Landscaping contractor Jenn Nawada heads to a local greenhouse to talk about succulents with the greenhouse manager. After discussing what makes these plants so popular, the two discuss the different varieties, which are beginner-friendly, and how much water each plant needs.
Why Are Succulents Growing in Popularity?
Succulents are becoming very popular. They’re gracing window sills across the globe, and since they’re low maintenance, colorful, and affordable, it’s no wonder so many folks are flocking to them. There are a lot of questions about these plants, but would-be gardeners shouldn’t worry; they’re easy to care for.
Part of what makes succulents so appealing is their remarkable built-in resilience. As This Old House Magazine has noted, succulents are “the thriftiest of their kind, their fleshy leaves hoarding water for times of drought.” This built-in water storage makes them a perfect choice for problem places: patio containers set in blazing sun, windy spots that make roses wither, and rocky slopes where grass won’t grow.
Two Types of Succulents
It’s also worth understanding where cacti fit in. As a plant expert explained to Roger Cook on This Old House: “All cacti are succulents but not all succulents are cacti.” Cacti are all native to the Americas, while succulents come from all around the world and belong to many different plant families — which is why their light and water needs can vary so widely.
There are two types of succulents: desert-type succulents like jade and echeveria and succulents that grow in trees in jungles, and this variety has larger leaves that pour out from the sides of the plant.
These plants have different needs, so it’s best to plant them in their same families. Desert succulents can handle sunlight and south-facing windows, whereas the tree-growing varieties require shadier conditions.
Start with the Basics
Folks that are new to succulents will find that certain varieties are beginner-friendly:
- Echeveria is very popular. They come in lots of species and look great in a solo pot.
- Rhipsalis is known as the mistletoe cactus, but it’s not a prickly plant. While many folks believe these plants love direct sunlight, they’ll do better in a shady spot near a bright window.
- Jade plants are commonly believed to bring good luck. They have beautiful green leaves and make excellent gifts.
- Kalanchoe plants are beautiful, cactus-like plants that like warm spots in the house.
- String of Pearls are unique, vining succulents that are easy to spot with their pearl-shaped leaves. The leaves grow on trailing stems that spill over the sides of planters.
Soil Matters: Succulents need a well-drained, sandy soil mix to thrive. As This Old House plant expert Jenn explains, the ideal succulent soil “will capture the water, but it’ll also run right through so it’s not in standing water.” Adding perlite and coconut coir to the mix creates different textures that roots can grab onto. Because succulents store water in their leaves, they don’t need to be watered as often as other houseplants.
Keep Watering to a Minimum
Succulents don’t need nearly as much water as most other plants. In fact, small succulents require no more than an ounce of water every two weeks. For slightly larger succulents, like those in a 4-inch pot, 2.5 ounces will do the trick every two weeks. For jungle-type varieties, a light watering once a week is ideal.
Be sure to let the desert-type succulents dry out between waterings, checking the top of the soil before watering. Also, water the soil directly to keep the leaves from becoming moldy. Remove any browning or yellowing leaves, as well.
How to Transplant a Succulent
Pro Tip: How do you know when it’s time to repot a succulent? Look for roots coming out of the drainage hole, or notice if the plant is drying out faster and faster between waterings — that means it’s pot-bound and there’s no room left for water to go. A good rule of thumb is to go just a couple of inches bigger in your pot, such as moving from a six-inch pot to an eight-inch pot.
Don’t overthink transplanting. Succulents have small root systems, so transplanting them to a pot that is just slightly bigger than the one they came in is fine.
- Start by covering the draining hole in the bottom with a piece of broken terracotta pot or a rock, and fill the bottom of the pot with cactus soil.
- Place the plant into the new pot so the top of its soil is slightly below the pot’s rim, and tamp down the soil.
- Next, remove the plant from the old pot, but avoid touching anything other than the soil.
The process for transplanting several succulents into larger arrangements is the same:
- Plant the top of the plant’s soil slightly below the rim of the pot and dress between the plants with rocks, driftwood, and mosses.
Tips on How to Water Succulents
- Measure out the water to avoid overwatering
- Let plants dry out in between watering, so you know it is time to water when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
- Water the soil directly—do not mist succulents with a spray bottle, that could cause moldy leaves.
- When you are watering, also remove any browning or yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking healthy.
Pro Tip: Jenn, a plant expert featured on Ask This Old House, recommends a simple test: “You want to stick your finger in for a test. You know, if the first inch is dry, then it’s time for water.” She also notes that succulents in direct sun will dry out faster than those in indirect light, so adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Resources
Jenn and Sara Barrios, the Assistant Greenhouse Manager at Weston Nurseries, do a deep dive into different kinds of succulents and how to care for them.
