7 Key Things I Learned About Growing Succulents

If you’re like me and pretty much a newbie to growing healthy, beautiful succulents, this post is for you.

I started growing succulents last year for the first time because I was absolutely enthralled with all the pictures I saw of how pretty they are. I thought it would be easy peasy. I’ve determined it is easy… but also requires some know-how so they will thrive.

If you are a person who grows gorgeous succulents, pretty please share your tips with me. I would appreciate it so much. I’m hooked on these little darlings!

1. Use the right soil.

There are folks way smarter than I who use a mix of potting soil with sand, pumice, or perlite. Personally, I use soil specifically made for cactus. Miracle-Gro Cactus is what I buy, but you may prefer something else.

Succulents don’t like their roots sitting in water. They like to be nice and dry… until it’s time to water.

2. Watering succulents.

I water mine when they are completely dry, and then I soak them until the water runs out of the drainage hole. That’s what I’ve read from experts, and so that’s what I do! If there is any water left in the dish they sit in, dump that. Always make sure those roots aren’t sitting in water.

Check them again in a week and if the soil is still damp, don’t water. Wait a week and check again.

3. Sunlight is critical.

I know it sounds kind of silly to say that plants need sunlight. But, it’s really important for these cuties. If they don’t get enough sunlight, they’ll reach for it. In other words, they’ll stretch and bend toward the sunshine.

Try to find a better source of sunlight for them if you can. You can also pick up a grow light for under $30 on Amazon. This one has hundreds of reviews and actually, I’m about to order it myself.

4. Give fertilizer a try, but be careful.

A little fertilizer, once in a while, is best. Your succulents don’t need or want a lot of fertilizing. Once a month should do it.

5. Succulents don’t grow the same way in every season.

There is a dormant phase and an active phase. During that time, they need less water and fertilizer.

6. Propagation is a fun word, but it took me a minute to get it.

Propagation means you take parts of the plant (the parent plant, if you will) and create a new baby succulent. You can often take a dying plant and help it make cute little babies.

When my succulents drop leaves that are healthy, I do this. Set the leaves out to dry. They need no water during this time. In a few days, you should see a callous start to form. That’s when I start to pop them in soil. It’s fun to watch the little sprouts come to life. I love it.

There are other ways to propagate succulents, but they are above my paygrade. You’ll find some great info here.

7. Help your succulents to be even prettier.

Sunshine is an important part of how colorful your succulents will be – depending upon the variety, of course. Interestingly, they are often more colorful is they are under-watered a bit.

That’s everything I know!

I have so much more to learn. Like I said earlier, I would be super grateful if you’d share your knowledge. I am loving caring for these little guys and I want to be a good plant mom. 🙂