Succulent Care: The Sun-Loving Minimalists

Succulents are the masters of “less is more.” They come from places where water is rare, the sun is intense, and every drop of moisture is precious. Imagine:

A sun-baked desert scattered with rocks and sand, warm winds sweeping across open land, and tiny, determined plants storing life in their plump leaves like little water tanks.

These plants thrive on simplicity—but that doesn’t mean no care at all. Here’s how to keep them happy.

Water: Less is More

• Let the soil dry completely before watering again—bone dry, not just “less damp.”
• Overwatering is their number one enemy. When in doubt, wait a few extra days.
• When you do water, water deeply until it drains out the bottom, then leave it alone.

Light: Give Them the Good Stuff

• Succulents love bright light, ideally several hours of direct sun each day.
• Without enough sun, they get “leggy”—stretching toward the light and losing their compact shape.
• Indoors, the brightest window you’ve got is prime real estate for them.

Potting: Keep It Breezy

• Use fast-draining soil, like a cactus mix with plenty of grit.
• Always plant in a pot with a drainage hole—no exceptions.
• Shallow, snug pots work best; deep soil can hold too much moisture for their small root systems.

A Little Extra TLC

• Rotate your succulent every week or so for even growth.
• Pluck away any shriveled leaves to keep the plant healthy and tidy.
• Even though they’re tough, they still respond to your attention—notice their color, firmness, and shape, and you’ll know when they’re happiest.

Continue for an in-depth into how plants work.