So you've bought a succulent, and all the research you did said this plant is "low maintenance." One week in, you're noticing the yellowing leaves. Two weeks in, and they're turning mushy.
This is not your fault. Sometimes the soil they come in, and the watering advice we're given, aren't always factual.
Succulents are among the few plants biologically engineered to withstand droughts and long dry periods. They store water in their leaves and stems (this is called succulence). Because of this, they hate being treated like any other plant. They don't want regular watering, excessive soil, or shade.
So, what do they want? Let's show you.
Rule #1: The Soil. Why Is It Always the Soil?!
The number one killer of succulents tends not to be ourselves, but rather their soil, and more specifically... (cue dark, scary music) root rot.
Root rot happens when roots sit in wet soil for too long.
Peat moss-based soil, which tends to be most common, acts like a sponge and is designed to hold moisture. Succulents do NOT like this. The wet soil will not only suffocate the succulent by reducing oxygen, but also rot the roots slowly.
So what soil do you use? Fast-draining soil.
You need a foundation that drains in seconds, not minutes. A good succulent mix should look more like gravel than anything else.
Option 1: Commercial Mix + Perlite
Buy any cactus or succulent potting mix and add 25 to 30% extra perlite.
Option 2: DIY "50/25/25" Recipe
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50% regular potting soil
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25% perlite or pumice
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25% coarse sand (builder's sand, never beach sand)
Rule #2: The Soak and Dry
I see you, you with the spray bottle... Put it down. Misting is for tropics and ferns, not for desert plants. Misting only causes rot to form on their leaves, which are delicate to moisture.
Here's something simple. In the desert? It doesn't rain often, but when it does, it comes down in bucket loads.
Soak the succulent in your sink or a bucket. Water until it drains from the bottom. Put the succulent back to dry, and don't touch it. It doesn't matter how much you think it might need extra; it doesn't. Wait until the soil is 100% bone dry. This takes 7 to 10 days in summer, or 3 to 4 weeks in winter and colder temperatures.
A trick a horticulturist taught us to check when it's thirsty is to gently touch the leaves. If they are a bit soft or squishy, then it's time to water.
Rule #3: The Light, Oh the Light
If you're a reader of our blogs, I'm sorry, we say this every 2 sentences, but trust us!! The light is important, and these bad boys? They need it. If your succulent is stretching but looks spaced out, skinny, and leggy, this is a sign that it's going through etiolation. The plant is literally stretching its cells to search for light. Once stretched, it never shrinks back.
Light Requirements by Type
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High light (6+ hours direct): Echeveria, Sedum, Graptopetalum. These need sun for vibrant colors.
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Medium light (4 to 6 hours indirect): Jade Plant, Aloe Vera, Sempervivum.
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Low light tolerant (3 to 4 hours): Haworthia, Gasteria, Sansevieria.
Desperately need light? We recommend our Instant Sun Grow Lamps. They are certified to give the plants the exact light they need.
If you're after 5 of the best succulents for beginners, let us know! Send us a reply to hello@wethewild.co and we'll write up a list immediately!