Learn all about growing succulents indoors. Discover what kind of light succulents need indoors, as well as when to water and feed and prune succulents. Also discover the ideal temperature for succulents.
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Hello, and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening indoors. If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below.
Today, we’re talking about growing succulents indoors, and this also applies to cacti. Several viewers, including TKJ and Christina, asked about this topic—thank you for the suggestions!
Succulents make beautiful decorative elements in an indoor garden. For example, Sansevieria offers an architectural look, and jade plants grow very well indoors. Succulents can thrive inside as long as you follow a few key rules.
The most important rule: the only reliable way to kill a succulent is by overwatering it. Unlike many houseplants, succulents only need water once or twice a month. Sometimes, depending on climate and location in your home, they may only need water once a month.
Succulents prefer to dry out completely between waterings. Once the soil is very dry, soak the pot thoroughly and allow the water to drain fully. Never allow succulents to sit in pooled water.
Moisture meters can help determine dryness. Check multiple areas in the pot because pockets of soil may dry at different rates. If a succulent or cactus becomes soft or squishy at the base or on its leaves, it’s experiencing crown rot, usually due to overwatering. You can sometimes save an overwatered plant by letting it dry completely, but results vary.
Succulents are native to desert climates where infrequent downpours provide their moisture, which they store in their thick leaves. Mimicking this natural pattern is key.
Lighting is equally important. Succulents need at least eight hours of bright, filtered light. East-facing windows work well. South- and west-facing windows also work, but avoid harsh afternoon heat. Supplemental full-spectrum lighting can help when natural light is insufficient.
Succulents do not tolerate temperature extremes. Keep them in the 65–85°F (18–29°C) range for best results.
Pruning is occasionally necessary. Remove aging or dying leaves by cutting them at the base, close to but not into the stem. This encourages new growth.
Repot succulents when needed using a cactus and palm mix or any well-draining soil. You may improve drainage by adding pumice. Succulents need only occasional fertilizing—about once every two months. Use an organic or cactus-specific fertilizer at half strength, especially if the plant hasn’t been fertilized in a while.
Succulents rarely suffer from pests or diseases, except for root or crown rot caused by excess moisture. If you notice pests, the plant may be weak due to insufficient light or too much water. Check your care routine to correct the underlying issues.
That’s it for growing succulents indoors. Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share, and click the bell to be notified when we release new videos.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Succulents Indoors
How often should I water indoor succulents?
Succulents only need water once or twice a month. Always allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
How do I know if my succulent needs water?
Use a moisture meter and test several areas of the soil. Water only when the readings show the soil is completely dry.
What type of light do succulents need indoors?
Succulents need at least eight hours of bright, filtered light each day. East-facing windows or supplemental full-spectrum lighting work well.
What happens if I overwater my succulent?
Overwatering can cause crown or root rot. The plant may become soft and squishy at the base or on its leaves, often leading to decline.
Do succulents need fertilizer?
Succulents need occasional fertilizing every two months using an organic or cactus-specific fertilizer at half strength.
What soil is best for succulents?
Use a cactus or palm mix with excellent drainage. Adding pumice can further improve airflow and prevent excess moisture.
How do I prevent pests on indoor succulents?
Ensure the plant receives enough light and is not overwatered. Healthy succulents rarely attract pests.
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