Easy Succulents for Beginners and How-tos for Indoor Gardeners

Succulents are one of the most popular indoor plants. One look at Pinterest, and you’ll see thousands of appealing photos of these native-to-southwest gems.

Available in various colors, textures, sizes, and shapes, easy succulents will add visual interest and a natural feel to most any style décor. They also look great as a single planting or grouped with other succulents.

What are a few easy succulents for beginners to grow?

These easy succulents require little time, effort, or maintenance. And they stand up to not-so-ideal growing conditions. They are not bothered if you accidentally overwater them a time or two, and they’re simple to grow from cuttings.

If you’re a newbie, it’s a good idea to start with these easy succulents –

Echeveria glauca

A rosette-like succulent hybrid with lovely greenish-blue petals. Echeveria glauca prefers bright indirect light.

Move the plant away from the direct afternoon sun as the foliage may become sunburned. In winter, place your Echeveria in a bright window or under grow lights set on a 12 to 14-hour timer.

Faucaria

Also called Tiger Jaws, it has a slightly menacing, toothy-looking appearance. The paired spine-edged leaves look like an animal’s mouth. Faucaria is a low-maintenance and hardy succulent that forms compact clumps of rosettes.

The thick, triangular leaves are light green and turn purple in bright light. Faucaria will bloom in fall and early winter when grown in indirect light. The bright yellow flowers are large, up to 2 inches in diameter. The blooms open midday and close as the sun sets.

Haworthia

It looks similar to Aloe but has different light and moisture requirements. These strikingly marked, spiky plants can tolerate low light conditions and overwater. Haworthia grows in chubby rosettes and also from clumps of smaller rosettes.

This characteristic makes Haworthia easy to propagate. Haworthia thrives on bright filtered light. And their fleshy root systems can withstand moist soil.

Keep this plant out of direct sunlight as the leaves can sunburn easily. In some species, flower stalks will emerge and display blooms in pale pink, white, or green stripes.

The Crassula or Jade Plant

These plants are popular among succulent growers. One reason is that it’s almost impossible to kill. This makes it a perfect choice for beginners.

This attractive plant looks great grown singularly or in a mixed grouping. The Jade Plant blooms in winter displaying clusters of delicate blooms in pink or white. Some growers shape them into Bonsai for a completely different look.

Fenestraria rhopalophylla

The plump leaves of these plants resemble little toes, hence the alternate name, Baby Toes. The Baby Toes plant is a low-maintenance succulent. Although it prefers bright, indirect light, it’s not too picky about the amount of light it receives.

Baby Toes come in varied colors ranging from gray and brown to grayish-green. Daisy-like flowers bloom in late summer in a variety of shades.

Aloe

This plant’s variegated foliage is one reason this succulent is a favorite. Fleshy, spiked leaves are covered with showy speckles, spots, dots, and stripes that create visual interest in aloe.

Aloe plants enjoy the indirect light and warmth of a south-facing window. And they look great when planted with other succulent varieties. When in bloom, the Aloe plant displays tubular yellow and orange blooms on a tall stalk.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

You may have run across this hardy succulent in the florist department of your neighborhood grocery store. Kalanchoes are popular for their shiny leaves, long blooming period, and the wide range of vibrant colors available – yellow, white, pink, magenta, orange, and red.

Kalanchoes grow best in bright, indirect light. Move them away from the direct sun as the leaves are susceptible to burns. Pinch back your Kalanchoe after it flowers to keep it full and compact.

Sedum

Also called stonecrop, it is a beautiful succulent no matter what hybrid you choose. Known for its interesting variety of shapes and sizes, the Sedum will provide natural, visual interest to your décor.

Pair Sedum with Echeveria with other succulent types like hens and chicks in a container. You’ll enjoy the contrast of the varied shapes, textures, and sizes.

No matter what succulent you choose, look for succulents with healthy foliage, a full shape, and good coloring. Check plants for signs of damage or insect problems before you buy.

What type of soil should I use?

Succulents require light, well-draining soil. For best results, choose a cactus potting mix. Quality cactus potting mixes contain sphagnum peat humus, peat moss, sand, and perlite.

Planting Succulents in a Pot

• Fill the container 1/3 full with a quality cactus potting mix.
• Gently remove the succulent from its container and loosen the roots.
• Center the plant in its new home and fill the container with additional cactus potting mix. Place the succulent at the same depth in the potting mix as in the original container.
• Wait for one to two weeks, and then water lightly. The soil should be damp but not soggy. The container should drain completely.

What type of container should I use?

Succulents can be planted in any container you prefer. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole at the bottom for water to exit. Succulents do not like prolonged wet feet.

How much water and fertilizer does my succulent need?

It’s time to water when the top 1-inch of the potting mix feels dry. Gently pour water into the container until you see moisture flowing from the drainage hole. Dump any water left in the plant saucer.

Let the potting mix dry out before watering again. A succulent with shriveled or puckered leaves may not get enough water, while a plant with soggy-looking leaves may have taken in too much water.

Stick to a regular watering schedule to keep your plant healthy.

Promote vigorous growth by fertilizing regularly with liquid succulent plant food. Apply the plant food directly to the soil, or mix it with water. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions on the label.

Interested in more easy tips on growing succulents? Click Here!

Did you know? All cacti are considered succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. The name succulent comes from the Latin word “succulentus,” which means juice or sap. We hope these easy succulent tips and how-tos help you grow healthy succulents indoors.