Succulents care
Succulents store water in their leaves and stems. They die far more often from too much water and too little light than from neglect.
Light
As much sun as possible: a south or west window, or a grow light. Stretched, pale growth means not enough light.
Watering
Soak and dry: water until it runs out of the drainage hole, then wait until the soil is completely dry. In summer that is often every 10–14 days; in winter every 3–4 weeks.
Soil, feeding and repotting
Soil: Gritty cactus mix with at least half mineral grit (pumice, perlite, coarse sand).
Feeding: Quarter-strength fertiliser a few times in the growing season.
Repotting: Every 2 years or when the pot is full.
Propagation
Twist off healthy leaves or offsets, let them callus, and set them on dry mix.
Problems and fixes
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Translucent, mushy leaves | Overwatering. | Stop watering, remove rotten parts, repot into dry grit. |
| Stretching (etiolation) | Low light. | Move to direct sun; behead and re-root stretched rosettes. |
| Shrivelled lower leaves only | Normal: old leaves are used up. | Remove when dry. |
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Ask about your succulents
Questions gardeners ask
How often do you water succulents?
Only when the soil is completely dry: usually every 10–14 days in summer and every 3–4 weeks in winter indoors. Frequency depends on light, pot and mix, so check the soil rather than the calendar.
Do succulents need drainage holes?
Yes. Without drainage, water pools in the bottom and roots rot.