The Rebel's Guide to Succulent Care: Keep ‘Em Thriving, Not Just Surviving

The Rebel's Guide to Succulent Care: Keep ‘Em Thriving, Not Just Surviving

So, you got yourself a succulent. Congrats! You’ve officially entered the world of low-maintenance, high-aesthetic houseplants. But here’s the deal—just because they’re tough doesn’t mean they can survive total neglect (we’re looking at you, serial plant killers). Lucky for you, we’ve got the ultimate, no-BS guide to keeping your succulents looking sharp, sassy, and far from shrivelled.

1. Light: Give ‘Em the Sun, Baby

Succulents are sun worshippers. If they had a dating profile, their bio would be: "Loves long hours in direct sunlight, hates dark corners." Place them in a bright spot where they get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. If your Berlin apartment is more moody techno dungeon than sunlit paradise, get a grow light.

Not all succulents have the same sun tolerance. Desert succulents like Echeveria and Cactus thrive in direct sunlight, while shade-loving succulents like Haworthia or Gasteria prefer bright but indirect light. If you notice your succulent getting leggy (stretched out with large gaps between leaves), it's desperately seeking more light. Royal Horticultural Society has some great tips on proper light placement.

2. Watering: Less is More

Overwatering is the #1 way to send your succulent to an early grave. These bad boys thrive on neglect. The golden rule? Soak the soil, then let it dry completely before watering again. This could mean watering once a week in summer, but only once a month in winter. Stick your finger in the soil—if it’s bone dry, water. If it’s damp, put the watering can down and step away.

For those who like precision, use the “Soak and Dry” method—water deeply until excess drains from the pot, then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. If you're using a moisture meter, aim for a reading of 1-2 before watering. Need more details? The Spruce has a great guide on watering succulents properly.

3. Pot & Soil: Drainage is King

If you plant your succulent in a cute pot with no drainage hole, you’re basically signing its death certificate. Succulents hate sitting in wet soil, so proper substrate is non-negotiable. Think about where these tough little plants grow in the wild—rocky deserts, gritty cliff sides, and sand dunes. You think they’d survive in a swampy pot of standard potting soil? Absolutely not.

Your succulent’s roots need quick-draining, airy soil to prevent rot. The soil should mimic the arid conditions these plants evolved in. This means zero moisture-retaining fluff like peat moss. Instead, go for a mix that drains faster than bad news:

✅ DIY Succulent Mix Recipe:

• 3 parts potting soil (lightweight, no added moisture control)
• 2 parts coarse sand (builder’s sand or horticultural sand, not beach sand)
• 1 part perlite or pumice (for airflow and extra drainage)

University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources explains the science behind why fast-draining soil is essential for succulent health.

4. Temperature & Humidity: No Tropics, Please

Succulents love warm, dry conditions. If your bathroom feels like a tropical rainforest after every shower, keep your succulents out of there. They prefer temperatures between 15-27°C (60-80°F) and low humidity. If your place is humid, give them more airflow to prevent root rot.

Many succulents can tolerate brief cold snaps, but most hate frost. If temps drop below 10°C (50°F), bring them inside or cover them if they’re outdoors. If you live somewhere cold, stick to hardy succulents like Sempervivum or certain types of Sedum, which can handle chilly weather.

5. Fertilizing: Feed, But Don’t Overfeed

Think of fertilizer like coffee—too much and your plant gets jittery, too little and it looks sad. Use a diluted cactus fertilizer once in spring and once in summer, then let them chill for the colder months.

For best results:

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (like 10-10-10) diluted to half strength.
• Feed only during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Avoid fertilizing newly planted succulents—give them a few months to settle in.
• Don’t overdo it! Over-fertilizing leads to weak, stretched-out growth.

6. Common Problems & How to Fix Them

• Wrinkly leaves? Underwatered. Give it a drink, but don’t drown it.
• Mushy, translucent leaves? Overwatered. Lay off the H2O and let it dry out before watering again.
• Stretching towards the light? Not enough sun. Move it to a brighter spot or supplement with a grow light.
• Leaves turning brown? Too much direct sun can cause sunburn, especially on delicate varieties. Move it to a slightly shadier spot.
• Pests (mealybugs, spider mites, or fungus gnats)? Wipe leaves with rubbing alcohol or use neem oil to keep unwanted guests away. Check out Gardening Know How for more succulent troubleshooting tips.

Final Words: Let It Thrive

Succulents are the ultimate rebellion against needy houseplants. Give them light, water sparingly, and keep them in the right soil, and they’ll love you forever (or at least longer than your last fling). Now go forth and let your succulents thrive!

Got a question or a plant emergency? Drop a comment below—we’ve got your back. 🌵🔥