How to Grow Succulents in Pots: Beginner Guide to Growing and Caring 

Are you ready to bring a touch of greenery into your home or office? Growing succulents in pots is an enjoyable and rewarding way to enhance your space with beautiful, low-maintenance plants.

Succulents are space-saving, perfect for small apartments or desks, and they also improve air quality by purifying toxins. 

In this blog, we will explore essential tips for successfully growing and caring for your potted succulents, ensuring they stay healthy and vibrant for years to come. 

Why Grow Succulents in Pots? 

Growing succulents in pots offers several benefits: 

Portability: You can easily move potted succulents around to give them the right amount of light or protect them from harsh weather. 

Seasonal Adjustments: You can move your potted succulents indoors when it gets cold and take them back outside once the weather warms up. 

Space-Saving: Pots allow you to create beautiful arrangements, maximizing your available space. 

Controlled Environment: You can better control soil quality, drainage, and sunlight exposure in pots. 

Must Read Vinca Leaf Yellowing: Causes, Prevention, and Solutions 

Choosing the Right Succulent Varieties 

When starting your succulent garden, it’s essential to select the right varieties. Here are some beginner-friendly varieties to get you started: 

Echeveria: Easy to care for with rosette shape and variety of colors. 

Aloe Vera: A popular choice for its medicinal properties and ideal for beginners. 

Sedum: Perfect for beginners, as it is hardy and forgiving. 

Haworthia: Perfect for indoors, this plant thrives in low light. 

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): Easy to care for and believed to bring good luck. 

Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks): Adaptable to different conditions and simple to propagate. 

Kalanchoe: Known for its stunning flowers and durable leaves. 

Graptopetalum: Eye-catching and requires low maintenance. 

Selecting the Perfect Pot to Grow Succulents in Pots

The right pot is crucial for your succulents’ health. Here are key factors to consider: 

Drainage Holes: Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to root rot. The number of drainage holes depends on the pot size. 

Large pots need several holes for even water drainage, while smaller pots usually require just one or two. Ensuring water can escape freely is crucial to preventing root rot. 

Material: Terra cotta pots are ideal as they are porous and help absorb excess moisture. However, ceramic or plastic pots can also work if they have adequate drainage. 

Size: Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the root ball of your succulent to give it room to grow without holding too much moisture. Too large can hold excess moisture, while too small may cramp the roots. 

Ideal Soil for Growing Succulents in Pots

Well-Draining Soil: Succulents are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil, so well-draining soil is essential for preventing excess moisture. 

Ingredients: A good mix typically includes coarse sand, perlite, pumice, or small gravel, which create air pockets for improved drainage and aeration.

While succulents don’t require nutrient-rich soil, a bit of organic matter helps support growth. Avoid heavy garden soils that retain moisture. 

Cactus Potting Mix: This specialized mix is designed for succulent and cactus plants, allowing for excellent drainage and aeration. 

DIY Mix: To create your own succulent soil mix, combine: 

1 part potting soil (a cactus mix is ideal) 

1 part coarse sand or perlite 

1 part pumice or small gravel 

How to Grow Succulents in Pots

Prepare the Pot: Start by placing a small mesh over the drainage holes to keep the soil in place. Then, fill the pot with your prepared soil mix, leaving enough room for the succulent’s roots. 

Remove from Nursery Pot: Carefully take the succulent out of its nursery pot, taking care not to damage its roots. 

Position the Plant: Place the succulent in the pot at the same level it was in the nursery pot. Fill in around the roots with soil, pressing down lightly to secure the plant. 

Add Top Dressing: Sprinkle a layer of decorative stones or gravel on top of the soil. This not only looks nice but also helps retain moisture and prevents soil erosion when watering. 

Watering: After planting, water the succulent well and let any excess drain out. Going forward, water sparingly, ensuring the soil dries out completely between waterings to avoid root rot. 

Light and Location: Position your potted succulent in a spot with bright, indirect light. Most succulents need at least six hours of light daily.

For indoor plants, a south or east-facing window works best, while outdoor plants thrive with morning sun and afternoon shade. 

Fertilizing: Feed your succulent with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid over-fertilizing, as succulents don’t require much. 

Maintenance: Regularly check your succulent for pests or diseases. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy. Repot your succulent every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. 

Caring for Your Succulent Plant

Sunlight: Succulents thrive in bright, indirect light and require at least five hours of direct sunlight daily. Keep an eye out for sunburn if they get too much direct exposure. 

Temperature: These plants prefer temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C – 27°C). Be sure to bring them indoors during the colder winter months. 

Fertilizing: Feed your succulents with diluted cactus fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) to promote healthy growth. 

Troubleshooting Common Issues 

Overwatering: This is the leading cause of succulent death. If you notice leaves becoming mushy or translucent, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. 

Pests: Keep an eye out for pests like mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. 

Leggy Growth: If your succulents appear leggy, they are likely stretching for light. Move them to a sunnier spot to encourage healthier growth. 

Pruning: Regularly remove dead or yellowing leaves to keep your succulents healthy and to help manage their shape. 

Propagation: You can propagate succulents through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, or offsets (pups). 

Final Thought 

Growing succulents in pots is the best way to bring a bit of nature indoors. With the right pots, quality soil, and proper light and water, you can create a thriving environment for these tough plants. Their interesting shapes and bright colors can really enhance your space. 

FAQs 

What is the most common method of propagating succulents? 

The most common method of propagating succulents is through vegetative propagation, which involves taking cuttings of several inches of stem with leaves, allowing them to heal and form a callus before roots develop. 

What is a major cause of death for succulents in indoor environments? 

Over-watering and associated infections are the main cause of death for succulents in indoor environments, making proper watering practices essential for their survival. 

Why are succulents popular as houseplants? 

Succulents are favored as houseplants for their attractiveness and ease of care. They have been cultivated as houseplants since at least the 17th century and require little maintenance if properly potted. 

How often do you water succulents in pots? 

Water succulents every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. 

Why is my succulent dying? 

Overwatering, underwatering, insufficient light, poor drainage, or pests could be the cause. 

How do you increase succulent size? 

Provide adequate light, proper watering, and regular but moderate fertilization. 

How do you keep succulents bushy? 

Ensure bright light, prune regularly, and avoid overwatering. 

Where is the best place to put succulents? 

A spot with bright, indirect light, such as a south or east-facing window. 

Can succulents take full sun? 

Some succulents can tolerate full sun, but most prefer bright, indirect light. 

Can succulents live inside without sunlight? 

Succulents need some light to thrive, without it, they will become leggy and weak. 

Why put pebbles on succulents? 

Pebbles help with drainage, prevent soil erosion, and add aesthetic appeal. 

Do succulents like calcium? 

Yes, calcium is beneficial for succulents, helping with cell structure and growth. 

Are egg shells good for succulents? 

Yes, crushed eggshells provide calcium and improve soil quality. 

Is tea good for succulents? 

Used tea leaves can be beneficial, but avoid overdoing it due to acidity. 

How do you make homemade succulent booster? 

Mix water with a bit of compost tea or diluted fish emulsion for a nutrient boost. 

Is banana water good for succulents? 

Yes, banana water can provide potassium, but use sparingly. 

Is rice water good for succulents? 

Rice water can offer mild nutrients, but ensure it’s not too concentrated. 

Is honey water good for succulents? 

Honey has antibacterial properties but is not a common nutritional source for succulents. 

Is rain water good for succulents? 

Yes, rainwater is excellent as it is free from chemicals and mimics natural watering.