Water, Light, and Potting Tips

Succulents are popular for good reason. These plants come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. They are low-maintenance and perfect for beginners. Whether you want to brighten a windowsill or create a backyard succulent garden, knowing how to care for them is key.

In this guide, we’ll cover three important things: water, light, and potting. These are the building blocks of happy and healthy succulents.

What Are Succulents?

Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. This makes them drought-tolerant and able to survive in dry climates. You may recognize aloe vera, echeveria, jade plant, or zebra haworthia—these are all types of succulents.

Most succulents come from hot, sunny areas like deserts. That’s why they don’t like too much water and prefer bright light.

Watering Succulents: Less Is More

Why Overwatering Is a Problem

Succulents are not like regular houseplants. Their roots are designed to soak up water fast and then dry out. When you water them too often, the roots can rot. Root rot is one of the biggest problems with succulents, and it often leads to a dead plant.

The Soak and Dry Method

The best way to water succulents is called the soak and dry method. Here’s how it works:

Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering.
When it’s dry, water deeply until water runs out of the drainage hole.
Do not water again until the soil is dry.

Depending on your climate, you may water once a week in summer or once every two to three weeks in winter. Always check the soil first with your finger or a moisture meter.

Signs Your Succulent Needs Water

Leaves look wrinkled or shriveled
The plant feels soft or limp
Leaf tips begin to curl or dry out

But remember: it’s better to underwater than overwater!

Light Needs: Bright and Sunny

Sunlight Makes All the Difference

Succulents love light. They need at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. Some types, like echeveria or sedum, can even handle full sun outdoors.

If your plant is indoors, place it near a south- or east-facing window. West-facing windows can work too but may get too hot in summer.

Signs of Not Enough Light

Stretching (the plant grows tall and leggy)
Faded colors
Leaves growing far apart

This stretching is called etiolation, and it’s a sign your succulent is reaching for light. If this happens, move it closer to a window or consider using a grow light.

Can Succulents Get Too Much Sun?

Yes, they can. If your plant gets sunburned, you might notice:

Brown, crispy patches on leaves
Bleached or white spots
Leaves falling off

To prevent this, ease your succulents into full sun slowly. Start with morning sun, then increase exposure over a few days.

Choosing the Right Pot and Soil

Drainage Is Everything

Succulents hate sitting in water. That’s why drainage holes in pots are essential. Without them, extra water can collect at the bottom, leading to root rot.

Choose pots made of terra cotta or unglazed clay, which help dry out soil faster. Plastic pots hold more moisture, so be extra careful when using them.

The Best Soil for Succulents

Regular potting soil is too dense for succulents. Use a cactus or succulent mix instead. These mixes drain quickly and keep roots healthy.

You can also make your own by mixing:

2 parts potting soil
1 part coarse sand or perlite
1 part pumice or crushed lava rock

This mix mimics dry, rocky desert soil.

Repotting Tips

Succulents should be repotted every 1–2 years, or when:

They outgrow their pot
Soil stays wet for too long
You see pests or mold

When repotting:

Remove the plant gently and shake off old soil.
Let it sit out for a day if roots are damaged—this helps them callous over.
Place it in dry succulent mix.
Wait a few days before watering to avoid rot.

Temperature and Humidity Tips

Succulents love warm temperatures between 60–80°F (15–27°C). Most can handle cooler nights, but freezing weather can kill them.

Indoors, keep them away from drafty windows or heating vents. Outdoors, bring them in before the first frost unless they are cold-hardy varieties like sempervivum or stonecrop sedum.

They also prefer low humidity. In very humid areas, make sure there’s good airflow around your succulents.

Common Succulent Care Mistakes

1. Watering on a Schedule

Don’t water on a fixed calendar. Always check the soil first. It should feel completely dry before you water again.

2. Using the Wrong Soil

Avoid moisture-holding soils like peat moss or regular houseplant mix. These keep roots too wet.

3. No Drainage Holes

Decorative pots are pretty, but they can trap water. Always drill a hole or use a cachepot (a pretty pot that hides a plain one with drainage).

4. Ignoring Light Needs

Low light will make your succulent stretch, fade, and weaken. Use a grow light if your home doesn’t have bright windows.

5. Mixing Plant Types

Avoid putting succulents and tropical houseplants in the same container. They have different water and light needs.

How to Propagate Succulents

One of the coolest things about succulents is how easy they are to grow from cuttings.

Leaf Cuttings

Twist off a healthy leaf.
Let it dry for a few days until the end callouses.
Place it on top of dry soil (don’t bury it).
Mist every few days until roots and baby rosettes form.

Stem Cuttings

Cut off a stem with several leaves.
Let it dry for 2–3 days.
Plant it in well-draining soil.
Water lightly after a week.

Over time, these little pieces can grow into full plants!

Bonus Tips for Healthy Succulents

Dust the leaves: Wipe them with a soft cloth every few weeks so they can absorb more light.
Rotate the pot: This keeps all sides of the plant growing evenly.
Fertilize lightly: Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer in spring and summer. Once a month is enough.

Succulents are a great way to add beauty to your home or garden without a lot of fuss. By understanding how to water them correctly, give them enough light, and plant them in the right soil, you’ll enjoy thriving, colorful succulents all year long.

Remember: when in doubt, go dry, go bright, and keep it simple. Your succulents will thank you!