How to Plant a Succulent: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Tips | Updated: January 26, 2025

Planting succulents is easier than you think. These hardy little plants can thrive in various environments with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to plant a succulent, ensuring you have a lush, thriving green space in no time.

1. Choose the Right Succulent

First things first, you’ve gotta pick the right succulent. Not all succulents are created equal. Some prefer more sun, others less.

Research or ask your local nursery for advice on which succulent is best for your environment.

 

Personally, I’m more of a visual learner, so here’s a great video on how to choose the best succulent for your space.

 

 

2. Gather Your Supplies

Before you start digging in the dirt, make sure you have all the essentials:

• Succulent plant
• Well-draining potting mix
• Container with drainage holes
• Trowel or small shovel
• Watering can or spray bottle

 

3. Prepare Your Container

Your container should have drainage holes. Without these, water can pool at the bottom, causing root rot.

If your container doesn’t have holes, you can drill some yourself.

 

 

4. Add the Potting Mix

Fill your container with well-draining potting mix. Regular soil won’t cut it here. Succulents need soil that dries out quickly.

You can buy a cactus or succulent mix from your local garden center or make your own by mixing potting soil with sand and perlite.

 

5. Remove the Succulent from Its Nursery Pot

Gently squeeze the sides of the nursery pot to loosen the soil and roots.

Carefully pull the plant out, supporting the base and roots with your hand.

 

 

6. Loosen the Roots

If the roots are tightly bound, gently loosen them with your fingers.

This helps the plant establish itself in the new soil.

 

7. Plant the Succulent

Place your succulent in the prepared pot. The top of the root ball should be level with the soil surface.

Add more soil around the plant, firming it down gently. Leave some space at the top for watering.

 

 

8. Water Sparingly

After planting, give your succulent a light watering. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

Succulents are drought-tolerant and overwatering is a common mistake.

 

9. Find the Perfect Spot

Succulents love light but can get scorched in direct sunlight. Place your plant in a spot with plenty of indirect light.

If indoors, a south-facing window is ideal.

 

 

10. Maintain Your Succulent

To keep your succulent happy, follow these maintenance tips:

• Watering: Only water when the soil is completely dry.
• Light: Ensure they get enough light, but protect from intense, direct sunlight.
• Temperature: Keep them in a warm environment. Most succulents prefer temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C).

 

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Overwatering: If leaves are mushy or translucent, you might be overwatering. Cut back and let the soil dry out completely.
• Underwatering: Wrinkled, shriveled leaves indicate your plant needs more water.
• Lack of Light: If your succulent starts to stretch and grow leggy, it needs more light.

 

FAQs About Planting Succulents

These are just a handful of questions/answers I found. More coming soon!

Can I use regular potting soil for succulents?

It’s better to use a well-draining mix like cactus soil. Regular potting soil retains too much moisture.

How often should I water my succulent?

Water only when the soil is completely dry. This could be every 1-2 weeks, depending on your environment.

Can succulents grow in low light?

While some succulents can tolerate lower light, they generally thrive in bright, indirect light.