Create show-stopping succulent planters and learn how to care for succulents indoors with these tips for potting soil, sunlight, watering, and more! If you’d like to learn how to care for succulents, my quick and easy tips will help them thrive in your home too!

One of the funnest things for me is seeing my kids also getting interested in them. My eldest daughter has a lovely collection in her room and has started propagating them too. These types of plants have really grown in popularity the last few years because they are just so versatile and easy to take care of!

How to Take Care of Succulents Indoors

Some people think succulents are hard to take care of, but I think the opposite is actually true. If you live in an area that gets cold in the winter, you will need to bring them indoors during the winter but they can go back outside once the weather warms up for the spring and summer.  Growing succulents in your home is not hard if you follow these tips for potting soil, sunlight, and watering. 

Potting Soil for Succulents

Getting the right potting soil is very important. Many succulents that you buy in nurseries are planted in thick soil which retains a lot of moisture. Since they don’t need so much water, make sure to use the proper soil once you get them home.

 When you bring your plant home, transfer it to a pot with a coarse potting mix or well draining soil to facilitate better drainage and aeration. Succulents planted in the right potting soil will do so much better! 

Specially made soil for cactus and succulents that you can find at the local nursery work really well. I also recommend adding pumice to your potting mix to avoid compaction and have better drainage. 

Remember to wet the soil mix a little bit before transplanting to evenly distribute moisture throughout your container. This little tip will help your succulents thrive. 

Succulents Need Sunlight 

Your plants will be happiest in a south facing window that gets at least six hours of sun every day. If you don’t have a south facing window, east facing windows also provide nice light. 

 You can tell they might not be getting if enough light if you notice thinning or see them extending toward the light. If you notice these signs, consider finding a new home for your indoor succulents so they can get more sun exposure.  

How to Water Succulents

The most interesting fact about succulents is that they naturally retain moisture in their leaves. You do not need to water indoor succulents often. Remember, they are originally desert plants and overwatering will kill your succulent. Wait to water your succulents until the soil is completely dry, usually no more than once per week.

This is the most important succulent watering rule – wait until the soil is bone dry before watering. Then, water the soil until it’s completely soaked, and let it dry before watering again.

• During the summer, you’ll probably water succulents every other week.
• In the winter, water succulents usually only once per month. 

Want to Grow Succulents Indoors in Planters? 

Indoor succulent planters are perfect for so many things. Now that you know how to care for succulents, here are a few things to consider for planters. Not only are they lovely outside, but they are also great inside too.  

Containers for Indoor Succulent Gardens 

Many kinds of containers make lovely homes for succulents. I’ve used terra cotta, milk glass, mason jars, cans – there are so many options. The two most important considerations when it comes to succulent containers:

• It’s best to use containers with drainage holes.
• The containers should be at least 1-2 inches larger than its original container.

That said, it is possible to use containers without drainage holes. You have two options. The first option is to drill drainage holes.

Some containers won’t allow for drilling – like my favorite upcycled milk glass. All you need to do in that case is add rocks to the bottom of your containers. The rocks allow the water to drain without holes.

If you do use glass jars as containers pay attention to the roots. Technically, glass containers are not not advisable for long-term use because often the roots rot. I personally have used lots of glass type containers for succulents without issues, but I always make sure to add rocks to help with drainage

Don’t forget trailing succulents  

Trailing succulents are lots of fun too! If you want to add interest to your succulent planters, don’t forget to add trailing varieties like String of Bananas or String of Pearls.  

Always be sure to check the labels that come with the plant so you’ll have an idea about their sunlight needs, size, and growth spread of your juicy new succulents.

Best Succulents for Shady Spots

If you want to place a succulent in a dark and shaded corner of your home, you may want to consider getting a plant that can handle low light. Mother-in-law’s tongue can be the perfect plant for a shaded region at home. Hens and Chicks and aloe also do well in shade. One of my favorite succulents is called Saucer Plant and it does well in the shade too.

Where to Buy Succulents 

Succulents are gaining in popularity, but they can still be a little tricky to find especially if you’re looking for a specific type of succulent.

I have found succulents at places like ALDI, Lowes, and seasonal garden centers, but we also love succulent subscription boxes.

Frequently asked questions about succulents

What’s your favorite succulent or succulent planter container? I’d love to hear!

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