The Care Corner

Sunlight & Temperature Care for Your Succulents

Succulents love the gentle balance of sunshine and comfort. They thrive in bright, filtered light and prefer temperatures below 90°F. While most can enjoy a bit of direct sunlight, too much afternoon heat can cause tender leaves, especially varieties like Aeoniums, to sunburn.

Think of mornings and late afternoons as their “golden hours.” During the hottest part of the day, a little shade (around 50%) gives them the break they need to stay happy and healthy.

If your succulent is new or has been living indoors or in a greenhouse, let it adjust slowly. Start it in a shaded spot for a few days, then gradually increase its time in the sun, just like easing into a warm bath.

Succulents with colorful tones, pinks, purples, reds, show off their brightest hues when they get at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. Without enough light, they’ll stretch out and fade back to green. Cool nights and sunny days bring out the richest shades in Sempervivum and similar varieties. Some, like Sempervivum heuffelii and softer succulents, actually deepen their color as the temperatures rise.

Winter & Cold Weather Care for Succulents

Cold-hardy succulents are the tough little gems of the garden. They can stay outdoors year-round and even handle freezing temperatures for long stretches. Many, like hardy Sedum, naturally slow down or go dormant in late fall, resting until spring’s warmth returns.

Tender or “soft” succulents, on the other hand, prefer to stay cozy. Most can’t handle temperatures below freezing for more than a day or two. A brief dip below 32°F (for a few hours overnight) usually won’t hurt them, but longer freezes can cause damage.

As winter approaches, it’s best to bring your tender succulents indoors where it’s warm and bright, then return them outdoors once spring begins to bloom. Some varieties stay looking nearly the same all winter, while others surprise you with subtle color shifts and changes in texture, a gentle reminder that even in rest, they’re full of life.

Garden Soil & Potting Mix

The secret to happy, thriving succulents starts right at their roots, with well-draining soil. Succulent roots don’t like to sit in soggy conditions; too much moisture can quickly lead to rot. To help your soil breathe and drain better, mix in natural materials like pumice, perlite, or coarse sand. These keep the soil loose and airy, letting water flow through easily and dry faster.

If you’re planting in the ground, create small mounds or raised areas so excess water can drain away. For potted succulents, drainage is even more important! Always use containers with a drainage hole, and aim for soil with particles about ¼” (6mm) in size,  this helps roots get the oxygen they need to stay healthy.

Standard potting soil tends to hold too much moisture, so it’s best to blend your own. A great balance for most succulents is:

• ⅓ organic material (like coconut coir or fine pine bark)
• ⅔ inorganic material (like crushed granite, coarse sand, perlite, or pumice)

This mix keeps your plants perfectly hydrated, never waterlogged.

To give your arrangement a polished, professional touch, top the soil with pea gravel, crushed stone, or decorative rock. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also helps reduce moss, keeps leaves dry, and prevents rot.

And don’t forget, succulents appreciate a little feeding during their active growing season! Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer (such as 5-10-10), diluted to half strength. A gentle feeding in spring is often all they need to stay strong, colorful, and full of new growth.

Watering Your Succulents

One of the biggest myths about succulents is that they “don’t need much water.” In truth, they need just the right amount to keep their leaves, stems, and roots plump and healthy—so they can store that moisture for dry days ahead.

The best way to water is the “soak and dry” method: thoroughly water the soil until it’s fully soaked, then let it dry out completely before watering again. This encourages strong, deep roots. Light misting might seem gentle, but it only creates weak, shallow roots that won’t last. Succulents love a good drink, followed by time to rest and dry.

How often you water depends on your climate, soil mix, and the type of succulent. In warmer months, they’ll need more frequent watering, while during winter dormancy they prefer to stay on the drier side.

As a general starting point, once a week is a good rhythm, then adjust based on how your plant responds. Succulents with thick, fleshy leaves can go longer between waterings, while those with thinner leaves may need a bit more attention.

Keep an eye out for early signs:

• Overwatering: mushy leaves, soft stems, or black spots.

• Underwatering: wrinkled or deflated leaves.

Make small, gradual adjustments as you learn your plant’s pattern. With time, you’ll develop a natural rhythm that keeps your succulents thriving, rooted in love, grown with care. 

Pests & Plant Care

Even the happiest succulents can sometimes attract a few uninvited guests. The most common are mealybugs, those tiny white cotton-like pests that love to hide between leaves and around the stem, especially on potted succulents. Aphids can also make an appearance, particularly during the warmer summer months.

Don’t worry, your plants can bounce back beautifully with a little care. To treat them, gently spray the affected areas with 70% isopropyl alcohol or a gentle insecticidal soap. Make sure to reach the nooks and crannies where bugs like to hide. You may need to repeat the treatment a few times to completely clear them out.

Keeping your succulents in well-ventilated spaces, avoiding overwatering, and regularly checking under leaves can help prevent pests from settling in the first place. A little observation goes a long way, and your plants will thank you with healthy, vibrant growth.