Succulents are one of the easiest plants to grow. They require little care, can propagate with minimal effort, and they make great decorating accessories that to go with any style. 

The Basics

A succulent is a plant that stores water in its leaves, stems or both. (Yeah, the name makes sense.) They come in many different types, species and cultivars. But what makes them so popular is their wide assortment of colors, sizes and unusual shapes ranging from twisty spikes to soft, fuzzy leaves.

Many people think succulents are desert plants. However, they don’t come from any one particular climate or zone. They’re native to a variety of ecosystems from deserts to freezing mountains to steamy jungles. Some are tropical and will freeze easily, while others can tolerate sub-zero temperatures. So you can’t treat all succulents the same way. Some will work great in a terrarium on your windowsill while others will thrive next to your driveway for years to come. 

Indoors

Most succulents enjoy a generous amount of filtered sunlight. A few varieties like sansevieria (a.k.a. - mother-in-law's tongue) and hoya (a.k.a. - wax plant) can tolerate low light. Plant your succulent in a pot with ample drainage holes, they don’t like staying wet. Also, use a potting mix that won’t hold moisture. Try a cactus mix or add sand, pumice or pearlite to a standard mix. 

In the Garden

If you’re growing succulents outdoors, make sure to place them in a spot that won’t stay wet for long, otherwise they will rot. Also, many succulents will not survive a hard freeze, so double check before you plant. Two of the most popular kinds of succulents, Sedum and sempervivum (a.k.a. - hens and chicks) are winter-proof and will last and spread for years to come.

Caring for a Succulent

Succulents store water in their leaves, so the larger the leaves, the more water the succulent is holding. They like water in their leaves but not on their roots. They’ll rot away if their base sits in water. Thus, it’s best to underwater a succulent than it is to overwater it.

When it comes to sunlight succulents can vary. Some will thrive in direct sunlight where others might need some afternoon shade. Research your particular kind and if you need to experiment, try moving it to a different location in your house. 

Propagating

Succulents are the perfect plant to share. If your friend compliments you on your succulent collection, be generous and offer them a piece to grow their own. Most succulents have a shallow root system so they can often propagate from a small cutting or even just a single leaf. Check the feature below to see the best method for your particular type of plant. 

What About Cactus?

A cactus is a succulent, but not all succulents are cactuses, and not all cactuses have spikes and thorns. Technically, what makes a cactus a cactus is that they have small lumps called aeroles, from which their spines and leaf buds sprout. Succulents don’t have these aeroles. That may not necessarily matter to you if you see a plant you like at the store, just make sure to follow that plant’s particular care instructions. 

Decorating With Succulents

Because succulents are compact and very hardy, they are ideal for all types of arrangements like wreaths, wall hangings and even wedding bouquets. Vary the shapes, colors and sizes to create an eye-catching display. Here are some good choices for arrangements: dwarf jade (Portulacaria), tiger jaws (faucaria), stone crop (sedum), desert pinwheel (aeonium), hen and chicks (sempervivum), Mexican hen and chicks (echeveria), and ghost plant (graptopetalum).