6 tips for growing succulents indoors

Succulents are undoubtedly growing in popularity. Succulents come in dozens of varieties, boasting different colors and shapes that can be mixed and matched to create a centerpiece or other decorations in the home. If you’re new to gardening or have had bad luck with houseplants in the past, try your hand at caring for succulents indoors.

What are succulents?

Succulents are plants that have thick, fleshy, water-storing leaves. They’re xeric, meaning they require only a small amount of moisture to survive. Botanists include cacti in the group name succulents. Succulents are native to hot, arid environments, and are found throughout the world. Cacti, on the other hand, are native to the Americas.

Succulents are grown outdoors but are brought indoors during the winter months. It’s possible to grow succulents indoors year-round, though.

You may be familiar with some types of succulents, like aloe vera, jade and snake plant. The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has information about various succulents, including:

• Agave and Bromeliads
• Echeveria
• Sedums

Indoor succulent growing tips

The following indoor succulent growing tips have been gleaned from Iowa State University Extension, Minnesota State University Extension, Cornell Cooperative Extension and University of Illinois Extension:

Environment

While succulents can also be placed outdoors during the growing season, keep them indoors in a bright, sunny location, like a south-facing or west-facing window.

Most succulents thrive if the relative humidity of the house is between 10 and 30 percent. Keep succulents away from drafty locations.

Light

Rely on natural lighting if possible when growing succulents indoors.

You can use artificial lighting, like a cool white fluorescent tube, in place of natural light if necessary, or in combination with natural light. If you’re using cool white fluorescent tubes, keep them 6-12 inches above succulents, and keep them on for 12-16 hours each day.

Soil

Plant succulents in well-draining, sandy soil. Cornell Cooperative Extension suggests planting succulents in two parts garden soil, two parts sharp builders soil and one part peat. Or, you can use a combination of one part potting soil and one part coarse sand, as recommended by Minnesota State University Extension. Soil that doesn’t drain well may contribute to root and stem rot.

Consider planting succulents in porous containers with drainage holes, like unglazed terra cotta or clay pots.

Watering

Succulents don’t require as much water as some other houseplants.

Water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering succulents. Allow water to drain out, then discard the excess water. If you water succulents too much, the stems and roots may rot and the leaves will drop. Succulent leaves will wilt if you haven’t watered enough.

Avoid watering in frequent, small amounts. This can affect growth by making plants sickly and by causing roots to become weak and shallow. Also, be careful not to water too much during winter, which is the dormant period for succulents.

Fertilizer

Succulents can be fertilized with houseplant food that’s diluted to half its recommended rate. The houseplant food should be higher in phosphorus than nitrogen.

During the growing season, fertilize succulents once or twice a month.

Pest control

Sometimes, succulents can become affected by mealybugs, scales and spider mites. To control mealybugs and scales, soak cotton swabs in rubbing alcohol and dab the plant. To control spider mites, spray succulents with insecticidal soaps.