how to care for succulents -

Gracie at our favorite greenhouse, 101 Market.

Succulents are having a moment. I love the way they look in terra cotta pots, and I really love that you can rely on them to be low-maintenance!

Here a few general rules of thumb when caring for succulents.

Pot them in terra cotta containers with drainage holes.

Succulents don’t thrive when they sit in wet soil. This is why terra cotta pots are the perfect option for beginners because they dry quickly, they pull out water from the soil and they’re breathable.

Seems like I pick up at least one plant every time
I go to Home Depot. They’re just so cute and inexpensive!

Don’t overwater.

Rather than giving succulents sips of water here and there, give them a good soaking—to the point the water runs out the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Be sure to empty the water that runs into the saucer beneath the pot. Then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

Give them lots of sunlight.

Most varieties need at least half a day to a full day of sunlight. You can grow almost any succulent indoors as long as you give it enough access to bright light. Place them next to the sunniest window in your home for at least six hours per day.

If you’re growing them outdoors, some will fade, spot, or even burn in the intense heat of full sun, especially in humid climates and when temperatures remain above 90F. In this case, they need to be shaded from mid-day on.