What are the Steps To Proper Succulent Plant Care?
TL:DR
Succulents thrive with minimal fuss — just use a “soak & dry” watering method, fast-draining soil, and good light. Avoid overwatering, frost, and too little or too much sun to keep them healthy and vibrant.
Article Discussion Points:
- How to set up an effective “soak and dry” watering schedule.
- The importance of using fast-draining potting soil.
- Signs of light problems, such as etiolation and scorching.
- How to monitor for common pests like mealy bugs.
- Solutions for common issues like overwatering and frost damage.
If you are a time-poor gardener or don’t have the best track record when it comes to caring for plants, succulents are the ideal choice! Suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces, they easily brighten any area without demanding extensive care. With endless variations in colour (from pink to almost black) and leaf shape (spiky, ruffled, or rounded), you’ll easily find a succulent that looks stunning in your home or garden. While they don’t mind a little neglect, understanding their basic needs is key to ensuring they are truly healthy and happy.
Part 1: How to Grow Healthy Succulents
Most succulents have evolved with special water-storage tissues, allowing them to thrive in dry surroundings. Regardless of the species you choose, the rules for care are remarkably similar across the board.
1. Create a Consistent Watering Schedule
The greatest risk for succulents is usually the person holding the watering can. The general rule is to follow the “soak and dry” method: water them thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes, then allow the potting mix to dry completely before watering again.
- Seasonal Adjustment
The frequency depends heavily on the season. Water monthly during winter dormancy, twice a month during autumn and spring, and once a week in summer when they are actively growing.
- Preventing Errors
To avoid under or over-watering, allow the potting mix to dry out fully between sessions. Setting a reminder on your phone or calendar helps maintain consistency and prevents impulse watering.
2. Find Their Optimal Light Requirements
Succulents are light-loving plants! The condition of the leaves will quickly indicate if the light level is correct.
- Too Much Light (Scorching)
Some species will scorch when exposed to direct, intense sunlight, especially during midday heat. The leaves will turn brown and the soft tissues can be destroyed.
- Too Little Light (Stretching/Etiolation)
If they need more light, succulents start to stretch (a process called etiolation). This results in widely spaced leaves and an elongated, weak stem as the plant desperately reaches for light.
- The Fix
To save a stretched plant, you must prune it back to its primary shape and move it to an area with more sunlight. Keeping succulents in small, manoeuvrable pots makes it easy to rotate them and find the ideal lighting spot.
3. Use the Right Potting Soil
Bad soil is the number one killer of succulent plants. Succulents must be potted in a fast-draining mixture that is specifically designed for them. This mix is not too dense and will not retain extra moisture, allowing the roots to breathe.
- Creating Your Mix
If a specialized mix isn’t available, modify a normal potting mixture by adding an inorganic agent to increase drainage and aeration. Good options include perlite, pumice, or expanded shale.
- Desert Varieties
When growing true desert succulents, minimize the amount of compost and incorporate large-grained sand like decomposed granite or builder’s sand to mimic their natural, dry habitat.
4. Apply Fertiliser Sparingly
Succulents don’t need heavy feeding, but a small boost ensures they receive the micronutrients needed for healthy growth.
- Timing is Key
Apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertiliser during the summer growing season (their active period) and once or twice in spring.
- Dormancy Rule
Stop adding fertiliser entirely during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Feeding a dormant plant can lead to chemical burn and stress its root system.
5. Monitor for Pests
Even hardy succulents aren’t immune to pests. You can help prevent infestations by ensuring your plants have excellent air circulation and by avoiding overwatering, which creates a damp, appealing habitat for insects.
- Common Pests
Mealy bugs, aphids, and whiteflies are the usual culprits. Aphids prefer tender flower buds, while mealy bugs burrow into the leaf axis and hide near the base of the stem.
- Rescue Steps:
- Isolate infested plants immediately to prevent the infestation from spreading.
- If the infestation is severe, take clean cuttings from healthy growth and propagate them in fresh, good soil.
- Discard the diseased parent plant and its soil, and sterilize the pot before using it again.
- In humid climates, keep succulents dry, as mould and fungal issues thrive in moisture.
Part 2: Common Succulent Problems and Solutions
Even experienced gardeners can encounter issues. Here are the most common problems and the best ways to solve them.
1. Over- and Under-watering
This is the most frequent issue, resulting in two distinct symptoms:
- Overwatered
Leaves become discoloured, soft, and mushy, often turning translucent white or yellow. If the plant reaches this condition, the stem is likely rotting and beyond repair. Remove the plant to inspect the roots; remove dead, black roots and replant any healthy portions into a drier potting mix. Propagating a healthy cutting is often the best last resort.
- Underwatered
The succulent will stop growing, start to shed leaves from the bottom, or develop brown, crisp spots. If the plant is still alive, give it a thorough soaking, ensuring water pours out the drainage holes of the pot to confirm the roots have absorbed enough moisture.
2. Frost Damage
If you are in a cooler climate and your succulents are outside in the cold, they may be affected by frost. Succulent tissues are full of water, which freezes and ruptures the cells.
Prevention
To ensure your succulent survives the winter, you must either cover them with a specialized frost cloth or bring them indoors into the warmth.
3. Sunburn
Although most succulents thrive in bright sun, some species prefer partial shade. Your plant might be experiencing too much sun exposure when their leaves develop dry, black, or bleached spots.
Acclimatisation
If you wish to cultivate them outdoors, make sure to acclimatise them slowly around springtime, gradually increasing their exposure to direct sunlight over several weeks. Any damage the plant endures (the scar) will not go away, but the plant can still grow and thrive despite this injury.
4. Uneven Growth
You may notice that your succulent is growing unevenly, such as stretched leaves or elongated stems (etiolation). This is typically due to the plant reaching towards the nearest light source. The solution is simple:
- Move – Relocate the plant to a brighter spot.
- Rotate – Turn the plant around regularly to help even out the growth and prevent permanent leaning.
Professional Gardening Services
While succulents are generally low-maintenance, setting up the right environment—especially selecting the correct soil and managing light conditions indoors—can be challenging. If you want to grow succulents but need additional assistance, enlist the experts at Jim’s Mowing NZ!
Our Gardening Services will ensure your garden, including your succulent plants, is in tip-top shape:
- Soil and Drainage Consultation
We can assess your current potting environment and advise on the best fast-draining mix for your specific varieties.
- Pest and Disease Management
Our experts can monitor, identify, and treat common succulent pests and mould problems.
- General Garden Maintenance
We provide complete Gardening Services to keep your entire outdoor space thriving, from weeding to trimming.
- Lawn Care
Need help with the rest of the property? Check out our comprehensive Lawn Care Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “soak & dry” method?
Water until it drains freely, then wait until the potting mix is fully dry before watering again. =
How often should I water my succulents?
Water frequency depends on season — less in winter (monthly), more in active growth periods.
What light conditions do succulents need?
They need bright light; too little causes stretching (etiolation), too much direct heat can scorch leaves.
What kind of soil should I use?
Use a fast-draining mix with added perlite, pumice or sand to mimic their natural habitat.
How do I identify over-watering vs under-watering?
Over-watered: soft, mushy, discoloured leaves. Under-watered: shedding leaves from base, brown crispy tips.
How do I prevent pest problems?
Ensure good air circulation, avoid over-watering, isolate infested plants, discard badly affected ones.
Final Thoughts
Succulents are the perfect addition to any home, offering dramatic variety with minimal effort. By mastering the core principles—the “soak and dry” method, proper drainage, and optimal light—you can avoid the most common beginner mistakes and enjoy healthy, vibrant growth all year long.
Call Jim’s Mowing on 0800 454 654 for your free no-obligation quote or book online today to take the fuss out of plant care!
