Succulent Care & Propagating

Succulents are beautiful and unique indoor plants that are relatively easy to care for, as long as they get the right amount of sunlight and water.

Sunlight

Succulents require ample sunlight to survive. Most need 3-6 hours of direct sunlight per day, and will start to stretch their leaves outward to absorb more sunlight if they aren’t getting enough. They’ll do best in a south- or east-facing window.

Watering

Though succulents are drought-resistant, these fragile plants need water just like other plants do. Don’t just give your succulents sips of water here and there; give them a good soaking until water runs from the bottom of the pot. (Be sure to empty the water that runs into the saucer beneath the plant pot!) Then, let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

Pruning

Succulents often benefit from pruning – for size control, to shape them better, or to propagate them for more plants. It is beneficial to remove broken, diseased, or dead leaves, stems and flower stalks.

If you find that your succulent is too tall, you can just start over. Grab a pair of sharp scissors and start by cutting off the top of the succulent. When cutting, leave at least an inch or two on the base with 2-3 leaves. Just plant it right back into the soil, water it, and you’re all set!

Propagating

If you would like to take a cutting, allow the cuttings to dry for a few days in an empty tray until the raw ends have calloused. Once the stems have calloused, fill a shallow tray with well-draining cactus or succulent soil and place the cuttings on top. Within a few weeks, roots and tiny plants will begin to grow from the base of the cuttings.