# Succulents Care Guide
-
Soil
-
Outdoors, succulents thrive in average, well-drained soil. Avoid planting succulents in poorly drained areas where water puddles after a rain, because succulents are prone to rot in wet soil. Indoors, plant succulents in a pot filled with a well-drained commercial potting mixture. Add a large handful of perlite or sand to improve drainage. Alternatively, use a potting mixture formulated especially for cactus and succulents. Use a pot with good bottom drainage. A thin layer of gravel on top of the soil keeps the plant dry.
Light
-
Indoors, succulents thrive in a bright window with a southern or western exposure. If bright light isn't available, supplement available light by placing succulents under a fluorescent bulb. Allow 6 to 12 inches between the top of the plant and the bulb. Leave the bulb on for 12 to 16 hours per day. Place outdoor succulents in bright sunlight. Some succulents--both indoors and outdoors-- tolerate lower light, but the color of the foliage will be less vibrant.
Water
-
Because of the thick, juicy leaves that allow the plants to store water, succulents are able to tolerate drought better than nearly any type of plant. Water outdoor succulents only during hot, dry weather when the soil is completely dry, then provide enough water to soak the root zone. Similarly, water indoor succulents deeply until water runs through the drainage hole. Allow the pot to drain completely and never allow water to remain in the drainage saucer. Never water succulents if the soil is moist. Decrease watering indoor succulents when the days shorten in autumn, then water sparingly during the winter months. Provide enough water to keep the soil just barely moist.
Fertilizer
-
Succulents are healthiest with very little fertilizer. Feed indoor succulents once every two to four weeks. Use a regular water soluble fertilizer for indoor plants. Read the rate applications on the package, then dilute the solution to 1/4 to 1/3 of the recommended strength. A small handful of dry fertilizer applied in spring is adequate for succulents grown outdoors.
-
