How to Care for Succulents Indoors? Proven Tips to Keep Plants Thriving Year-Round

You must know the fact that succulents don’t need water all the time to grow. There are more proven tips to care for succulents indoors:

• Water deeply but infrequently.
• Allow the soil to dry completely between.
• Provide indirect sunlight for 6+ hours daily.
• Low humidity works fine.
• Fertilize lightly during spring and summer.

Still, that’s not all. Read on to know the detailed process to grow succulent plants (Cacti, Aloe Vera, Jade Plant) in your home.

How to Keep Indoor Succulents Alive and Thriving? Follow These 5 Tips

1. Choose the Right Soil

Regular potting soil is your succulent's enemy. Why? It holds too much moisture and doesn't drain quickly enough. Succulents need sharp-draining soil that dries quickly to prevent root rot.

The goal is to create a chunky mixture that water flows through easily. When you water, it should drain out within seconds, not sit heavily in the pot.

2. Appropriate Temperature and Humidity

The temperature requirement to grow succulents is 60-75°F during the day, which is exactly what most of us keep our homes at anyway. They appreciate the cooler nights and warmer days. And our homes provide them ideal place to grow.

3. Fertilizing Your Indoor Succulents The Right Way

Leafy houseplants seem to gobble up nutrients. However, succulents are actually light feeders. 

Feed only during the growing season, which is typically March through September. During these warm months, your succulent is actively producing new growth and can actually use the extra nutrients.

4. Ensure Good Air Circulation

Many people forget this point when they choose the place to keep low-maintenance indoor plants. Good circulation and low humidity are necessary to enhance the growth of succulents. 

Here are some tips to improve the circulation:

• Open windows regularly: Even 10-15 minutes of fresh air daily makes a difference. This is especially important if you're growing succulents in a bathroom.
• Use a small fan: A small oscillating fan on the lowest setting can also be beneficial. The gentle breeze mimics natural air flow conditions.
• Don't overcrowd your plants: Leave space between each succulent so air can flow around all sides. Avoid cramming multiple plants in a limited space.

5. Use Pots with Drainage Holes

Drainage holes are necessary in succulent plants because, otherwise, water sits in the bottom of the pot, creating a soggy zone where roots literally drown and rot.

Use these practical tips:

• Always choose pots with at least one drainage hole (three is even better!)
• Skip the rock layer at the bottom entirely
• Fill the entire pot with a proper soil mixture
• Make sure the drainage holes don't get blocked by soil

What Not to Do to a Succulent

Here are the biggest mistakes people make that damage their succulent plants.

1. Don't use a spray bottle for watering

Constant watering with small amounts of water produces a weak root system that can't withstand very long periods of drought. Your succulent needs deep, thorough watering. Avoid daily misting.

2. Don't keep them in low light 

That dark corner of your living room might look cute, but low-light conditions lead to disease. Succulents need those 6-8 hours of bright light to stay healthy and colorful.

3. Don't water on a schedule

If you start watering your succulents every Sunday, regardless of soil moisture, is not appropriate at all. Always check the soil first.

4. Don't use regular potting soil

It's too dense and water-retentive. Always use a well-draining succulent mix.

5. Don't ignore drainage 

Pots without drainage holes significantly increase the risk of root rot, especially for beginners.

Is Tap Water OK for Succulents?

Yes, tap water is okay for succulents in most cases. While succulents can tolerate typical tap water, they prefer water that's free from excessive chlorine and fluoride.

Should I Put Rocks in My Succulents?

Yes, you can put rocks in your succulent plants like cactus or aloe vera because it controls rot, weeds, and pests. The light colored rocks also elevate the aesthetics, so you can decorate them in your small vertical garden.

Next Step: Buy Succulents Online From Gulab.pk

The horticulture experts at Gulab.pk provide you with the best succulents. We have a wide variety of indoor succulents with detailed care instructions to help your plants thrive.