Sweet Spot.

The truth is, succulents are actually some of the easiest plants to keep alive—if you understand that they don’t play by the same rules as your typical leafy houseplants. They are survivalists. In the wild, they live in harsh, dry environments, which means they’ve evolved to store water in their leaves and stems. When we bring them inside, we often kill them with “too much love” (usually in the form of way too much water).

If you want to turn your home into a desert-chic paradise without a trail of dead plants behind you, follow this guide to growing succulents indoors successfully.

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Choose the Right Succulents for Indoor Life

Not all succulents are created equal when it comes to living inside. Some species, like the bright purple Echeverias or the colorful Sedums, need massive amounts of direct sunlight to maintain their shape and color. When kept indoors, these often “stretch” (etiolate) and lose their beauty.

If you’re just starting out or don’t have a literal greenhouse for a living room, look for “low-light” succulents. These species naturally grow in the shade of rocks or bushes in the wild.

Best Succulent Varieties for Indoors

Snake Plants (Sansevieria): These are the tanks of the plant world. They can handle low light and survive weeks of neglect.
Aloe Vera: Not only does it look cool, but it’s also functional for burns. It needs a bright windowsill but is generally very forgiving.
Haworthia (Zebra Plant): These look like miniature aloes with white stripes. They actually prefer indirect light, making them perfect for desks or bookshelves.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): These grow into beautiful, tree-like structures over time and are very hardy.

Master the Art of Sunlight

Sunlight is the most common hurdle for indoor succulent growers. Most succulents need about six hours of light per day. However, “indoor light” is much weaker than “outdoor light.”

If your plant starts leaning heavily toward the window or the leaves start spacing out along a long, thin stem, it’s telling you it’s hungry for more sun. Place them in your brightest window—usually a south-facing window if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere.

Avoid Sunburn on Your Succulents

Believe it or not, you can actually sunburn a succulent. If you move a plant from a dark corner directly into a scorching hot windowsill, the leaves might get permanent brown or white scorch marks. If you’re moving your plants to a brighter spot, do it gradually over a week to let them acclimate.

Use the Right Soil Mix

You cannot use standard potting soil for succulents. Regular potting soil is designed to hold onto moisture, which is the exact opposite of what a succulent wants. Succulents need “fast-draining” soil.

If the roots sit in wet soil for too long, they will rot. Root rot is the number one killer of succulents, and usually, by the time you see the leaves turning yellow or mushy, it’s too late to save the roots.

Create Your Own Succulent Soil

You can buy pre-mixed cactus and succulent soil at most garden/’>garden centers. If you want to level up, mix that store-bought soil with 50% “grit.” This could be perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. This ensures that when you water, the excess runs straight through rather than turning the pot into a swamp.

The Soak and Dry Watering Method

Forget everything you know about watering schedules. Do not water your succulents every Monday just because it’s Monday. Succulents should only be watered when the soil is bone dry from top to bottom.

The best technique is the “Soak and Dry” method. Pour water into the pot until it drains out of the bottom. Then, leave it alone. Don’t touch it again until the soil is completely dry. In the winter, you might only water your succulents once a month. In the summer, it might be every two weeks.

Never Use Pots Without Drainage Holes

This is a non-negotiable rule for beginners. Those cute ceramic pots without holes at the bottom are succulent deathtraps. Without a hole, the water pools at the bottom, the soil stays soggy, and the roots rot. If you find a pot you love that doesn’t have a hole, use it as a “cachepot”—keep the succulent in a plain plastic nursery pot with holes, and just set that inside the decorative one.

Temperature and Airflow Matter

Succulents generally like the same temperatures we do (between 60°F and 80°F). However, they really appreciate a bit of a temperature drop at night, which mimics the desert environment.

One thing people overlook is airflow. Succulents hate stagnant, humid air. If you have a lot of plants clustered together in a humid room (like a bathroom), they might develop mold or pest issues. Keep them in a room with a ceiling fan or near a window that gets opened occasionally.

Don’t Forget to Fertilize (But Not Too Much)

Succulents aren’t heavy feeders. They don’t need much to keep going, but a little boost during their growing season (Spring and Summer) can help them produce vibrant colors and even flowers. Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half-strength once or twice during the summer. Avoid fertilizing in the winter when the plant is dormant.

Dealing with Common Pests

Even indoors, pests like Mealybugs can find your plants. These look like tiny bits of white cotton hiding in the nooks and crannies of the leaves. If you see them, don’t panic. Dip a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the bugs. It kills them instantly without hurting the plant.

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Conclusion

Growing succulents indoors is all about balance. It’s about resisting the urge to over-water and making sure they get enough of that sweet, sweet sunshine. By choosing the right varieties, using gritty soil, and letting the pots dry out completely between waterings, you’ll find that these plants are incredibly rewarding. They bring a touch of the outdoors inside and, once you get the hang of it, they are some of the most low-maintenance roommates you’ll ever have.

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FAQs

Why are the bottom leaves of my succulent dying?
If the bottom leaves are simply drying up and getting crispy while the top of the plant looks healthy, don’t worry! This is a natural process called “leaf shedding.” The plant is just getting rid of old leaves to make room for new growth. Simply pluck them off and discard them.

Can I grow succulents in a room without windows?
Not really. While some “low-light” succulents can survive for a while, they won’t thrive without a light source. If you have a windowless office or room, you’ll need to invest in a small LED grow light to keep them healthy.

Why is my succulent growing tall and skinny?
This is called etiolation. It happens when the plant isn’t getting enough light, so it literally stretches its stem to “reach” for the nearest light source. To fix it, you’ll need to move it to a brighter spot. You can also “behead” the top and replant it to start over with a compact shape.

Do I need to mist my succulents?
No! Succulents hate being misted. Misting increases humidity and leaves water sitting on the leaves, which can lead to rot or fungal issues. They prefer their leaves to stay dry and their roots to get a good soaking.

How do I know if I’m overwatering or underwatering?
An overwatered succulent will have leaves that feel mushy, translucent, or yellow. An underwatered succulent will have leaves that look wrinkled, shriveled, and feel “flat” or flexible rather than firm.

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