How to Grow Succulents in a Pot

The succulent belongs to a family of arid desert plants that have adapted themselves to survive for long stretches of time with extremely little water. The plant stores water in its robust stems and fleshy leaves. Succulents require remarkably little attention to thrive. A potted succulent will do well indoors in a sunny window or outside in regions that have temperate weather. Succulents have shallow, fibrous roots that enable them to grow in a pot with only a 3-inch depth. They grow well in ceramic, clay or plastic pots that have drainage holes in the bottom.

Pebbles
Cactus potting medium
Water-soluble fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Place 1/2 inch of tiny pebbles in the bottom of the pot. Fill the pot three-quarters full with cactus potting medium. The potting medium should contain at least 30 to 60 percent sand or grit.
- 2
  Spread the roots of the succulent gently across the surface of the potting medium. Sprinkle potting medium across the top of the succulent's roots. Firm the potting medium with your hands by pressing down on it. Plant the succulent at the same depth it was planted in its previous container. The potting medium should stop 1/2 inch from the rim of the pot so the water does not overflow the pot when watering.
- 3
  Place the pot in full sun. The succulent requires at least half a day of full sunlight to thrive. A south-facing window will provide the succulent with ample sun.
- 4
  Water the succulent thoroughly until the water pours out of the pot's drainage holes. In the spring and fall, water the succulent every two weeks. During the summer, water the succulent once a week. In the winter, water the succulent once a month.
- 5
  Fertilize the succulent during the summer months. Use a water-soluble fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer at half strength. Follow the directions on the fertilizer's label for application times.

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