Soils here. Good drainage is crucial, and using succulent mixes helps ensure the soil stays dry between waterings. To ensure your mix is well draining enough, throw some in a pot and water the pot throughly. Is the water running straight down or is it creating a small pool and slowly going down the drainage holes?
When choosing a container, try to aim for planters that are more shallow. Shallow containers are ideal for succulents because they promote fast drainage and prevent overwatering, especially for plants with shallow root systems. Materials like ceramic, plastic, and metal are all fine, but terracotta pots are especially beneficial for succulents due to their porous nature, which allows for better airflow and quicker soil drying.
Overhead shot of succulents in various types of planters
Photo by lan deng on Unsplash
Glass containers generally are not recommended for succulents because they lack drainage and breathability, increasing the risk of root rot. Using a glass container for planting succulents can lead to poor drainage and unhealthy plants over time.
Containers
A good container for succulents would be terra cotta pots with drainage holes, especially if you’re worried about overwatering. Terra cotta pots will wick any excess water out from the soil and help the succulent dry out faster. However, if your succulent is in bright sunlight, or outside, you can place it in a plastic nursery pot (make sure it has a drainage hole). A mixture of sunlight and outside elements will help your succulent dry out without the worry of root rot. Want something more decorative than a boring nursery pot? Place the nursery pot in a decorative pot and use the double pot method: put the drainage-holed nursery pot inside a decorative pot that doesn’t have drainage holes. This double pot technique keeps your display attractive while preventing overwatering and root rot. Just make sure to take out the nursery pot (needs to have drainage holes) from the decorative pot to water and then place it back. This ensures the succulent is not sitting in a pool of water and creating root rot. When repotting or moving succulents between containers, handle the root ball carefully to avoid damaging the roots.
No matter what type of material you use to plant your succulent in, try to aim for planters that are more shallow. Most succulents have small, delicate root systems that don’t grow like Monsteras or Philodendrons. A shallow container will make sure the roots have the right amount of space and the right amount of soil to truly thrive.
Watering succulents indoors
Watering indoor succulents can be daunting, but they do like water and need water in order to thrive! Succulents need less frequent watering than other plants, and using a spray bottle is not recommended for watering succulents. Allow the potting soil to dry out completely before you water your succulents again. If you want to be extra cautious, wait an extra week after the soil dries before you water again. Then water your succulent thoroughly, especially during the growing months. Succulents need their roots soaked thoroughly using the soak and dry method, then allowed to dry out completely before the next watering. In the growing months, your succulent is actively growing and will absorb the water with no problems. Avoid getting water on the leaves or inside the crowns of the succulents to prevent stem and leaf rot. Also always use a pot with drainage holes to avoid overwatering. Proper watering is essential for maintaining healthy roots.
Fertilization
Fertilize succulents during the growing season (spring and summer months) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, and dilute it to half the recommended strength. Succulents do not need much fertilizer, and overfertilizing can lead to weak, overstretched growth or even harm the plant. Consider using a slow-release fertilizer, as it’s a more easy, laid back approach to provide nutrients over an extended period of time. And cut back on fertilizing during the dormant season (fall and winter), as this can cause fertilizer burn if your indoor succulent isn’t growing as rapidly. Succulents also do not require frequent repotting and should only be repotted when they outgrow their containers or become difficult to water.
Temperature and Air Circulation
To keep your indoor succulents happy and thriving, it’s essential to pay attention to both temperature and air circulation. Most succulents prefer daytime temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and cooler nights around 55-65°F (13-18°C). These temperature ranges mimic the natural environments where most succulents grow, helping your plants stay healthy indoors. Try to avoid placing your succulents near heating or cooling vents, fireplaces, or drafty windows, as sudden temperature changes can stress your plants and lead to issues like root rot.
Good air circulation is just as important as temperature for indoor succulents. Stagnant air and excess humidity can cause too much moisture to linger around the roots, increasing the risk of root rot and other fungal problems. To provide great air flow, keep a little space—about 6-8 inches—between each plant, and consider using a small fan on a low setting to gently move the air in your indoor garden. With stable temperatures and proper air movement, your succulents will have the best chance to thrive indoors.
Choosing the Right Species
When choosing the right species of succulent plants for your home, it’s important to think about the specific conditions your space provides, especially lighting. Many species are well-suited for growing indoors or to grow indoors. Some succulents, like Echeverias, Gasteria or Haworthias, do well with lower indirect light while others, such as the hardy barrel cactus, are drought-tolerant options for indoor growing. Aloe vera and jade plant are also popular choices; aloe vera is known for its medicinal uses and low-maintenance care, while jade plant is an attractive, beginner-friendly houseplant that thrives in bright light and well-draining soil.
A single Echeveria species in a terra cotta pot
Photo by Jünior Rodríguez on Unsplash
When you bring new plants home from a nursery, give them time to adapt to growing indoors by providing proper light, watering, and well-draining soil to ensure healthy growth.
You can even explore tropical cacti and succulent plants that’ll need more warmth and humidity than the desert dwellers. The key is to do a little research before bringing one into your indoor jungle.
Succulents are naturally adapted to dry climates, so their care indoors should mimic these arid conditions by avoiding overwatering and ensuring good drainage.
Propagation
Succulent propagation is a lot fun and a little different from normal indoor plants. Succulents can be propagated through leaf or stem cuttings or division. This means, on certain varieties, you can pluck a leave off or cut the stem , lay it on top of the soil, in a bright sunny area and wait. Over the course of the next six weeks, you'll start to see the roots develop followed by baby leaves. With succulent propagation, they don't need much humidity. Sunlight and patience will be its best friend.
Common Issues
Overwatering
Overwatering is the most common cause of death in succulents, so make sure to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. And provide it with well draining pitting soil and place it in a planter with drainage holes and a material that'll help it dry out faster.
Underwatering
Underwatering can also be a problem, so monitor your plants closely and adjust your watering schedule as needed. Often, if you feel like your succulent hasn't grown at all during the growing season, or has a lot of dried up lower leaves, consider watering it more frequently.
Succulents are vocal about their needs. If you see your succulent is stretching, getting leggy, than it needs more sunlight. If you see burnt leaves, than it has too much sunlight. If you see soggy leaves, than you're overwatering it and may need to look at the root system. With succulent care, take a more laid back approach. A little goes a long way.
Plant Pests
One of the biggest plant pests for succulents is mealy bugs. Mealy bugs are little creepy crawlers that look like white fuzz balls, or like little clumps of cotton. Treat mealy bugs by using rubbing alcohol—spray the infected area with rubbing alcohol or dip a q tip in rubbing alcohol and directly apply it to the mealy bugs. This method is safe, effective, and inexpensive for spot treating pests on your succulents.
However, other pests like thrips and spider mites might find their home in your succulent. For a complete guide on common houseplant pest, read here.
Growing succulents indoors is a simple way to add color and texture to your indoor garden. With their ability to store water in their thick leaves and stems, these plants are naturally built for low maintenance care, making them perfect for both beginner plant parents and experiences ones. By choosing the right species for your household conditions, you can have a thriving succulent collection.
Tips for Success with Indoor Plants
Growing succulents indoors is both fun and rewarding, especially when you follow a few simple tips. Start by choosing indoor succulents that match the light and temperature conditions in your home. Use a well-draining potting soil, such as a specialized succulent mix, to prevent soggy soil and root rot. Always plant your succulents in containers with drainage holes—avoid glass containers or terrariums without proper drainage, as these can trap excess water and harm your plants.
When you water your succulents, let the soil dry out completely before watering again, and use a water soluble fertilizer during the active growing season to give your plants a gentle nutrient boost. Keep an eye out for common pests like spider mites and mealy bugs, and treat any infestations promptly to keep your plants healthy. By following these tips and being patient, you’ll find that growing succulents indoors is a simple way to enjoy more plants and create a beautiful, low maintenance indoor garden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, growing succulents indoors is a wonderful way to bring natural beauty and a sense of accomplishment into your home. By understanding the unique needs of indoor succulents—like using well-draining potting soil, providing the right amount of light, and avoiding overwatering—you can create a thriving indoor garden filled with healthy, vibrant succulent plants. Remember to select the best species for your space, pay attention to temperature and air flow, and watch for signs of root rot or pests. With a little care and attention, your succulents will reward you with interesting textures, colorful displays, and a low-maintenance gardening experience. Whether you’re new to planting or looking to expand your collection, growing succulents indoors is a rewarding hobby that anyone can enjoy. Happy planting!
Some vining succulents although mostly used in hanging planters can be displayed with a trellis. Add a Treleaf trellis to your succulent arrangement for added interest.