Succulents are exotic beauties that are incredibly low-maintenance and look amazing when paired with other plants in your garden. Whether you want them to thrive outdoors, as indoor houseplants, or in containers on your balcony, getting the planting process right is key. I’ve put together this quick guide to answer the most common questions about successfully growing your own succulent collection.
What’s the best spot for succulents?
Most succulents come from warm, sun-drenched parts of the world. Because of those roots, they generally need a sunny or brightly lit spot where they can soak up at least 4 hours of direct sun a day (especially during the peak of summer).
Since most succulents are sensitive to the cold, they usually prefer staying at standard room temperatures. However, there are some cold-hardy exceptions that can survive outdoors even down to -4°F, provided they have proper protection from excess moisture.
Pro Tip: Forest cacti (like Christmas or Thanksgiving cacti) actually come from tropical rainforests and are used to dappled light. For these guys, you’ll want to choose a warm spot with partial shade rather than direct, scorching sun.
When is the best time to plant succulents?
If you’re growing succulents in pots, any time between spring and fall works great. Just avoid planting during their winter dormant phase, as the conditions aren’t ideal and it will take way too long for the roots to establish.
For planting things like Hens and Chicks or cacti directly into your garden beds, wait until mid-May. You want to make sure the threat of ground frost has completely passed before moving them outside.
What kind of soil do succulents need?
The perfect succulent soil needs to be well-draining and “lean” (not too rich). It should also have a slightly acidic pH. Standard potting soil usually holds too much water, so it’s best to swap it for a specialized cactus or succulent mix from your local garden center.
If you want to mix your own succulent soil, a good rule of thumb is to use about 60% organic material (like humus or compost) and 40% inorganic material (like pumice, lava rock, or quartz sand).
How do I plant succulents in pots or containers?
Potting up your succulents is actually pretty straightforward. Just follow these steps:
- Place a layer of terracotta shards, pebbles, or expanded clay at the bottom of the pot to ensure good drainage.
- Add your first layer of succulent soil.
- Remove the young plant from its nursery pot, place it in the new container, and gently press the soil down.
- Make sure to plant it at the same depth it was in its previous pot.
- Give the young succulents a light misting with soft water.
- Wait about a week before you start a regular watering routine to give the roots time to settle.
Pro Tip: Some succulents have sharp spines or thorns. Do yourself a favor and wear puncture-resistant gardening gloves when handling these varieties!
Can I grow succulents from seed?
Not every succulent variety is easy to grow from seed. Your best bet for success is with cacti or the Sempervivum family (Hens and Chicks). These tend to bloom beautifully in our climate and produce fruit containing seeds.
Sow these seeds in early spring on a warm, bright windowsill. You’ll want to keep the room temperature consistent. Just a heads-up: be patient! It can sometimes take a full year before the seedlings are big enough to be transplanted.
What should I keep in mind when planting succulents in garden beds?
If you have a warm, sunny spot with loose soil in your yard, you’ve got a great home for succulents. Here’s how to get them started:
- Dig a hole deep enough for your young succulent’s root ball.
- Line the bottom of the hole with about an inch of pebbles, clay, or grit. This prevents “wet feet” (root rot).
- Mix about a third of your excavated soil with lava granulate or lime-free quartz sand to boost drainage.
- Set the succulent in the hole and cover the surrounding soil with a layer of gravel or grit.
- Mist the plant with soft, lime-free water, but wait a week before you start regular watering.
Pro Tip: That gravel layer in step 4 is a game-changer. It keeps the bottom leaves of the succulent from touching damp soil, which is the best way to prevent rot.
How do I “harden off” succulents for the outdoors?
Even though they love the sun, young succulents aren’t used to direct outdoor light if they’ve been indoors. You have to acclimate them slowly. Believe it or not, even a desert cactus can get a nasty, permanent sunburn if it’s moved from a dark room directly into the hot sun!
Give your plants an adjustment period: Leave them in a partially shaded spot on your balcony or in the garden for about 8 to 10 days. Once they’ve toughened up, they’re ready to move into their permanent, full-sun home.
By the way, this applies to both young plantlets and mature succulents!
