Succulents Care

Repotting succulents can seem like it may be a difficult task, but it does not have to be. At some point, your succulents will need to be repotted. You may notice, over time, that the soil needs to be replaced or that the succulent itself has outgrown its current pot. 

The process is simple, but you need to understand when to begin repotting your succulents. Once you know when and why you should repot them, you will be able to repot them effortlessly. Read on to discover how to repot succulents and why it is important for promoting the health and longevity of succulents.

Gather Your Materials

When repotting your succulent, there will be a few items you need on hand before you can begin. You will need the following items:

• The succulent you wish to repot. If you are propagating your succulent, you will need the flower or part of the succulent you wish to repot. 

• A new pot. The new pot should be larger than the previous one. It should also have good drainage, so avoid glass pots. Moreover, try to get a pot that is at least two inches wider than the succulent. This will provide enough room for the roots. 

• A small gardener’s shovel. You will need a small shovel, also known as a trowel, to take the succulent out of one pot and into the other. It can also be used to fill the new pot with fresh soil. 

• New soil for the new pot. You will need nutrient-rich soil designed specifically for succulents or cacti. You can buy this type of soil in most home garden shops. 

• Water. You will need to water the plant before you repot it, so make sure you have some water beforehand. 

• Decorative stones (optional). This is purely optional, but you may decide to add some decorative stones to the top of the soil, which can add a nice aesthetic to the new pot. 

Collect your materials and set them aside. It is important to water your succulent before repotting it, not afterward. However, you do not want to overwater it, either. You want just enough water to fill the plant up without making the soil too bogged down. The idea is to give the succulent the strength to take root in the new soil. 

You do not want to water directly after repotting. The roots need to take hold in the new pot, and excessive water can destroy the roots and ruin your succulents. 

Now, once you have watered the plant and let it rest for a little, it is time to repot the succulent. 

Know When to Repot Your Succulent

A succulent is a delicate houseplant that does not require a lot of attention to keep alive. It is one of the reasons why many people want to have them. Many succulents can be left alone for weeks and still be healthy and growing. 

Besides occasional watering, some maintenance should be done with your succulents. As with all plants that are placed within a pot, it will eventually outgrow it.

It is important to keep in mind the best time to repot your succulents. Consider the following when deciding if it is the right time to repot. 

• 12-18 months for most succulents. For most succulents, a good range to aim for is one to one and a half years. So, your succulent will most likely be okay if it has been in its current pot for under this amount of time. However, if it has been in the pot longer than 18 months, then it is time to repot. 

• No more than 2 weeks for a new succulent. A new succulent that you buy in the store will need to be repotted quickly. You should never wait more than two weeks to do this. The reason is that the pots they come in are often flimsy and too small. The succulent will quickly outgrow these pots. 

• Repot just before dormancy. Most succulents have a dormant period, either summer or winter. The best time to repot a succulent is just before the dormant period begins. For example, if your succulent becomes dormant in winter, you should repot it in late autumn. 

You may find that your succulent needs to be repotted well before 18 months. Moreover, you may also find that your succulents can survive in the same pot for longer than 18 months. This is why it is important to monitor the condition of your succulents to know the best time to repot them.  

Monitor Your Succulents

Before you can gather your materials, you need to make sure your succulent needs to be repotted. You need to know the signs of a succulent that needs to be repotted. 

How long a succulent has been in a pot is just one factor that goes into when it should be repotted. There are a multitude of reasons why you may need to repot your succulents before the period is over. 

You must monitor your succulents throughout the year. While succulents do not need much attention, they still do need some attention. If you are not sure whether your succulent needs to be repotted, consider some of the following reasons.

• The soil is old
• The soil dries too quickly
• The succulent is not absorbing the water
• The succulent outgrows the pot
• You need to propagate the succulent
• The succulent is new
• You are not sure the last time you repotted the succulent

Understanding why each of these reasons can lead to having to repot your succulents is crucial. This way you will know exactly when to begin the process. If you wait too long, you can cause damage to your succulents. 

The Soil Is Old

Whether you used some fertilizer or not, the soil for a succulent will need to be replaced at a certain point. The succulent will want fresh soil to help get the nutrients it needs. 

Now, this does not mean that every time your succulents need new soil you have to repot. You can simply add some new soil or fertilizer to its existing pot. However, there will come a point when you must change all the soil. To do this, you must repot the entire succulent. 

You can fill the entire new pot with new, fresh soil, and you may also decide to fill it with some succulent fertilizer. However, be sure that the soil you are using in the new pot is specifically for succulents, and do not use sand. 

The Soil Dries Too Quickly

Many of the reasons to repot a succulent revolve around the soil. When you water your succulent, it should take anywhere from one to two weeks to dry completely. Once it is dry, you must water it again. But what happens if it is drying up too quickly?

If you are not used to succulents, you may not notice how quickly the soil is drying up. However, you need to monitor this. If the soil is drying up in under a week (or even just a few hours), it may be a sign that you need to repot your succulent. 

When the soil drains too quickly, it means that the root system is probably outgrowing the inside of the pot. When there are too many roots, the succulent uses up more water than you are used to. A pot can only hold so much water, so you will need a larger pot when you replant it. 

The Succulent is Not Absorbing the Water

If, when you water the succulent, you discover that the water is not being absorbed, this can also be a sign that the root system is too big for the current pot. It is also a sign that the pot is too small. 

When you water succulents, you want the soil in the pot to be completely saturated. However, this does not mean that the water should be pooling on top of the pot. Additionally, the soil itself should dry out in a week or two, and if it is not drying out then it means your succulent has outgrown its current pot. 

The Succulent Outgrows the Pot

A succulent can outgrow its pot in several ways that you can see. Of course, as mentioned, the root system outgrowing the soil can be difficult to tell unless you pay attention to how the water is being absorbed (or not being absorbed, sometimes). Consider the following signs that your succulent is outgrowing its pot. 

• The roots are protruding from the drainage holes. When the roots begin to show themselves, you will know it is time to repot. If the roots begin to stick out of the drainage holes in the pot, it means that there is no longer adequate space for the root system to grow. 

• The roots are resting atop the soil. The roots, when they have nowhere to go, can grow upward and begin resting on top of the soil. This is a sign your succulent has completely outgrown its pot. 

• The succulent does not look healthy anymore. If you are taking care of your succulent properly (i.e. watering at proper intervals, providing adequate light and water), but it is looking sickly, it is a sign that you need to repot the succulent. The soil has lost its nutrients and will need to be replaced with fresh soil. Repotting will revitalize your succulents. 

• The succulent is in danger of falling over. Succulents can grow very large, and if it is getting so large it is in danger of falling over, it means the pot it resides in is too small to provide an adequate base for the plant. 

• The succulent is not growing anymore. You will notice that your succulent is growing when the pot is the proper size and the soil has the proper nutrients. When a succulent outgrows its pot and needs new soil, it may stop growing. When you notice your plant not getting any bigger, it may be time to replant. 

Due to the low maintenance required for a succulent, it is easy to forget that it is a living, growing organism. Therefore, it will grow and get bigger, which means it will outgrow its pot. Remember, the two main reasons for repotting are that the succulent has outgrown the pot and that the soil needs to be replenished. 

The Succulent is New

When you buy a new succulent, it is most likely going to come in a small, plastic pot. As with most plants you buy, you do not want to keep it in the pot it came in. The biggest reason is that the pot is too small. Additionally, it is usually flimsy and cannot handle the demands of the succulent. 

Once you have bought a new succulent, you need to repot it as soon as you can—preferably in under two weeks. You should never wait longer than two weeks, however. 

You Are Not Sure the Last Time You Repotted

Many folks decide to get succulents because they do not require a lot of work to keep alive. Many succulents can be forgotten for short periods and still turn out okay. 

However, over time, this can negatively impact the succulent. If you have never repotted the succulent, and have had it over a year, or you cannot remember when you last repotted your succulent, it is probably time to repot. 

You do not want to take the risk and go too long without repotting your succulent because you may lose the succulent in the process. 

Fill the New Pot With Fresh Soil

You need to follow a few basic steps to repot your succulent, but they are easy. When followed, you will have nothing to worry about. 

When it is time to begin the physical process of repotting your succulent, you need to fill the new pot with fresh soil. Consider the following aspects of filling the pot. 

• Use nutrient-rich soil
• Fill the new pot three-quarters full
• Leave a bit of space at the top without soil

Once you have filled the new pot with new soil, you will be ready to remove the succulent from its old pot. 

Gently Remove the Succulent

Next, you need to remove the succulent from its current pot. You want to be careful when you do this step because a succulent is delicate. You do not want to accidentally break the succulent or damage its roots. 

For this step, you will need the trowel. You will dig around the root system to remove it. Follow these steps to successfully remove the succulent from its pot:

• Take the trowel and gently dig around the base of the succulent
• Make sure not to dig too close to the stem
• Dig deep enough to get under the bottom of the root system

If you do this step correctly, the entire succulent should wiggle free from the old soil and easily come out of the pot.

Remove the Excess Dirt Off the Roots

Once the succulent and its root system are free from the old pot, it is time to shake the excess dirt off the roots. When you remove a plant from its soil, you will notice the roots are caked with dirt. 

You do not want this excess soil to mix with the new, nutrient-rich soil. Before moving the succulent to its new pot, be sure to get rid of the excess dirt. There are a few methods you can use to remove the dirt. 

• Gently shake the succulent and the root system
• Using the trowel, gently tap the excess dirt, which will cause it to fall off
• Use your hand to brush away the excess dirt

The most important thing to remember is that you must be gentle when you remove the dirt. You do not need to vigorously shake the succulent to remove the excess dirt. Moreover, you do not need to remove every last particle of dirt. The last thing you want is to damage the succulent with violent shaking or hard brushing. 

Dig a Hole in the New Soil

The next step involves the trowel and the new pot that is filled with the new soil. Before you can place the succulent in its new home, you must dig a proper hole for it. Consider these aspects of the succulent’s new hole before you begin digging.

• Make the hole shallow
• Make the hole wide enough for the entire root system
• Use the excess dirt from the hole to help secure the succulent later 

Remember, the hole does not need to be very large. You do not want to dig a hole that is too big or one that is too small. As long as it will comfortably fit the root system, you will be fine. 

Place the Succulent in the New Hole

Once you have dug the new hole with the proper dimensions, it is time to transfer the succulent. There are a few things to keep in mind when doing this step to avoid any mishaps with the succulent. 

• Gently place the succulent in the hole
• Fill the hole with your hands and pat down 
• Make sure the leaves of the succulent do not touch the soil

You do not want the succulent to touch the soil. When you water the succulent, you do not want the leaves to get wet or it could lead to mold.

Once you have successfully transplanted your succulent into its new pot, you may add the decorative stones to the top. However, be sure to allow enough space between the rocks so that when you water the succulent, the water can reach the soil underneath. 

If you find that the succulent is latched onto the old pot because the roots have taken hold, you may have to break the old pot. Moreover, you may have to cut a few roots to get the succulent free. This likely will not happen, but if it does, do not worry. 

While there are commercially made succulent soils out there it is much cheaper to make it on your own, especially if you need it in bulk. Making your own succulent soil also gives you more control over things like providing drainage, which may or may not be more necessary in your area.

This is one of the easier things you can do to improve the health of your succulents. By using the right materials in the right ratios you will have fantastic, quick-draining soil to pot your succulents. Read on to learn how you can make your own succulent soil.

Decide on Your Recipe

You will need to decide on a specific succulent soil recipe to follow before you get started. Although most succulents benefit from a simple recipe, researching the specific needs of your plant will give you a better chance at keeping it alive.

These recipes use three different parts to accomplish these basic succulent needs:

• Nutrients
• Drainability
• Aeration

Without balancing these elements your succulent will easily succumb to issues like root rot or excessive nitrogen.

The Generic Succulent Soil Recipe

The generic recipe for succulent soil involves:

• 2 parts sand
• 2 parts potting soil
• 1 part aeration

If you are not sure what specific needs your succulent has (or if it has any special needs) you should be able to get away with this. The sand will prevent the mix from compacting, working with your aeration material to keep the soil dry.

Potting soil is essential to providing key nutrients for your succulent plant.

For Desert Aesthetics

As long as your plant can get away with it, you can use pumice on its own to fit in with a dirt-free, desert look.

Pumice is a volcanic material that is capable of holding both moisture and nutrients, but its clunky size and shape will provide enough aeration for your plant.

If you do decide to use pumice on its own you will need to water more frequently.

For Succulent Babies

Because babies need a bit of a boost to get started we suggest a succulent soil mix containing:

• 1 part soil
• 1 part sand
• 1 part coconut coir

This will provide increased nutrients that help your offset take root and grow gloriously.

For Cactus or Hardier Succulent Types

If you are working with cactus or another hardy succulent type then your recipe should be a bit sand heavy. This usually looks like:

• 2 parts sand
• 1 part soil
• 1 part aeration

The sand will be an important part of avoiding overwatering any plants that seem to abhor water.

Can You Modify Succulent Soil Recipes?

Not only can you modify succulent soil recipes, but it is recommended.

When you start out you should pick a specific recipe to keep things simple. As your plant grows you will take note of any issues it has. These will tell you how to modify the recipe in the future.

For overwatering, you should add more aeration. You might even want to change your aeration material.

On the other hand, a plant that needs more water will require less aeration. This is a common issue when planting succulents outdoors or in climates that are both dry and hot. Watering more often is not always a convenient solution.

Another common issue you will see is excessive nitrogen. This either means you are using too much potting soil, or the potting soil you are using is too rich.

If this is a problem you can cut back on the garden soil content of your succulent soil mix or look for an option that has lower nitrogen levels. If you are fertilizing your soil you may want to look into what your fertilizer or compost contain, or just skip the succulents.

Gather Your Materials

Once you have decided on a recipe that will be most beneficial to your succulent soil you need to gather all the materials you will need. Taking the time to make sure you have all these items will prevent you from needing to run to the store to complete your task or skipping out on essential items.

There is no true one size fits all solution. You can use the bare bones of the recipe as a guideline, but depending on your location and what is available to you you may prefer one material over another.

Start with what you already have available to you then look at specific materials to fit your situation.

Basic Tools and Materials

When you are mixing any type of soil you will want items to:

• Protect your hands
• Measure your materials
• Break up the soil
• Mix everything in

When you protect your hands, you will find that the rest of the steps are simple and relaxing.

Garden Gloves

To protect your hands, skin, and nails we suggest using a quality pair of gloves when mixing your soil.

Look for ones that go well past your wrist to prevent the soil from getting into the gloves. They should also fit well, be flexible enough that you can move freely, and thick enough to protect from sticks, rocks, and wood chips.

Measuring Cup

All out recipes are written using a parts system, so you do not need to measure specific units (unless you want to).

Pick something that is sized well that can help you measure out the parts of your soil mix. Choosing a cup, bowl, or bin that is too small can result in unnecessary extra work, but choosing one too large may not be effective for the amount of soil you need.

Trowel

A garden trowel is not necessary if you have loose materials, but it can definitely speed things up.

If you have soil that is tightly packed or you want to limit the strain on your hands then having a sturdy trowel will be essential.

Something to Mix Your Soil In

Having a designated container for mixing your soil in will help you keep the area clean. A potting tray will give you ample room to work in, and it works well for immediate transfer while you are working outside.

If you are making succulent soil in bulk or you plan on storing any portion of it you can also mix it in that container, whether it is a bucket or a large storage bin.

Nutritional Materials

While succulents do not need as many nutrients as other plants, you will still need to include proper material to provide some. You will have better luck with colorful varieties when they are well fed.

For the most part, you can use whatever you already have, but make sure it is still fresh and sterile. Avoid heavy soils or potting mixes that contain vermiculite. This will retain too much moisture for your succulents.

Gardening Soil

The most common source of nutrients for succulent soil comes in your everyday gardening soil.

You do not need to purchase a special succulent or cactus soil; that is what you are making right now. Just choose something that will be easy to work with and fits in your budget.

Coconut Coir

Coconut coir is made up of the shredded husks of coconuts. While it should still be used in conjunction with gardening soil, coconut coir boosts nutrients, making it a great choice for nurseries or rescued succulents.

It can be difficult to find in stores but check out garden centers and home improvement stores. While it is easy to find online, you may not get a great deal on shipping.

Pumice

As mentioned before, pumice has enough nutritional value that you can use it on its own to root succulents.

Just make sure you keep any plants in the pumice hydrated. There is not much water retention going on here, so you will need to gauge how often everything needs to be watered.

Drainable Fillers

Adding material that will resist compaction and take up space without soaking up moisture is essential to the root health of your succulents.

Because anything that soaks up moisture can lead to root rot, pests, and fungal diseases, diluting the mix with any one of these drainable fillers is essential to ward off potential problems.

Coarse Sand

The most common filler you are going to find is coarse sand. This needs to be the chunkier kind, not sand you would usually find in your yard or at the beach. Even play sand is too fine to avoid compaction.

This should work for you because it will be easy to obtain, whether you need to go to your local garden center or order it online. Make sure to opt for a bit more for cacti.

Turface

Turface both holds moisture and allows for drainage, so it may be a better choice for thirstier succulents.

It is mostly known as a soil conditioner, but its ability to improve aeration and increase oxygen makes it a fantastic choice for succulent soil.

Poultry Grit

Poultry grit is really just crushed oyster shells, but there is a reason this works well for succulent soil.

Succulents benefit from the increased Calcium, and the oyster shells work great at regulating the pH of the soil. If you struggle with acidity in your soils then using poultry grit will be a useful tool.

Aeration Materials

Your aeration materials have one job: promoting aeration and drainage.

While these options also have other benefits, they do this job well. If you already have one on hand or you want multiple benefits you can mix your aeration materials.

Pumice

As we have already discussed, pumice is great for holding both nutrients and moisture, but it is also quick to let that moisture get away.

Its rocky appearance and resistance to compaction make it a great choice for aerating your succulent soil. Because it does hold on to some moisture, it can be a great booster for dry areas without risking root rot.

Perlite

If you have seen little white balls of styrofoam in your regular potting mix then you already know what perlite looks like. It is actually volcanic glass that is heated at such a high temperature that it puffs up.

This lightweight aeration material will allow root growth with minimal obstructions. Just be careful when working with it that it does not fly away.

Coconut Coir

While it is nutrient-rich, coconut coir is also great at facilitating the movement of moisture through your succulent soil. It is a bit too stringy to be considered for filler material, but the sizable shreds are effective at increasing the drainage of your mix.

If you decide to use coconut coir as part of your mixture we still suggest you use pumice or perlite to aerate your soil.

Measure Everything Out

Once you have gathered the materials you need you can begin to measure them out using the recipes we have listed or a modified one of your own creation.

We explain the measurements in the soil recipes using a part system, so you just need to use your measuring cup, bowl, or bucket as a unit.

Using the generic succulent soil recipe as an example, you will measure out:

• 2 scoops of coarse sand
• 2 scoops of gardening soil
• 1 scoop of perlite.

If you want to double this recipe you can use 4 scoops of sand, 4 scoops of soil, and 2 scoops of perlite.

You can also split the parts to add variety to your succulent soil. Instead of using only perlite, you can mix half a scoop of perlite with half a scoop of pumice to accomplish one whole scoop of aeration material.

This is not baking; you will not see much penalization if your scoops are not precise. Just do your best to keep the ratios as close as you can.

How Much Succulent Soil Do You Need?

The amount of soil you need to mix depends on the space you are working in, whether that is in an outside garden bed or filling containers for your plants.

If you are planting succulents outside you will need to make sure you mix enough to give them a few inches of depth to root into. If you lay the mix too shallow they can root into your regular ground, which may be too dense to prevent root rot or overwatering.

In this case, you should add a layer of aerating material before putting down your succulent soil. You can also add landscaping cloth underneath to block the roots, but you will need to be mindful of how much you water your plants.

If you are working in a pot you need to make sure the pot will be large enough to give your succulent 3 to 8 inches to root into, and you should have enough soil mixture to fill it to that depth.

Overall your pot should be at least 4 inches deep and ½ inch larger than the base of the plant. Spreading or trailing plants need a pot 1 inch larger than the one they are coming out of.

Mix It All Together

Before you start mixing all your materials together you should add the gardening soil to your container and slightly moisten it. This will help your other materials grab on, and it will prevent any dust from coming up into your face.

Add in your filler material next, whether it is sand, turface, or poultry grip. You can use the trowel if you need to, but you might find your hands would easier to tear things up and manipulate the material.

Once you are satisfied with that mixture you can add in your aeration materials. Again, mix using your hands or a garden tool.

You will know that you are done mixing when the succulent soil has a uniform appearance. There should not be any parts that stand out as being mostly one material. Address these unmixed areas as you find them until you reach your desired end result.

Properly Store Your Succulent Soil

When you buy succulent soil from the store it will usually come in a resealable bag to keep everything fresh and bug-free, but you do not get that option when making your own succulent soil.

If you are making succulent soil in a large batch or you know you will end up with more than you need then you will need to find an airtight container. This will prevent the nutrients in the garden soil from oxidizing, but it will also keep bugs out of your mixture.

The cheapest and most effective option is buying an airtight lid for a bucket. Five-gallon buckets can be found for free almost anywhere, but your local home improvement store probably has them stacked at every aisle. The lid will make the container easier to open, and it improves airtightness.

How Long Can Homemade Succulent Soil Be Stored?

Like most soils, you can store your homemade succulent soil for a year or two before tossing it out.

You may still need to rejuvenate it by mixing it with a fresher batch, but when stored correctly it can last you a length of time.

If you’ve walked through any trendy boutiques or cafés recently, their perfect succulent gardens may have caught your eye and left you wishing for one of your own. Succulents are the ideal houseplant for many, especially those of us without a green thumb. These water-storing plants are easy to care for and offer various textures and colors that can instantly spruce up a home. 

Effortless landscaping and adding life to your home décor doesn’t require expert gardening skills. Succulents are pretty simple to care for, making them a favorite for indoor containers and houseplant greenery. Read on for seven easy steps to creating your perfect succulents garden, with a few tips along the way. 

Decide if Your Succulent Garden Will be Indoor or Outdoor

How you design your succulent garden and the plants you chose to put in it are all going to depend on whether your garden will be kept inside or grown outdoors. While this may be a debatable topic among succulent enthusiasts, really, the best place to grow your succulents is the place that works best for your unique situation. 

Growing Succulents Indoors

There is no doubt that succulents grow well indoors. We’ve all seen the beautiful succulent walls in cafés and terrariums set up on windowsills and as centerpieces.

Building your garden inside is a simple and low-maintenance way to add a bit of greenery to your home. This will also protect your succulents from pests, extreme weather, and temperature fluctuations. 

However, keep in mind that succulents need to be in a well-lit area. While most people keep their succulents in a window, this isn’t necessarily a requirement if the lighting in your house is good. Soil also takes longer to dry out inside, making you keep an eye on the soil to prevent root rot. 

Growing Succulents Outside

Succulents are hardy little guys that have evolved to endure many of the harsh conditions that come with living outside. They do well in a range of climates, so if you’re hoping to plant your succulents outside, this is certainly an option. 

One of the primary dangers of keeping your plants outside is harm from extreme weather. Though they love sunlight, they aren’t necessarily a fan of extreme heat or cold. They are at risk of burning from prologued exposure in 90 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures, and since they have shallow roots, they are sensitive to freezes as well. 

The upside to growing outdoors is that you have a lot more space to work with. Finding light shouldn’t be as much of an issue as it is indoors since you aren’t confined to windowsill space. Really, the only thing limiting you here is the climate, so make sure to do your research before deciding where to put them. 

Check Your Plant Hardiness Zone

If you plan growing succulents outside, make sure to check your hardiness zone so you know which plants will be able to survive in the climate that you live in. Hardiness is determined by the plant’s ability to withstand certain conditions. Succulents typically survive in hardiness zones 3 through 9 and require very little maintenance.

Succulents are extremely diverse plants that can be found in different climates throughout the globe. Many of the most popular succulents tend to thrive in sunny climates and even do well in areas known to go through periods of drought. 

If you live in a chillier area, don’t fret. While your selection may be limited, there are plenty of succulents that thrive in colder climates where freezes are a possibility. Succulents that do well in zones 3, 4, and 5 include:

• Stonecrops (Sedum spp.)
• Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)
• Dragon Blood (Sedum spurium)
• Donkey’s Tail (Sedum morganianum) 
• Golden Moss (Sedum de oro)

Pick Out a Good Spot for Your Succulent Garden

It’s a good idea to put thought into where exactly your succulents are going to be living. A cold basement with no windows probably isn’t the best place for your succulent garden. Outside on a sunny patio in Arizona isn’t going to work either if you’re planning to use plants that are more susceptible to being scorched.

Do some research on the plants you would like to include in your garden and figure out which conditions will work best. If you have limited space to choose from, take into consideration the lighting, temperature, and humidity in that space, then search for plants that will do well in those conditions. 

Look for a Well-Lit Location for your Succulents

Like all plants, succulents need light—and they want as much as they can possibly get. When picking out a spot for your succulent garden, look for an area with good lighting so that your plants can soak in the sun. 

If your succulents don’t get adequate lighting, they will start to stretch to find the sun. While stretching won’t necessarily kill the plants, long periods without the proper lighting definitely will. Plus, this leggy look can ruin the aesthetic you are working so hard to create. 

If you have an area that gets good light from one direction, keep in mind that you may have to turn your pots every few days to keep your succulents from stretching out on one side. 

Gather Materials for Your Succulent Garden

Succulent gardens require little effort to maintain, and they are simple to start as well. To make sure everything moves smoothly while setting up your garden, it’s best to gather your materials beforehand. 

The materials you will need include:

• Containers or a spot in your garden already prepared for planting
• Succulents
• A soil mix with good drainage (more on this below)
• A trowel for transplanting
• Gardening gloves
• Non-organic top dressing (crushed rocks or pebbles)

Ensure Proper Soil Drainage

Succulent roots are sensitive to moisture and rot easily. Letting your succulents sit in moist or waterlogged soil is a surefire way to kill the plants, pouring all of your hard work down the drain.  

If you are planting your succulents in a container, make sure to find one that allows for good drainage. Pots without any drainage holes are possible to use, but they need to be closely monitored to make sure that the soil is drying out. 

Since succulents have shallow roots, and shallow pot or container is all you need. Terracotta pots work well with succulents and cacti because they absorb moisture from the soil, whereas plastic and ceramic tend to let the moisture sit. 

If you are planting outdoors, check the soil conditions and drainage before planting. Dig down in the soil at least of foot deep and fill the hole with water. If there is still water in the hole after half an hour, your soil isn’t sufficiently porous. To fix this, just mix in about three inches worth of sand to add more texture to the soil and create better drainage.

It’s also a good idea to make sure your planting location isn’t at the bottom of a slope, so your succulents are sitting in a puddle of water when it rains. 

Find the Right Soil for your Succulents

Succulents need well-draining soil to prevent root rot so that regular potting soil won’t do. They grow best in porous, sandy soil that is airy enough to let the water drain but is also able to support the plants physically.

Succulent and cactus soil can be found at most home and garden stores. Or, you can try mixing your own. To make your own, mix three parts of regular potting soil with two parts sand and one part perlite. 

It’s best to use coarse sand instead of fine sand to ensure fast drainage and avoid collecting sand from your garden or the beach—you never know what bacteria could be living in that sand, and you don’t want it to impact the health of your plants. 

Plan Out Your Succulent Arrangements 

This is probably the most exciting step for creating your perfect succulent garden. Start by arranging the plants in your garden or pot while they are still in their pots so that you can visualize the result. Play with a few different arrangements until you come up with one that you’re happy with. 

Once you’ve got your plants in place, you can begin transplanting them. 

If you’re having trouble deciding on a design, think about the aesthetic you are hoping to achieve and how it will fit in with the spot you’ve picked out. Think about the different design aspects such as color, texture, and movement so you can create a garden that is beautiful and unique. 

Choose your Colors Wisely

Succulents come in all sorts of colors, as do the many different pots we use. If you have a vibrant container, you may want to choose a contrasting complementary color so that both the plant and the pot stand out. 

Alternatively, you could choose colors within the same range. For example, if you have a blue planter, you may want to choose plants with hints of blue or cooler shades of green to tie it all together. 

Decide How Many Plants You Will Use

As a general rule, it’s best to work with an odd number of plants unless you are planning to fill every inch of your planting area. 

While even numbers create symmetry, odd numbers create interest. Most succulents already call attention to their symmetry and geometrics shapes all on their own. Using an odd number of plants in your design is more effective at capturing your gaze and forcing the eyes to move around the garden. 

Arrange Your Succulents to Create Movement

Speaking of movement, group plants with varying heights and sizes to create movement within your garden. Design that forces movement creates excitement and curiosity. This will keep your eyes moving from plant to plan. 

Sculpting the terrain is another way you can create interest within your garden. Flat land is boring. Creating well-placed mounds of dirt will give your eyes something to follow and create an aesthetically pleasing design. 

Incorporate Different Textures

Varying textures catching the eye and add depth to an area. They also affect how the plants interact with lights and shadows in space. 

Succulents come in a variety of textures, from chunky and smooth to long and fuzzy. Choosing a combination of plants with contrasting textures can create a unique look that will surely make people stop and take notice. 

Don’t Forget the Top Dressing

Don’t leave your succulents sitting in bare soil. This may seem minor, but it can make a huge difference in your design and be beneficial to your plants. Adding a layer of gravel can give your garden a finished look, promote root growth, protect from erosion, discourage weed growth, and help hold in moisture. 

Avoid using an organic top dressing like mulch. These can be too water-retentive and eventually start to decompose, attracting mold and insects and giving your garden and an uneven appearance. 

Transplant Your Succulents

Transplanting succulents can be a bit tricky, depending on the plants you choose. The good news is, succulents are generally hardy. If a few roots tears or some leaves fall off during the process, succulents will typically recover well. 

To transplant, firmly grab the succulent by the base of the stem and jiggle it slightly until it starts to loosen from the soil. Gently remove your succulent from the container it is currently in and light squeeze or tap the roots to remove the soil. You don’t have to remove every last bit but try to get off as much as possible without harming the roots. 

Next, fill a pot one-third of the way with your succulent soil mixture, or make a small hole in the dirt if you are planting outside. Plant your succulents at the same depth they were originally grown, then cover the goal with gravel. 

Give your plant a day or two to settle into their new home before watering them. This will allow any broken roots to heal. 

Using Succulent Cuttings in your Garden

Many succulents grow in rosettes and are easy to divide into new plants by simply cutting the small rosettes off the tops of mature stems. The bare stem of the original plant will quickly sprout new stems and leaves, and the part you snipped off will sprout roots and become its very own plant. 

Here is a great video if you’d like to learn more about propagating succulents. 

If you plan on using cuttings in your succulent garden, make sure the ends have dried out before planting them in the new soil. If you plant cuttings before the end can callus, your plant may rot instead of propagating. 

Learn How to Properly Care for Your Succulents

While succulents are generally low-maintenance plants, they still require a bit of care to keep them thriving. It’s important to learn each plant’s needs so you can keep your succulents happy and healthy. 

Some succulents have more specific needs than others. To make sure they are getting the proper amount of water and light, it’s a good idea to do a bit of research on each species and pick succulents that have similar care needs. 

Care guides are a great place to start researching. You can also visit your local plant nursery and talk to someone to find out which plants to choose for your region. 

Tips to Properly Care for Your Succulents and Keep them Alive:

• Make sure they get enough light. Most succulents prefer to get around six hours of sunlight per day. Newly planted succulents can scorch easily in direct sunlight, so introduce them gradually. 
• Water according to the season. During the fall and water, succulents don’t require as much water since they aren’t in a period of growth. Test that the soil is dry with your finger to avoid overwatering. 
• Water the soil directly. Avoid using a spray bottle to water your succulents, as this can cause the leave to mold. Instead, use a watering can or spout to water the soil directly. 
• Keep your succulents clean. If your succulent garden is indoors, inevitably, your plants will start to collect dust on their surface. This can inhibit growth, so take time to wipe off the leaves and spines with a damp cloth.
• Get rid of any bugs. Bugs like gnats and mealybugs and the most common pest problem for succulent owners. Since gnats are attracted to moisture, make sure to let your soil dry out between waterings. If your plant does become infested, move it any from other plants and spray it with a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the bugs. 
• Fertilize your succulents in the summer. Succulents don’t need much fertilizer, but giving them light feedings in the spring and summer will promote growth and keep them happy. Be careful not to overfertilize, as this can cause your succulents to grow too fast and become weak. 

Finishing Touches for your Perfect Succulent Garden

Now that you know the basics for creating your perfect succulent garden, don’t stop there. Get creative. Experiment with different color combinations and textures, and maybe even try propagating your plants. 

As most succulent enthusiasts will tell you, once you create a succulent garden, you usually don’t stop at one. The more you work with these little plants, the more confident you will become. You will soon be creating and maintaining gorgeous and unique succulent gardens that will add a nice touch to any home. 

You saw an attractive succulent plant at the plant store and decided to purchase it. So, it is now in your home, and you are probably wondering how often you need to water it.

Don’t worry because you are not alone. Most succulent beginners are never sure of how often to water their plants.

The most important thing you need to realize about succulents is that they have unique water requirements compared to other indoor or outdoor plants.

While other plants require daily watering, succulents can go for relatively long periods without watering. Since they are adapted to growing in dry areas, these plants have thickened and fleshy leaves or stems that retain water for a long time.

As such, most of them don’t require frequent watering. However, there are also a few misconceptions about how often to water succulents that you need to be aware of to avoid problems.

In this post, we discuss everything you need to know about watering succulents.  Read on to learn how to keep your succulents healthy.

Do Succulents Need Water to Survive?

Just like any other plant, succulents need water to survive. But the big question is; how much water do they require?

Many gardeners have the misconception that succulents require only a small amount of water once in a while to survive. While it is true that some succulents are tough and can survive with a minimal amount of water, most of them won’t thrive in drought-like conditions.

During the growing phase, succulents usually require plenty of water. It means that regular watering is essential during this phase. 

Some succulents are summer growers, while others are winter growers. The summer growers are active during summer and dormant during winter, while winter growers become active during winter and slide into dormancy during summer.

To understand the ideal watering schedule for your succulents, you should first identify whether they are summer growers or winter growers. Some of the common summer growing succulents include:

• Adenia.
• Cissus.
• Plumeria.
• Titanopsis.
• Dorstenia.
• Sinningia.
• Xerosicyos.
• Euphorbia.
• Agave
• Echeveria.
• Synadenium.

Some of the common winter growing succulents include:

• Aloe.
• Kalanchoe.
• Avonia.
• Bulbine.
• Cetraria.
• Othonna.
• Senecio.
• Cotyledon.
• Sansevieria.
• Sedum.
• Bulbine.

If you don’t see your succulent among those mentioned above,  conduct a quick online search of its name, and within no time, you will know whether it is a summer or winter grower.

How Often Should You Water Succulents?

Generally, you need to water your succulents at least once a week during the growing phase. Some gardeners prefer watering more than this, but that will depend on a wide range of factors that we shall discuss in a moment.

When watering your succulents, ensure you thoroughly soak the plant until water starts to run out of the container’s drainage holes.

However, before you water your plants, you need to ensure that the soil is completely dry. You can confirm whether the soil is completely dry by sticking a stick into the soil. Wait for a few minutes before you pull it out.

If the stick is damp with soil particles stuck on it, the soil is not completely dry.  But if it comes out quite easily and is dry, then the potting mix is completely dry, and you can proceed to water your succulent.

When your succulents enter the dormancy phase, you need to increase the interval between watering. During this time, be sure to provide your plants with enough water so that there are no signs of wilting.

This is a critical time you need to apply common sense and do what you believe is right for your succulents.

For instance, if you have summer growing succulents and keep them indoors on a window sill in a heated room during winter, you may be forced to water it slightly more than when you’d have left it outside.

Critical Factors That Affect How Often You Need to Water Succulents

Other than the general rule of thumb mentioned above, some factors determine how often you should water succulents. They include:

1. Season

As mentioned above, some succulents grow during summer while others grow during winter.

Typically, you will need to water your plants more during the active growing season since they absorb water from the soil at a relatively higher rate to make new leaves, stems, roots, and blooms.

During this time, consider watering them up to three times a week depending on conditions such as temperature and light. But you must always ensure that the soil is completely dry before watering.

During the dormant season, the growth stops, and you only need to water them once or twice for the entire season. When in dormancy, the plants rarely absorb water from the soil because almost nothing is happening.

Keep in mind that one of the easiest ways to kill your succulent is by overwatering it during the dormant season. This is the time to let your plant rest easy and sleep.

2. Amount of light

Succulents that get at least ten hours of full sunlight require more watering than those that get less light. Generally, outdoor succulents need more water than indoor succulents because they are exposed to more sunlight and tougher conditions.

3. Humidity

Another factor that determines how often to water succulents is the amount of humidity. 

Succulents grown in high humidity and relatively cooler temperatures require less frequent watering than succulents grown in hot and dry climates because they retain moisture for more extended periods.

So, if you live in a relatively hotter region and you have to position your succulent pots on your patio in full sun, then you may be forced to water them frequently.

However, if you live in a relatively cooler region and your plants are indoors, you only need to water them once every two weeks.

4. Container size

The size of your container will also determine how often you should water your plants.

Typically, succulents grown in large containers require less frequent watering because the containers hold moisture for a long time.

Plants grown in small and shallow containers require frequent watering because the soil tends to dry out faster.

5. Size of your succulent

The size of your succulent also affects the watering frequency.

Succulents with relatively thick leaves, stems, and bigger in size store more water than those with thinner leaves, stems, and smaller in size.

Therefore, the bigger succulents can sustain longer periods between watering sessions than smaller size succulents.

6. Soil Type

Your succulent watering routine should be determined by the soil type you use since the time it takes to dry out depends on its density.

The denser the soil, the slower it drains after watering, which can keep the roots moist for longer periods. To prevent root rot, you should reduce the frequency of watering.

In simple terms, soil density is determined by a mix of two main ingredients: organic and inorganic compounds.

If your soil has a higher proportion of organic compounds, it will be denser, and consequently, it will retain more water. Hence, you should water it less compared to well-drained soil.

7. Dormancy Time

Every succulent experiences a dormant phase annually. Understanding when your succulent will enter this dormant period is crucial because it will affect your watering routine.

Typically, watering should be reduced during dormancy to avoid overwatering, which can lead to irreversible damage.

It’s important to note that not all succulents enter dormancy at the same time. So, take time to find out when your succulent will likely go through this phase.

What Is the Right Way to Water Succulents?

Now that you know how often to water your succulents and the critical factors that affect the watering frequency, it is time to understand how to water them right.

Yes, there is a right and wrong way to water succulents. So, don’t be surprised.

Most succulents are desert natives, and there is one thing that makes them unique plants.  While most of us know that deserts don’t receive a lot of rainfall, we don’t know that when it rains, it pours.

Desert rainstorms are monsoons that allow plenty of water to come out of the skies when it is time. You need to try and replicate the same scenario when watering your plants.

When watering your succulents, be sure to drench them. Pour water on them slowly, and don’t stop until you have plenty of it running out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the container.

Succulents usually require periodic but long and deep drinks that soak the soil to the bottom. So, when it is time to water your succulents, make sure you drench them.

Let the soil dry out completely and drench again and repeat the cycle. Follow this pattern, and you will have happy and healthy plants.

What Is the Best Type of Water for Succulents?

Besides the watering frequency, you also need to be careful with the type of water you use on your succulent plants. Rainwater is always the best choice, but it may not always be available.

If your tap water is so hard or highly alkaline, you need to find an alternative. Hard/alkaline water introduces a lot of minerals to your potting mix.

With time, the minerals build up, causing harm to your succulents in the long run. However, repotting annually with all fresh potting mix can help prevent a dangerous buildup of the unwanted minerals hence saving your plants.

You may also want to water your succulents with filtered, bottled water to avoid mineral buildup.

If it snows where you live, melt some snow during the winter months and store the water for use during the summer months.

Avoid Overwatering

Overwatering is the #1 killer of most succulents. Not in the sense that they get too much water, but instead, they get watered before the soil dries out completely.

When you don’t allow enough time between watering sessions, the potting mix is constantly damp, which can cause a lot of problems.

The most common issue related to overwatering is root rot and stem rot.

If you start to notice rotting stems on your succulents, it is most likely that you have been overwatering them, and the roots have already rotted as well.  Overwatering can also cause leaf cracks in succulents.

Underwatering Is Equally Bad

While overwatering is more dangerous than underwatering, you should also avoid underwatering your succulents.

Your succulents may dry out and wilt if you fail to water them for too long. The leaves become more transparent and start turning brown or yellowish.

Stems can also pucker when the plant is severely dehydrated. This can be fixed with one or two proper watering sessions.

Once you water your plant and the soil becomes saturated, it will revive and become healthy again within a few days.

However, if you wait too long to water, the plant may not recover. Therefore, keep an eye on your succulents and give them enough water when necessary.

Summary

Overall, succulents must be watered correctly and at the right frequency to stay healthy and thrive.

The amount of water needed by each succulent depends on the size of its container, climate conditions, light exposure, type of soil used, and other factors mentioned above.

Consider these factors before deciding how often to water your succulents. As long as you keep an eye on your succulents and only water them when necessary, you will have happy and healthy plants in your home.

Succulents are among the most popular house plants. They’re easy to grow and care for and they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They add interest and beauty both inside and outside your home. All that, but your Aloe Vera and Cactus plants are rotting – why?

There are measures you can take to save a rotting succulent and to prevent your succulent from rotting in the first place. With proper care, succulents can live a long and happy life. But once rot begins, you need to act fast to save them. 

Read on to learn what causes succulents to rot, how to save them once rot begins, and how to keep your succulents from rotting in the first place.

What Causes Succulents to Rot?

Succulents are made for arid regions with little rain and loosely compacted soil. To get through dry seasons, succulents store water in their leaves and stems. Given they are used to dry periods and soil that drains, two of the main reasons for succulent rot is too much water and poor drainage. 

Taking a closer look at reasons why succulents can rot can help in understanding how to save them. 

Too Much Water

Succulents will continue to try and store water in their leaves and stems, even if it’s not necessary. So, when you overwater them, their tissues will swell, become mushy, and finally burst from trying to hold all of the excess water. 

Overwatered succulents will have leaves and stems that become soft, turn dark, begin to droop, and then drop off. (If you were under-watering, the leaves would be brown and shriveled.) Watch for coloration changes as well— over-watering causes the leaves to yellow and become translucent.

Why does too much water cause these issues, particularly root rot? Like all plants, succulent roots pull both water and oxygen from in-between soil particles. When overwatered, air pockets in the soil are displaced. Then the roots become oxygen deprived. This in combination with too much water, leads to the collapse of root and plant structure, hence root rot.

Poor Drainage

Succulents are not used to sitting in water. If you’ve used regular potting soil, or the soil is too compacted, what might be good for another type of plant, can lead to rot in a succulent. Use a potting mix specifically designed for succulents (more on this shortly.)

Fungal or Bacterial Infections

Although rare in succulents, it’s possible that the soil, pot, or tools used to plant the succulent were contaminated with some sort of pathogen or fungus. And, back to water for a moment, both pathogens and fungi thrive on excessive moisture or dampness. 

Your best bet for this cause of root rot is to give your succulent a new home (pot) with succulent potting mix, sunshine, and water after two weeks.

Cold Weather

Not all succulents can tolerate the cold winter weather, especially if there are extremes in temperature. Large, outside succulents like certain types of cacti are cold-resistant, given they’re often found naturally in high-altitude deserts. For smaller varieties, bring them inside and use a grow light if more direct light and warmth is needed.

How to Save a Rotting Succulent

The sooner you diagnose root rot, the better the chance of saving your succulent. In other words, there’s first aid and then there’s the 911 level of intervention. 

First Aid for a Rotting Succulent

The best early intervention is to stop watering your succulent for at least a week. Placing it in sunlight will help the soil dry out even more. If the top of the soil is completely dry after a week, then you can consider watering the succulent again.

If the main stem of the plant is still strong and the leaves appear only slightly damaged, you may be able to save the entire plant. 

To do this, remove any rotted leaves and let the roots dry completely before you repot the succulent. Then, sterilize the pot and prepare it with fresh, succulent-specific, soil mix. You’ll also want to wipe or dunk the roots with an anti-fungal solution before repotting as well.

Emergency Care for a Rotting Succulent

You still have options, even if the rotting has progressed beyond the first aid stage. Fortunately, succulents do propagate easily.

If there’s rot in the stem, but there are some viable leaves still on the plant, then you can take cuttings from the leaves and stems, let them dry, and then repot. It’s possible the planted cuttings will eventually root and a new plant will develop.

Many succulents produce “offsets,” or little succulents that sprout up around the base of an existing plant. If so, you can divide these little plants away from the parent. Next, allow the ends of these to “callus,” or harden a bit. As the callus forms, some of the succulent cells may form roots capable of regenerating the plant, so once planted, your succulent will have a fresh start.

The resource tessgarden.com gives step-by-step descriptions for dealing with succulent root rot— from initial diagnosis to specifics around transplanting.

How to Prevent Your Succulent From Rotting

There are three keys to preventing root rot in your succulent— whether you keep them inside, outside, or both. These keys are proper watering, the right kind of pot, and the correct soil mix.

Water Every Two Weeks

Water your succulents only when the soil has completely dried out. A reasonable watering schedule is once every two weeks. In the winter, outside succulents (and some inside ones) go dormant. So, you can cut your watering back significantly— perhaps even to once a month or less.

By the way, if you’re in the habit of misting your plants after watering them – skip misting the succulents. They don’t like it and misting can encourage rot. (The only time to mist is if you’re propagating new little succulent plants from calluses or cuttings.)

Use a Clay Pot

The best pot for succulents is a clay pot. The composition of clay means more air can get to the succulent – as opposed to plastic or similar which has no possibility of aeration. Most clay pots even come with a hole in the bottom for drainage, but double-check just to be sure.

Succulent Specific Potting Mix

Your best bet for soil is to buy a pre-mix specific to succulents. There are several good kinds of succulent potting mixes— including familiar names like Miracle-Gro and Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil

Outside Succulents

A note on outside succulents like Agave or Cactus plants; These do best in areas where the rainfall is less than 25 inches a year. And like their inside succulent friends, they don’t like soggy soil. With outside succulents, you can cover all three keys to a healthy plant by remembering they do best in arid regions and when planted in coarse soil that drains well.

Resources for Saving Your Succulent

There are several great resources online to help you keep your succulent plants happy and healthy. In addition to online, there are also several books on how to care for and revive succulents who are under the weather. (Check out “Succulent Container Gardens” by Debra Lee Baldwin and “Essential Succulents: The Beginner’s Guide” by Ken Shelf.)

You Can Save Rotting Succulents

There’s hope! You can do it— succulents are hardy plants. If you follow the guidance and suggestions in this article, you can prevent root rot and enjoy your succulents for many years to come.