Growing and Caring for Succulents Indoors

Succulents are plants with thick leaves and stems that store water for the plants, making them drought-tolerant. Succulents come in a wide array of interesting shapes and textures, which add visual interest wherever they are planted, particularly indoors. They thrive in warm, dry climates and are tolerant of inattention, which makes them idyllic selections for people craving low-maintenance houseplants.

Properly caring for succulents indoors can reward you with beautiful and unique indoor plants for years to come. Check out our tips on caring for succulents indoors and take the guesswork out of caring for these plump and eye-catching beauties.

Soil Conditions For Growing Succulents Indoors

Planting succulents in the optimal soil composition will boost the health of the plant and is the first step in properly caring for succulents indoors. Succulent plants prefer a loose, rocky soil that is nutrient-rich for best results. Use a potting mix specifically formulated for succulents and cacti and plant in a pot with holes in the bottom for drainage.

They grow well in slightly acidic soil that hovers around 6.0 on the pH scale. Alkaline soil has the potential to cause the demise of succulent plants.

Indoor Succulent Light and Temperature Requirements

When caring for succulents indoors, it is crucial to ensure that they receive at least 6 hours of sunshine per day. Too little sunlight will cause succulents to reach awkwardly for sunlight, resulting in spindly, blanched, and unbalanced plants.

Most indoor succulent varieties thrive with ideal indoor nighttime temperatures of at least 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Water and Care for Succulents Indoors

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is overwatering succulent plants. The word ‘succulent’ is derived from the Latin root sucus, which means sap or moisture, so water is crucial for these plants. These helpful tidbits provide guidance for watering your succulent plants.

• Water more deeply, but less frequently, so shower watering can be beneficial for these intriguing plants.
• Saturate the potting mix thoroughly, allowing the water to drain through fully.
• Then let the mixture dry out a bit before the next watering.
• Watering regularly keeps the roots plump and leaves full for your succulents.
• Keep your plants on the dry side.
• If the plant starts to look gangly or the leaves begin to wither, test the soil with your fingertip, and if it is parched, provide water more often.
• Too much moisture can cause root rot and eventually the demise of the entire plant.

Fertilizing Your Indoor Succulents

Many people think that since succulents can handle a bit of neglect that they don’t require fertilizing. But like most containerized plants, succulents can benefit from a nutrient-rich feeding routine. For optimal growth, apply the fertilizer in spring as new growth emerges and once again in fall.

When growing succulents indoors, fertilizer can result in rapid growth, which can cause plants that aren’t getting sufficient light to stretch in search of it. Consider temporarily moving your succulent plants outdoors to partial sun spot just after fertilizing to help them retain their robust, compact nature as they soak in the beneficial nutrients. If this is not an option, place succulent plants in a sunny window or administer a grow light to give your succulent plants the rays they need.

Recommended Indoor Succulent Varieties

There are many succulent varieties, each with distinctive characteristics, which makes them fun to acquire and grow. Check out some of our favorite cultivars when growing succulents indoors.

• Jade plant
• Mother-in-law Tongue
• Wandering Jew
• Crown of Thorns
• Haworthia
• Aloe Vera

• Christmas Cactus
• Zebra Cactus
• Panda Plant
• String of pearls
• Hens-and-Chicks
• Donkey’s Tail

Growing and Caring for Succulents Indoors

Succulents are fun and easy to grow as long as they are cared for properly. With the right balance of fertilization, water, and sunlight, succulent plants can thrive without much effort. Mix and match different varieties for a delightful variegated display and reap the rewards of properly caring for succulents indoors.

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