Succulents (general) care guide
Pets and children
Caution advised
Some members, such as kalanchoes, cotyledons, and euphorbias, cause vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation if chewed; keep them out of reach and see a veterinarian, or a doctor for a child, if eaten.
How often to water Succulents (general)
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 14 days
- As a guide, water thoroughly a few days after the soil dries through; from the rainy season to midsummer, hold back, especially for spring-fall and winter growers.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Most types are growing, so water well once the soil dries, about weekly; lengthen the gaps for summer growers as it cools.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 3 weeks
- Summer and spring-fall growers get a light drink about once or twice a month on a mild morning; winter growers are in growth, so water them once dry.
Light and placement for Succulents (general)
Generally they want plenty of sun and moving air, under the eaves out of the rain or at the brightest window, with midsummer shade for types that scorch; too little light makes them stretch.
Overwintering Succulents (general)
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
As a guide, move pots to a bright window or under the eaves when nights drop below about 5°C, keep summer and spring-fall growers nearly dry, and give winter growers full daytime sun.
Fertilizing and repotting Succulents (general)
Fertilizer
Feed lightly: diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month in growth (spring to early summer for summer growers, spring and fall for spring-fall types, fall to spring for winter growers), none while dormant.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Succulents (general)
- Watered again before the soil dries, the roots rot and the leaves turn mushy.
- In a dim room it etiolates and the compact shape is lost.
- Rainy-season and midsummer humidity can turn a plant to mush in days.
Tips for growing Succulents (general)
- Learn whether yours is a summer, winter, or spring-fall grower; watering and placement follow from that.
- Use a gritty succulent mix and a pot with a drainage hole, and empty the saucer.
- Wrinkled leaves signal thirst; a thorough watering usually plumps them back up.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
