How to Water Indoor Succulents

Succulents may be grown indoors successfully.

Succulents are plants with thick, fleshy stems or leaves that allow them to store water efficiently in arid conditions. Cacti, the jade plant, Aloe barbadensis, the snake plant, hens and chicks plant and flowering Kalanchoes are all examples of succulents. Knowing when and how to water these succulents is the key to growing them indoors. Succulents require a bright, sunny light source and low relative humidity -- approximately 10 to 30 percent, according to the University of Minnesota Extension website.

Things You'll Need

• Well-drained sandy soil
• Clay pot

Instructions

1. Plant your succulent in well-drained, sandy soil inside a pot with drainage holes. This prevents the succulent from rot and decay due to excess moisture. Placing it in a southern-facing window is ideal for many varieties.

2. Add water to your succulent when the leaves begin to droop or have indentations. Allow the water to come out through the drainage holes, and discard the excess. Some varieties may turn gray when they need moisture.

3. Water the succulent thoroughly when you add moisture during the winter months -- enough so that the water comes out the drainage holes. It only needs occasional watering during this time to prevent it from withering or shrinking. Discard any excess water after 3 or 4 minutes. Some varieties, like the barrel cactus, don't require any water during the winter months. Follow the care directions that come with your succulent for the best results.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a houseplant fertilizer that has more phosphorous than nitrogen to feed your succulents. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended rate.

• Cacti only need fertilization during the late spring or summer when actively growing. Other types of succulents may need fertilizer 3 or 4 times during the active growing season.

• If you place your succulent outdoors during the summer months, acclimate it for a few days before bringing it back inside. Do this by gradually moving it into less sunny locations. Inspect the plant for pests before bringing it indoors.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension; Cacti and Succulents; Deborah L. Brown
• Washington State University; Growing and Caring for Succulents; Patti Milos; August 2008