Succulent & Cacti Care Guide

Golden Barrel Cactus displaying characteristic golden spines and ribbed structure in natural habitat

General Rule: Most succulents and cacti need bright light with several hours of direct sunlight daily.

Indoor Placement: South or west-facing windows are ideal. Place plants as close to windows as possible.

Outdoor Placement: Gradually acclimate indoor plants before moving outside. Start with morning sun only, then increase exposure over 1-2 weeks.

Signs of Insufficient Light: Etiolation (stretching), pale coloration, leaning toward light source, and loss of compact form.

Signs of Too Much Light: Sunburn appears as brown or white patches, usually on the side facing the sun. Some reddening is normal stress coloration.

Species Variations: Haworthia and Gasteria prefer bright indirect light. Most Echeveria, Sedum, and cacti need several hours of direct sun.

The Golden Rule: "Soak and dry" method—water thoroughly until water drains from bottom, then let soil dry completely before watering again.

Frequency: Every 7-14 days during growing season (spring/summer), every 2-4 weeks in dormancy (fall/winter).

How to Water: Water the soil directly, not the leaves. Water until it flows from drainage holes, ensuring the entire root ball is saturated.

Signs of Underwatering: Wrinkled or shriveled leaves, dry and crispy lower leaves, very lightweight pot.

Signs of Overwatering: Yellowing, translucent, or mushy leaves, black spots, soft stems, or foul odor from soil.

Water Quality: Room temperature water is best. Allow tap water to sit overnight if heavily chlorinated.

Seasonal Adjustments: Many succulents are semi-dormant in winter; reduce watering significantly and only water when leaves show signs of thirst.

Drainage is Critical: Use well-draining soil specifically formulated for cacti and succulents, or create your own mix.

DIY Soil Mix: 50% potting soil + 50% drainage material (perlite, pumice, or coarse sand).

Container Requirements: Pots must have drainage holes. Terracotta is excellent as it's porous and allows excess moisture to evaporate.

Pot Size: Choose pots slightly larger than the root system. Succulents prefer snug pots; too much soil retains excess moisture.

Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years or when root-bound. Best done in spring at the start of growing season.

After Repotting: Wait 3-7 days before watering to allow any damaged roots to callous over.

Temperature Range: Most succulents thrive in 60-80°F (15-27°C) during the day.

Cold Tolerance: Many succulents can tolerate brief periods down to 40°F (4°C), but most are damaged below freezing. Notable exceptions include some Sempervivum species.

Heat Tolerance: Most handle high temperatures well if properly acclimated, though some may go dormant above 90°F (32°C).

Humidity: Low to moderate humidity (20-40%) is ideal. High humidity can promote fungal issues and rot.

Air Circulation: Good airflow prevents fungal problems and helps soil dry properly.

Frequency: Feed monthly during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize during dormancy.

Type: Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength, or use a cactus/succulent-specific fertilizer.

Application: Apply to moist soil, never dry soil or when plant is stressed.

Benefits: Promotes healthy growth, vibrant colors, and better blooming, though succulents can survive without regular fertilization.

Caution: Over-fertilization causes leggy growth and can damage roots. Less is more with succulents.

Sedum morganianum (Burro's Tail) displaying trailing succulent growth habit in natural setting

Leaf Propagation: Gently twist healthy leaves from stem. Let callous for 2-7 days, then place on soil. Mist when roots appear.

Stem Cuttings: Cut healthy stems, let callous for 3-7 days, then plant in dry soil. Water lightly after roots develop (1-2 weeks).

Offsets/Pups: Many succulents produce baby plants. Separate when they're a good size and have developed roots.

Seeds: Possible but slow; can take months to years for mature plants. Best for rare species or breeding projects.

Best Timing: Spring and early summer when plants are actively growing.

Success Tips: Patience is key. Avoid overwatering propagations; they need very little water until established.

Etiolation (Stretching): Caused by insufficient light. Move to a brighter location; stretched growth won't revert but new growth will be compact.

Root Rot: Result of overwatering and poor drainage. Remove affected parts, let plant dry, repot in fresh dry soil, and adjust watering.

Mealybugs: White cottony pests in leaf axils. Treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab or insecticidal soap.

Scale: Brown bumps on stems and leaves. Scrape off manually and treat with horticultural oil.

Fungus Gnats: Indicate soil staying too moist. Let soil dry longer between waterings and use a layer of sand on top.

Sunburn: Move gradually to brighter light. Sunburned areas won't heal but new growth will be healthy.