Succulents are widely considered the ultimate low-maintenance plants, yet even experienced gardeners have seen them struggle under their care.

Check out our growing guide to learn how to keep your succulents thriving, both indoors and outdoors!

1. Water with Care

Overwatering is the most common mistake made by succulent owners. These plants should only be watered when the soil or growing medium is completely dry. A simple and effective watering method is to place your pots on a saucer filled with shallow water, allowing the water to be absorbed into the soil. Once the soil is moist, remove the pots from the saucer.

2. Plant in Containers with Drainage Holes

Succulents can thrive in almost any container—whether it’s a cinder block, a thrift store bowl, or even a hollowed-out book—once you understand their care needs. However, it's essential to ensure your planter has drainage holes. Succulents should never sit in stagnant water, as this can quickly lead to root rot. Proper drainage is key to their health.

Terra-cotta pots are an excellent choice because they are porous, allowing excess moisture to evaporate quickly. Ceramic pots are also breathable and suitable for succulents. For beginners, self-watering planters with built-in drainage trays are a great option. Both terra-cotta and plastic self-watering planters are typically affordable.

3. Plant in Well-Drained Soil

Succulents thrive best in a potting mix specifically designed for succulents and cacti. Regular potting soil tends to contain too much organic matter, which retains moisture—ideal for many plants but not for succulents. For optimal growth, consider using a mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite.

4. Keep Them Comfortably Warm

Unlike cacti, succulents are not tolerant of extreme heat. They thrive in moderate temperatures, typically between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Place them near a window indoors, or outdoors on a covered patio or under trees during the summer months. Freezing temperatures can be fatal to succulents, which is why they are best kept as houseplants for most climates.

5. Get the Light Right

Succulents need a balanced mix of sunlight and shade. Too much sun can scorch their leaves, while too little sunlight can cause them to grow weak and leggy. As a general rule, green, yellow, or variegated succulents prefer more shade, while those with red, gray, blue hues, or spiky textures need more sun. Outdoors, place them in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade. For indoor succulents, a south-facing window is ideal to provide the bright light they require.

6. Keep Their Colors Vibrant with Sunlight

Colorful succulents, like aeoniums, paddle kalanchoes, and certain varieties of sempervivum and echeveria, need at least six hours of sunlight daily to maintain their vibrant colors. Insufficient sunlight will cause them to revert to green and grow long and leggy. For the most intense hues, succulents benefit from the warm days and cool nights of spring, which bring out their richest colors.

7. Let Them Rest in Winter

Most succulents go dormant in winter, ceasing to grow while they rest. During this time, avoid fertilizing and only water them enough to keep the soil from drying out completely. Succulents are particularly vulnerable to root rot while dormant, so it’s important not to overwater. Their stored water and nutrients will sustain them until they wake up in spring.

8. Take Them Outdoors

Even indoor succulents need a break during the warmer months. Let them spend some time outside in the spring and summer to enjoy rainwater, which contains oxygen and trace minerals that tap water lacks. Fresh air circulation will also benefit them. However, avoid placing them in full sun immediately, as the sudden light change can burn their leaves.

9. Feed Them

During their active growing season (spring to fall), succulents benefit from occasional feeding. Use a 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid fertilizing during winter when they are dormant.

10. Check for Pests

Though succulents are hardy, they are still susceptible to pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Regularly inspect your plants for these common invaders. Aphids can usually be washed off with a high-pressure hose—this may take a few attempts over several weeks to fully remove. Spider mites and mealybugs can cause rapid damage, so address these pests quickly to protect your plants.