Succulents are some of the easiest and most rewarding indoor plants to grow. With their unique shapes, vibrant colors, and minimal water needs, they’re perfect for anyone looking to add greenery to their home without a lot of maintenance. However, succulents do have specific care requirements to keep them thriving.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing healthy succulents indoors, from choosing the right varieties to proper watering and lighting techniques.
1. Choosing the Best Succulents for Indoors
Not all succulents thrive indoors—some prefer outdoor conditions with bright, direct sunlight. Here are the best low-maintenance indoor succulents:
Best Succulents for Low-Light Areas
✔ Zebra Plant (Haworthia fasciata) – Compact and tolerates indirect light.
✔ Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) – Slow-growing and easy to care for.
✔ Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – Not a true succulent but thrives in similar conditions.
Best Succulents for Bright, Sunny Spaces
✔ Echeveria – Rosette-shaped and comes in many colors.
✔ Aloe Vera – Known for its healing properties.
✔ String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) – A beautiful trailing succulent.
2. The Best Light Conditions for Succulents
Succulents love sunlight, but the amount they need depends on the variety.
How Much Light Do Succulents Need?
🌞 Bright-light succulents → Need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
🌥 Low-light succulents → Can survive with indirect light or artificial grow lights.
Signs of Too Little Light
🚨 Stretching or “leggy” growth.
🚨 Pale or dull-colored leaves.
🚨 Slower growth than normal.
Where to Place Succulents Indoors
✔ Near a south-facing window for the most light.
✔ Under LED grow lights if natural light is limited.
✔ On a bright windowsill or desk for best results.
3. Watering Succulents the Right Way
Overwatering is the biggest killer of succulents. These plants store water in their leaves, so they need less frequent watering than most houseplants.
How Often Should You Water Succulents?
💧 Every 2–3 weeks in warm seasons.
💧 Once a month in winter when they’re dormant.
The Soak and Dry Method (Best Watering Technique)
✔ Water deeply until it drains out of the pot.
✔ Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again.
✔ Avoid misting succulents—they prefer deep watering over frequent light watering.
Signs of Overwatering
🚨 Mushy or translucent leaves.
🚨 Yellowing leaves or black spots (root rot).
🚨 Soil stays wet for too long.
Signs of Underwatering
🚨 Wrinkled, shriveled leaves.
🚨 Dry, crispy edges.
🚨 Leaves drooping or falling off.
4. Choosing the Best Soil for Succulents
Succulents hate wet, compacted soil. Regular potting soil retains too much moisture, leading to root rot.
Best Soil for Succulents
✔ Use a cactus or succulent mix for better drainage.
✔ Add perlite or sand to improve aeration.
✔ Avoid using heavy garden soil or compost-based mixes.
5. Selecting the Right Pots
The pot you choose can make or break your succulent’s health.
Best Pots for Succulents
✔ Terracotta or clay pots → Absorb excess moisture and prevent root rot.
✔ Pots with drainage holes → Essential for avoiding overwatering.
🚫 Avoid glass containers or sealed pots unless you’re using a special watering technique.
6. Fertilizing Succulents for Better Growth
Succulents grow slowly but benefit from occasional feeding.
✔ Use a diluted liquid fertilizer every 1–2 months during spring and summer.
✔ Avoid fertilizing in winter when succulents are dormant.
7. Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Leggy Growth (Stretching Toward Light)
- Move the plant to a brighter spot.
- Rotate the plant regularly to get even light exposure.
Root Rot from Overwatering
- Remove the plant from wet soil.
- Trim off mushy, black roots.
- Repot in dry, well-draining soil and avoid watering for a week.
Leaves Turning Yellow or Mushy
- Reduce watering frequency.
- Ensure the plant has good airflow to dry out excess moisture.
8. Propagating Succulents to Grow More Plants
Succulents are easy to propagate from leaves or cuttings, allowing you to grow new plants for free!
How to Propagate Succulents from Leaves
- Gently twist off a healthy leaf from the plant.
- Let the leaf dry for 2–3 days until the cut end forms a callous.
- Place it on dry soil without burying it.
- Mist lightly every few days until new roots appear.
How to Propagate from Cuttings
- Cut a healthy stem with at least two leaves.
- Let the cut end dry for 3–5 days.
- Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and water sparingly.
9. Decorating with Succulents Indoors
Succulents make beautiful decorations in any home.
Creative Display Ideas
✔ Succulent Terrariums – Great for small spaces (use well-draining soil!).
✔ Hanging Succulent Gardens – Try String of Pearls or Burro’s Tail.
✔ Succulent Arrangements – Mix different species in a single pot for variety.
10. Seasonal Care Tips for Succulents
Spring & Summer (Growing Season)
✔ Increase watering slightly.
✔ Fertilize every 1–2 months.
✔ Provide plenty of bright light.
Fall & Winter (Dormant Season)
✔ Reduce watering to once a month.
✔ Keep in a warm room (avoid cold drafts).
✔ Stop fertilizing until spring.
Final Thoughts
Growing succulents indoors is easy and rewarding when you follow the right care techniques. By providing proper light, using well-draining soil, and watering correctly, your succulents will thrive and grow beautifully. Whether you’re a beginner or a plant enthusiast, succulents are a perfect way to bring nature into your home with minimal effort.