Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your collection succulents and cacti are the perfect low-maintenance plants for any home. With a little attention and the right conditions, succulents and cacti can thrive for years! The key is balance—giving them the right amount of light, water, and love without overdoing it! Check out our guide to selecting and caring for succulents and cacti below, and pick up a new plant friend next time you’re at the Chico Certified Farmer’s Market!

Selecting the Perfect Succulent or Cactus

Consider Your Environment:

• Indoor vs. Outdoor: Decide where your plant will live. Some varieties, like Aloe Vera or Jade Plants, thrive indoors, while others, such as Agave or Prickly Pear, do better outdoors.
• Light Availability: Most succulents and cacti prefer bright light, but not all love direct sun. If you’re placing them indoors, opt for a bright windowsill (south-facing windows are ideal). For low-light spaces, go for hardier types like Haworthia or Snake Plants.

Inspect the Plant’s Health:

• Check the Leaves/Stems: Look for firm, plump, and evenly colored leaves or stems. Avoid plants with yellowing, mushy, or wrinkled parts, as they might be overwatered or stressed.
• Examine the Roots: If possible, gently lift the plant out of its pot. Healthy roots should be white or light tan and firm. Dark or mushy roots indicate root rot.

Size & Growth Potential:

• Succulents and cacti come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny Echeverias to large Saguaro cacti. Consider the space you have and how much room the plant will need to grow. Some species can stay compact in small pots, while others may need repotting or larger spaces as they mature.

Potting & Soil Essentials

Choosing the Right Pot:

• Drainage is Key: Always use a pot with drainage holes to avoid soggy roots, which can lead to rot. Terracotta pots are ideal as they’re porous and allow better airflow, helping excess moisture evaporate.
• Size Consideration: Pick a pot about 1-2 inches larger than the plant’s root ball. Too much space can lead to overwatering, as the excess soil holds more moisture than the plant needs.

The Best Soil Mix:

• Well-Draining Soil: Standard potting soil won’t cut it for succulents and cacti. Use a mix designed specifically for them, usually containing sand, perlite, or pumice to ensure quick drainage.
• DIY Soil Mix: You can make your own by mixing two parts of potting soil with one part coarse sand and one part perlite or pumice.

Light Requirements

Sunlight Preferences:

• Direct vs. Indirect Sun: Most succulents and cacti need at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day. However, many cacti can tolerate more direct sun than succulents, which may scorch in intense heat.
• Signs of Too Little Light: If your plant starts to “stretch” or grow tall and thin, it’s not getting enough light. This is called “etiolation.” Move it to a brighter spot, but do it gradually to avoid shocking the plant.

Artificial Light:

• In low-light homes, consider supplementing with grow lights. LED grow lights work well for succulents and can provide the full spectrum of light they need to stay healthy.

Watering 101

The “Soak and Dry” Method:

• Water deeply, then allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. Stick to this routine, and avoid overwatering, as succulents and cacti are drought-tolerant and store water in their leaves and stems.
• How Often to Water: During the growing season (spring and summer), most succulents and cacti need water every 1-2 weeks. In the dormant season (fall and winter), reduce watering to once a month or less.

Signs of Overwatering:

• Soft, Mushy Leaves: Overwatered succulents often develop soft, translucent, or mushy leaves.
• Root Rot: If your plant’s base turns black or mushy, it may have root rot. In this case, stop watering immediately and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.

Temperature & Humidity Needs

Optimal Temperature:

• Most succulents and cacti thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. While they can handle hot days, they do not tolerate frost.
• If you live in a colder climate, bring outdoor plants inside before temperatures drop below 40°F.

Humidity Considerations:

• These plants prefer dry air, making them perfect for homes with low humidity.
• Avoid placing them in overly humid environments like bathrooms, as this can encourage rot.

Fertilizing for Growth

When to Fertilize:

• Succulents and cacti don’t need much fertilizer, but they can benefit from a diluted, balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) during their growing season (spring and summer). Apply it once a month.

Avoid Fertilizing in Winter:

• During the dormant season, your plants don’t need extra nutrients, as they’re not actively growing.

Common Pests & Problems

Pests to Watch Out For:

• Mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids are the most common pests affecting succulents and cacti. Regularly check for tiny white fluff (mealybugs) or webbing (spider mites) on your plants.

How to Treat:

• If you notice pests, isolate the plant and wipe it down with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use insecticidal soap.

Leaf Drop or Shriveling:

• This is often a sign of underwatering. Check the soil and adjust your watering routine accordingly.