3 Secrets to Keeping Succulents Alive

Updated on Aug 9, 2017 at 2:20 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich

You can't browse a decor magazine or your Instagram feed without running into a succulent these days, and for good reason — they're beautiful and practical! If you tend to have bad luck with plants, a hardy succulent, sometimes known as a fat plant, might be the way to go. Succulents have parts that are thick and fleshy to help hold onto water. That means you don't need to water them as frequently. And they come in many different styles and sizes, so there's a wide selection to choose from beyond the ever-popular cactus and aloe. But that doesn't mean you can't kill them. So let's talk about the basics of succulent care.

Water and Fertilizer

Seasonal differences are important to note with your succulent plants!

For the warm months: This is the growing stage for these beautiful plants, so they need plenty of water. Be sure to soak your plant about once a week, but don't water again until the soil has a chance to completely dry. You'll know if you're overwatering since the leaves may turn yellow or white. Go ahead and fertilize your succulent during the Summer if you'd like, but there's no need to feed the plant more than once a month.

For the cold months: You only need to water about once a month. But be wary of underwatering: if your plant starts to shed leaves or the leaves have brown spots, it means your plant is not getting enough water. Don't fertilize in the Winter!

Light

Your succulent needs a lot of light, but intense sunlight could scorch your fat plant! Be mindful to give your plant bright light but not direct sun. If you do, you'll find that the leaves will turn white or possibly brown and start to die.

Soil and Potting

Choose a pot with a good drainage hole, since succulents need effective drainage — again, you don't want them to be overwatered!

For soil, you can purchase cactus soil, or instead mix sand, rocks, or gravel into regular potting soil so that the soil won't stay as damp and heavy.