The Best Way to Plant and Care for Succulents

Succulents are hardy little plants that require very little care to stay alive. This post has the basics on how to plant succulents so they don’t die and how often you should water succulents so they survive and thrive.

Follow these steps on how to plant succulents and how to keep them alive indoors.

Everyone always says that succulents are impossible to kill.  I would beg to differ, because I had quite a killer streak of keeping succulents alive in my house.  This black thumb continued until I figured out the best way to plant and care for succulents.  Now, even though I’m somewhat of a forgetful plant caretaker, I still have amazing succulents that are thriving.  Plus, I’ve learned how to propagate succulents, which means I’m swimming in cute little succulents plants.

I’ve organized all my tricks for keeping succulents alive into four main categories.  These are the main questions I get asked about succulents, but if you have more questions, or other tricks for keeping them alive and thriving, please feel free to write them in the comments!

How to Keep Succulents Alive

Do succulents need a container with drainage holes?

Follow these steps on how to plant succulents and they'll survive forever!

Yes, it’s best to plant succulents in a container with drainage hole, but I’ve also figured out a way to plant some of my indoor succulents in containers without drainage.  Basically, succulents need well-drained soil to survive.  If their roots sit in water or moisture, they become moldy and the plant will die.  

Follow these steps on how to plant succulents and they'll survive forever!

The trick to planting succulents in a container without drainage holes is to add a layer of pea gravel into the container you are planting the succulent in, before adding any soil.  This creates a drainage-like effect that keeps the roots from sitting in excess water.

Follow these steps on how to plant succulents and how to keep them alive indoors.

I was skeptical when I first tried it out, but I have two dishes in my kitchen window without drainage holes, and those succulents have lasted well over a year, and continue to grow and thrive.  (I know, I really need to transplant the ones in the pink dish; they have grown so much they don’t really fit into it anymore!)

How much water do succulents need?

Follow these steps on how to plant succulents and they'll survive forever!

Not much.  In fact, over watering will kill your succulent much faster than under watering it.  In my small dishes without drainage holes, I add a tablespoon or two of water about once a week.  In my dishes with drainage holes, I add enough water to completely moisten the soil every several days.  Basically, water the soil until it is slightly moist.  Then, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering them again.

I’ve found that when I forget to water my succulents, their leaves start to lose their firmness, which is a sign I’ve left them without water for way too long.  But, once they are watered, they perk right back up and are just fine.  On the other hand, it’s much more difficult, and I’ve found more often than not, impossible, to reverse the damage caused by over watering.

Err on the side of caution to start and give the little guys less water than you think they need, especially if they are in a container without drainage holes.

Do succulents need to be placed in a sunny spot in your home?

Install floating wood shelves in a window nook in a few easy steps. This indoor garden is planted in vintage enamelware containers.

Yes, succulents most definitely need direct sunlight.  I would recommend a windowsill that receives a substantial amount of sun.  I’ve tried growing them in containers on my kitchen table that is close to a window, but doesn’t receive direct light throughout the day, and they did not do nearly as well as those in the windowsill.

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Do succulents need special soil?

There is soil that is formulated specifically for succulents and cactus plants.  It mimics the soil found in their natural habitat and allows for proper drainage.

Follow these steps on how to plant succulents and they'll survive forever!

You never want the leaves to sit in water because it can cause rot, so I add a layer of pea gravel on top of the soil as well.  This gives the leaves something to rest on that does not hold moisture, thus keeping them dry and happy.

Can I plant succulents in the ground?

In some areas, you can plant succulents right in the ground and they will survive year round.  Where I live that is definitely not the case, but if you live in zones 8 or 9 in the United States, you might want to look into it. (Or maybe you already know, because you see them growing naturally!)  I know nothing about living in mild year-round temperatures, so I will just speak to how to grow them in containers outdoors.

Cheap pots get an update for summer with spray paint and decoupaged napkins.

If you plan to place your container of succulents outdoors, I would definitely recommend making sure it has adequate drainage holes.  If it rains enough, the soil will never have time to dry out, and the water will just sit in the bottom without those holes.

Also, you’ll need to pull your container inside once the weather is too cold for them to survive.  I always take mine inside when the nights get to be in the upper 40s, but definitely before any frost.  They certainly can not handle a frost.  Just be sure to put it in a sunny window and water every so often, as mentioned above.


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Follow these steps on how to plant succulents and how to keep them alive indoors.

Jenny at Refresh Living (dev.refreshliving.com)

Post by Jenny Leads

Jenny is the voice behind Refresh Living. She has a passion for helping people to create a home they love without spending a lot of money.

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7 Comments

  1. Thank you so much for this great info on succulents. I have always loved them but just recently bought my first two. Now I know how to keep them alive!

  2. I just had to read this as I am trying to make something and my succulents are a part of it. I think I figured it out. You are right succulents do well in zone 9. Most of my succulents are in pot s but I have planted the Desert Rose in the garden and it is thriving.

  3. And this explains why mine usually die: too much water and not enough sunlight. Outside they do fine, it’s the indoors where I have trouble. Actually gave up this year and bought fake ones. I’d still like to try a living one…pinning for hope. lol

  4. I love succulents. With your tips, I think I will plant a few this summer. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.

  5. Thank you for these tips! I really like succulents, but I haven’t had much luck growing them. I can see now where I’ve gone wrong.

    Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!

  6. Succulents are so fun, I need to split and replant a bunch from last year!!
    Your post is being featured on Friday Features this weekend!
    Hope you will stop by and share other fun posts.
    Have a great weekend!
    Karren~