Succulents care
Echeveria & Friends
Rosettes of fleshy leaves built to hoard water. Succulents want sun, fast-draining soil, and to be left alone. The trick is resisting the urge to water them.
Heads up — Succulents is toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA data. Keep it out of reach of pets, and check our toxicity checker for pet-safe alternatives.
Light
They want bright light — a south or west window with several hours of direct sun. Too little light and they stretch into pale, gappy rosettes (called etiolation).
Water
Soak the soil, then let it dry completely before watering again — sometimes weeks apart. The leaves will soften and wrinkle slightly when it's actually thirsty.
Overwatering kills succulents faster than anything. When in doubt, wait.
Soil & pot
Cactus/succulent mix or potting soil cut heavily with perlite and coarse sand. A drainage hole is non-negotiable.
Humidity & temperature
They like it dry. Good airflow helps. Keep them warm; most tolerate down to about 50°F but prefer 60–80°F.
Propagation
Lay a healthy leaf on dry soil and wait — it'll root and grow a tiny new rosette. Don't water until roots form.
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Common succulents problems
Something off with your succulents? Jump to the symptom — or just ask Thumbs.