Succulents & Cacti

What Defines a Succulent?

Give Them Sun!

Lack of light is the #1 killer of indoor succulents. In the wild, they grow under the blazing sun. Indoors, they need the brightest spot you have.

• Ideal: A south or west-facing windowsill.
• Signs of Low Light:
  • Etiolation: The plant stretches out, becoming tall and skinny with large gaps between leaves.
  • Fading Color: Vibrant purples and pinks turn dull green.

The 'Soak and Dry' Method

Never water a succulent significantly unless the soil is 100% dry.

1. Check the soil (all the way to the bottom).
2. If dry, water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom.
3. Wait until it is bone dry again (this might take 2-4 weeks or more!).

Overwatering causes leaves to turn yellow, translucent, and mushy. This is rot, and it is largely irreversible.

Fast Draining Mix is Essential

Regular potting soil holds too much water. You must use a gritty, fast-draining mix.

• Recipe: 50% Potting Soil + 50% Perlite, Pumice, or Coarse Sand.
• Pots: Always use a pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta pots are excellent because they are porous and help the soil dry out faster.

Rosette Succulents (Echeveria, Sempervivum)

Soft Succulents (Jade Plant, Aloe Vera, Haworthia)

Hanging Succulents (String of Pearls, Burro's Tail)

Jungle Cacti (Fishbone Cactus, Christmas Cactus, Mistletoe Cactus)