Growth Requirements for Succulents

Temperature

• As with all plants, succulents require certain temperature conditions. Generally, succulents thrive in very warm weather, but there are many exceptions. For instance, while many cacti live in the warmth of northern Mexico and the American southwest, species of the Opuntia genus are native to the Midwest and grow outdoors in Iowa and other cool regions. Each plant comes with a USDA zone hardiness rating, which indicates the ideal climate for the plant; use this to understand a plant's temperature requirements. Meet exact temperature standards by purchasing plants indigenous to your area or by growing succulents indoors to mimic their native environment.

Soil Conditions

• Soil conditions vary from plant to plant. Most cacti tolerate sandy soil and rock. The jade plant, a succulent recommended for indoor growth by Dr. Leonard Perry of the University of Vermont Extension, reaches a rather large mature height and requires the nutrients and counterbalance provided by a container filled with potting soil. Succulents of the Sedum genus grow best on stone, taking to surfaces such as walkways, roofs and stone walls with little or no soil. Always research the requirements of a particular species before planting it. Provide succulents with well-drained environments, because standing water damages them.

Watering

• All succulent plants have more or less the same watering requirement: minimal. These plants retain large amounts of water and encounter significant difficulty when provided too much water. The Colorado State University Extension recommends watering succulents no more than once per week, and some require even less-frequent watering. The amount of water required depends upon the native environment of the plant in question and the size of the plant. Sometimes the time of year also affects watering requirements.

Light and Humidity

• Light always proves crucial in plant growth. Species of cacti and other succulents, such as yucca and aloe, from bright regions such as Mexico and the American southwest require as much light as possible. Other species grow naturally in the shade of other plants or natural formations and require less-constant and -direct sunlight. Most succulents prefer low levels of humidity, ranging from 10 to 30 percent.