Succulent 101: FAQs for Beginners

Jade, aloe, snake plants, burro's tails, ponytail palms, and panda plants are some great starter plants for beginners. They're simple to grow and create a lovely, eclectic environment. Plus, they're easy to find in greenhouses and even grocery stores. It's not uncommon to see them sold year-round in box stores, too.

Yes, cacti are considered succulents. A succulent is a drought-resistant plant with water-storing tissues in the leaves, stems, or roots. Cacti share this quality along, with a wide range of other plants including air plants. Succulents come in a vast array of shapes, styles, colors, and sizes to fit any setting.

If you purchased or received a potted succulent, there's no need to transplant it right away. Succulents prefer containers that aren't oversized, so you can usually go a few years before upgrading.

When choosing a pot, make sure it's size-specific and has plenty of drainage. These plants can also grow in terrariums, but you should have a bit of experience with succulents and watering regimens before trying this method.

If you're transplanting a succulent, there are ready-made soils for the job. A cactus soil blend will work well, but you can also make your own with equal parts basic potting soil and sand. Adding a bit of pumice or perlite will help with drainage.

Fertilization isn't necessary, but a cactus formula is okay to use once or twice a year.

Overwatering will kill a succulent, causing decay or even forcing the leaves to burst. Always water sparingly and gently. Though some varieties will tolerate completely dry soil, it's best to maintain a just slightly moist environment. Use your finger as a basis: if the soil remains dry down to your second knuckle, it's time to water.

Usually a little water every week or two will suffice. In the dormant winter months, most will need even less.

Beginner succulents like snake plants, ponytail palms, aloe, and holiday cacti do well in low light, and some even require this environment. Once you have a good foundation and knowledge of succulent care, you can expand your indoor varieties.

Succulents can be somewhat temperamental with light. Some require eight hours of full sun, while others prefer solid indirect lighting. Do your research on each new species, but the telltale sign that any plant might need a bit more sun is if it leans toward the window. Red or brown stress coloring indicates too much light.

During warmer months, keep your houseplants outside for natural solar exposure if you can. Just monitor them so they don't burn or receive too much rain.

There are certain varieties of succulents, like hen and chicks, that do well in cold weather. A common houseplant like jade does not, unless you live in an area that's warm year-round. And while your succulent can put up with a bit of a chill, frost or freezing temps will injure or kill it.

If your succulent is left outside uncovered for a few hours, a mild frost will typically damage the ends of the leaves. This is known as frost burn; gently remove the edges with sterile scissors. But if the plant is outside for a prolonged period and freezes, the water stored inside expands, causing the leaves, stems, or roots to burst. This will destroy your succulent.

Succulents are one of the easiest plants to propagate. Most of them will do all the hard work for you by simply dropping their leaves naturally. These leaves root and create new plants.

If you want to start the process on your own, cut off a leaf or a section of stem with a sterile blade. Let it dry out a few days, then put it into soil.

The biggest threat to a succulent is its environment. Poor drainage or overwatering will cause root rot, which can kill the plant if you don't catch it early and transplant it. Excess water can harbor fungus gnats, too.

Other common pests include mites and mealybugs. If you see evidence of an infestation, wipe off the leaves and use an organic horticultural oil as a repellent.

Succulent toxicity depends on the plant. Many have a range of health benefits and are used externally for skin treatment and even cosmetics. Some contain vitamins and minerals that are nutritious to consume. But people with latex allergies should steer clear of using succulents medicinally.

Even though a lot of succulents aren't toxic, it's still best to keep pets away from them. Aloe, for example, has a pet-friendly gel, but the leaf surrounding it will give your furry friend a bellyache.