Succulents have taken the plant world by storm, captivating gardeners and interior decorators alike with their unique shapes, vibrant colors, and seemingly low-maintenance appeal.
But beneath their charming exterior lies a world of surprises that even seasoned, succulent enthusiasts often overlook.
From their secret water-hoarding abilities to particular light preferences, these resilient plants have more tricks up their leaves than most people realize. Here are the 13 little-known facts about these captivating plants that could make or break your succulent success story.
1. Overwatering is the Enemy
One of the most common mistakes succulent owners make is overwatering their plants. Succulents are adapted to survive in arid environments, storing water in their leaves and stems.
Watering them too frequently can lead to root rot and ultimately kill the plant.
To avoid this, follow these tips:
- Water your succulents thoroughly, but only when the soil is completely dry
- Ensure your pots have proper drainage holes to prevent water from pooling
- Reduce watering frequency during the winter months when succulents are dormant
2. Sunlight is Crucial
While succulents are often touted as low-light plants, they require significant sunlight to thrive. Most succulents need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Insufficient light can cause succulents to become etiolated or stretched out as they seek more light.
To provide your succulents with the right amount of light:
- Place them near a south-facing window if growing indoors
- Gradually introduce them to direct sunlight to prevent sunburn
- Consider using grow lights if natural light is limited
3. The Right Soil Makes a Difference
Succulents require well-draining soil to prevent their roots from sitting in water. Regular potting soil is often too dense and retains too much moisture, which can lead to root rot.
For optimal growth, use a specialized cactus or succulent soil mix, or create your own by combining equal parts:
- Potting soil
- Sand or perlite for drainage
- Peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention
4. Pests Can Be a Problem
Despite their hardy nature, succulents are not immune to pest infestations. Mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites are common culprits that can damage your plants.
To keep pests at bay:
- Regularly inspect your succulents for signs of infestation, such as white cottony masses or sticky residue
- Isolate affected plants to prevent the spread of pests
- Treat infestations with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water or use an insecticidal soap
5. Succulents Need Room to Grow
While succulents are often associated with small, cute containers, they require room to grow and spread their roots.
Planting them in small containers can lead to stunted growth and even root rot.
When selecting a pot for your succulent, choose one that is:
- At least 10% wider than the plant itself
- Deep enough to accommodate the plant’s root system
- Equipped with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling
Remember, as your succulent grows, you may need to repot it into a larger container to ensure it has enough space to thrive.
6. Not All Succulents are Created Equal
With countless varieties of succulents available, it’s essential to understand that each species has its unique care requirements.
Some succulents, like Sedum and Sempervivum, are more tolerant of cold temperatures, while others, such as Echeveria and Aeonium, prefer warmer conditions.
Before bringing a new succulent home, research its specific needs, including:
- Light requirements
- Watering frequency
- Temperature tolerance
- Dormancy periods
7. Propagation is Possible (and Fun)
One of the most exciting aspects of succulent ownership is the ability to propagate new plants from existing ones.
Many succulents can be easily propagated through leaf or stem cuttings, allowing you to expand your collection or share with friends.
To propagate succulents from leaves:
- Gently twist a healthy leaf from the stem, ensuring you remove the entire leaf
- Allow the leaf to callus over for a few days
- Place the leaf on top of well-draining soil and mist occasionally
- Wait for roots and a new plant to form
8. Succulents Benefit from Occasional Pruning
While succulents are generally low-maintenance plants, they can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain their shape and encourage healthy growth.
Pruning also helps remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves or stems, preventing the spread of issues to the rest of the plant.
To prune your succulents:
- Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant
- Remove any dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves or stems
- Trim back leggy or overgrown stems to maintain the plant’s shape
- Allow cut ends to callus over before placing them back in the soil to prevent rot
9. Succulents Can Be Sensitive to Temperature Changes
Despite their adaptability, succulents can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes, particularly when it comes to extreme cold or heat.
Most succulents prefer temperatures between 60°F and 80°F, although some species can tolerate temperatures outside this range.
To protect your succulents from temperature extremes:
- Keep them away from drafty windows or air conditioning vents
- Avoid placing them near heat sources, such as radiators or fireplaces
- Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before moving them permanently
- Bring outdoor succulents inside when temperatures drop below their comfort range
10. Succulents Benefit from Occasional Misting
While succulents don’t require frequent watering, they can benefit from occasional misting, particularly during hot, dry weather or when grown indoors in low-humidity environments.
Misting helps to increase humidity around the plant and can also help to remove dust from the leaves.
To mist your succulents:
- Use a clean, fine-mist spray bottle filled with room-temperature water
- Gently mist the leaves, avoiding oversaturating the soil
- Mist in the morning to allow the leaves to dry before nightfall
- Adjust the misting frequency based on your succulent’s specific needs and environment
11. Succulents Can Be Grown from Seeds
While most succulent enthusiasts start their collections with established plants or cuttings, growing succulents from seeds is possible.
Growing succulents from seeds can be a rewarding experience. It allows you to witness the entire life cycle of your plants and is also a more cost-effective way to expand your collection.
To grow succulents from seeds:
- Choose a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix
- Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil, as they require light to germinate
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy until the seeds germinate
- Provide bright, indirect light and maintain consistent moisture during the seedling stage
- Gradually acclimate the seedlings to normal succulent care as they mature
12. Succulents Can Be Sensitive to Tap Water
While succulents are generally tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, they can be sensitive to the chemicals and minerals found in tap water.
Chlorine, fluoride, and other additives can build up in the soil over time, leading to leaf burn, stunted growth, and other issues.
To avoid these problems:
- Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater to water your succulents whenever possible
- If using tap water, allow it to sit out for 24 hours before watering to allow some of the chemicals to evaporate
- Periodically flush the soil with a deep watering to help remove any accumulated salts or minerals
13. Succulents Benefit from an Occasional Cleaning
Like any other houseplant, succulents can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris on their leaves over time.
This buildup can detract from their appearance and hinder their ability to photosynthesize effectively.
To keep your succulents looking their best:
- Gently brush away any loose dirt or debris with a soft-bristled brush
- For more stubborn grime, carefully wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or cotton swab
- Avoid using any cleaning products or oils on your succulents, as these can damage their delicate leaves
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.