Succulent plants — aloe vera, haworthia, and cacti, to name a few — have grown in popularity over the years, quickly becoming a fan favorite at outdoor nurseries and garden centers. Unfortunately, a lot of people rush out to buy them without knowing how to properly care for them, which often leads to a succulent’s untimely demise. However, this is easily avoidable. Here are some helpful tips on how to keep these peculiar plants alive as long as possible.

Do your research

Depending on the type(s) of succulents you have, your plant may thrive outdoors in full sunlight as opposed to sitting on your desk indoors. Or, it might like being watered every two weeks as opposed to every few days. Always make sure to research how you can give your particular plant the best care possible.

Beat the heat

Most succulents enjoy bright sunlight, but don’t confuse light for heat — chances are, no matter what kind of plant you have, it won’t do well in constant exposure to Arizona heat. If you’ve noticed that your succulents do better in the great outdoors, balance that out with some time away from direct sunlight to keep them from frying.

Propagation: Proceed with caution

Propagating your plants is not a one-size-fits-all process. When working with succulents, twist off a leaf at the base of a stem, then leave it alone to dry out for one to three days. This allows a “scab” to form over the cut part, which stops the succulent from absorbing more water than it needs. After this, your propagation should be ready to plant as normal.

Water your plants, but not too much

One of the top reasons behind succulents passing away prematurely is overwatering. Sometimes, amateur plant parents assume that you can water a succulent the exact same way you water a “normal” plant — often, and a lot. In reality, each succulent subtype has different needs (for example, one week versus one month between waterings), so make sure you look into yours.

Pick the perfect pot

Porous pots (think terracotta) are ideal for succulents, since they typically absorb excess water that would do these plants more harm than good. Make sure it has a good drainage system too. This can be achieved by keeping a hole at the bottom with a dish to catch the water that flows out, or by putting rocks under your soil to create more drainage space.

Hopefully, these tips will help you become the best plant parent you can be. Whether or not you have a green thumb, you can definitely develop one over time through education and dedication. Your succulents will thank you!

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