Succulents · succulent gardens
Succulents store water in their thick leaves and stems, which is why they can go weeks without a drink. Most problems come from loving them too much: too much water and not enough sun.
Succulent gardens are assorted, so yours may hold several kinds, such as echeveria rosettes, jade, aloe, haworthia or string-of-pearls. They all follow the same basic rules.
Every one is a little different. Our succulent gardens are assorted and vary with what is fresh, so the plants in yours may differ from the photo. They all share the care below.
Soak it, then let it dry completely
Water only when the soil is completely dry all the way down, usually every two to three weeks, and less in winter. Then water thoroughly.
If your container has no drainage hole, give it a small amount instead, about a tablespoon or two per plant, so no water sits in the bottom. Standing water rots succulents in days.
Finding the right spot
Succulents want more light than any other houseplant.
- Your sunniest window, ideally south or west, with several hours of direct sun.
- If they stretch, lean or lose their color, they need more light.
- Turn them a quarter turn every week so they grow evenly.
- Summer on a sunny porch is great; move them gradually into full sun so they don’t scorch.
Everyday care
Succulents
Echeveria, jade, aloe, haworthia and more
- Light
- Bright light with several hours of direct sun every day.
- Water
- Only when the soil is completely dry, then thoroughly. Usually every two to three weeks; monthly in winter.
- Temperature
- 60–80°F. Most can’t take frost, so bring them in when nights drop below 45–50°F.
- Feeding
- Cactus or succulent food at half strength once or twice in spring and summer.
- Potting mix
- Gritty cactus and succulent mix in a pot with a drainage hole.
- Cleaning
- Brush dust off with a soft paintbrush. Many succulents have a powdery coating that shouldn’t be wiped.
Some succulents, such as jade and aloe, are toxic to cats and dogs; others, like echeveria and haworthia, are generally considered safe. Since gardens are mixed, keep yours out of reach. If any part is eaten, call your veterinarian.
Starting new plants
Many succulents grow new plants from a single leaf.
- Gently twist a healthy leaf off the stem so it comes away clean.
- Let it dry on a paper towel for a few days until the end calluses.
- Lay it on top of dry cactus mix in bright, indirect light, and mist the soil lightly every few days.
- Tiny roots and a baby rosette appear in a few weeks. Water normally once it has rooted.
The eastern North Carolina year
What to do through our Johnston County seasons.
| Season | What to do |
|---|---|
| SpringMarch–May | Growth starts. Water a little more often and feed once. |
| SummerJune–August | Outdoors in sun if you like, moved gradually. Water when dry; summer storms may do it for you. |
| FallSeptember–November | Bring them in before nights drop below 45–50°F. Water less. |
| WinterDecember–February | Rest. Sunniest window, water about once a month. |
Repotting
Repot every two to three years in spring, or when they outgrow the container. Use gritty cactus mix and a pot with a drainage hole, and wait a week before watering so any torn roots can heal.
Quick fixes
Stretched, leaning stems
Not enough sun. Move it to your sunniest window.
Soft, mushy, see-through leaves
Too much water. Let it dry completely; remove rotted parts.
Wrinkled, shriveled leaves
Thirsty. Give it a thorough drink.
Lower leaves drying up
Normal as it grows. Pull them off gently.
Brown or white patches
Sunburn from moving into strong sun too fast. Acclimate it gradually.
White cottony spots
Mealybugs. Dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Common questions
How often do you water succulents?
Only when the soil is completely dry, usually every two to three weeks, and about monthly in winter.
How much sun do succulents need?
Several hours of direct sun a day. A south or west window is best indoors.
Why is my succulent stretching?
It is reaching for more light. Move it somewhere sunnier.
Can succulents live outside in North Carolina?
Most only from spring through fall. Bring them in before nights drop below 45–50°F.
More plant care guides
Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera
Not a desert cactus. Bright indirect light, regular water, and cool fall nights for blooms.
Read the guide →Phalaenopsis Orchid
Phalaenopsis (moth orchid)
Bright, indirect light and water once the roots turn silver. Blooms last for months.
Read the guide →Dish Gardens & Planter Baskets
Mixed green and blooming plants
Several plants in one container. Water lightly, give it bright indirect light, and separate them when they outgrow it.
Read the guide →About pets and plants: The pet notes in this guide are general plant knowledge from our florists, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet chews or swallows any part of a plant, contact a licensed veterinarian right away, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. If a person swallows any part of a plant, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”1 Corinthians 3:7
Questions about your plant?
Call or text us. We are always glad to help, whether you bought it from us or not.
Call or text (984) 250-7771 Clayton Florist · 11440 Clayton Blvd, Clayton, NC 27520claytonncflorist.com