Succulent Growing Guide

How to Propagate Succulents?

If you’re looking to have more of your favorite succulents, rather than just buying more you could propagate them. Propagation is the process of making a new plant through a piece of an existing plant, such as a cutting or a leaf. For succulents you can propagate them through a stem cutting, or for a leaf you’ll want to take the leaf from as close to the stem as possible. After you take the cutting you’ll want to let it sit for a few days (2-5) so that a callus can form on the place where it was cut. This callus protects the cutting from absorbing too much water. After the callus has formed you can set them on top of or implant them callus first into soil. Try to keep the soil most. Once the root’s start to grow you can implant the new succulent in the soil if you haven’t already. There isn’t much to succulent propagation but getting it right can be tricky.

How Often to Water Succulents?

You can water succulents a few times a week at most. In the winter they only need to be watered once a month or so as they go dormant. Try not to give them too much water in general. If the leaves feel rubbery and bend easily, or are shriveled or wrinkled then your succulent may need water. When overwatered the succulent leaves will likely change color (such as turn yellow, brown, or red). Succulents can survive 1-3 months with no watering, though they don’t prefer it. If you’re looking for a cute watering can for your succulents, check out our list of cutest succulent watering cans.

How Much Light Do Succulents Need?

Succulents are light loving plants that need a good 4-6+ hours of light per day. If you live in an area that is overcast frequently and you notice your plants aren’t getting enough light you may want to consider buying a grow light for your succulent.

What Is The Appropriate Humidity for A Succulent?

Succulents can survive in extremely high humidity environments but actually they do not need very humid environments and the relative humidity of your indoor environment is likely sufficient (e.g. below 40% relative humidity should be fine). Higher humidities can lead to overwatering and problems with fungal growth or bacteria that can harm the succulent as well.

How Long Do Succulents Live?

Succulents usually live around 3-4 years but they propagate (see the section on propagation above) and the same plant can live on through offshoots for much longer. How long your succulent lives depends on the type of succulent, so if you really want to know you’d need to check the specific plant type.

How Big Do Succulents Get?

Generally most succulents only grow up to a few inches (say up to 6 inches) for indoor succulents. Outdoor ones can be much larger say up to 12 feet. The African Baobab is the largest succulent in the world and can grow to heights of up to 98 feet!

What Temperature Is Good for a Succulent?

The best temperature for a succulent is between 40 and 90 degrees fahrenheit. Anything outside that range can damage your succulent.