How to Care for Cactus and Succulents

by Succulent MarketDec 30, 2020

how to care for cactus and succulents

 

Worried about purchasing a cactus or succulents because you are afraid of killing it? Well, no need to worry, because caring for cactus and succulents is incredibly easy, it’s one of the primary reasons why everyone loves cactus and succulents so much! While caring for succulents it’s important to only account for two things:

  1. Water
  2. Light

 

And that’s it! If you water your cactus or succulent correctly and place your cactus or succulent in its correct lighting environment, then your cactus or succulent will be sure to survive!

 

Watering

The most important thing to remember when watering a cactus or succulents Is that LESS IS MORE. Cactus and succulents only need to be watered once every two to three weeks. To determine if your cactus or succulent is ready to be watered touch the soil. If the soil is completely dry, and you do not feel any moisture, then it is time to water. Watering a cactus or succulent is incredibly easy, you just completely soak the soil with water. When watering, you only need to be careful if your pot does not have drainage holes. If your pot does not have drainage holes then it is important to soak the soil while also ensuring that not too much water accumulates at the bottom of the pot. If too much water accumulates at the bottom of the pot, then the roots of your cactus or succulent will rot. Ultimately watering a cactus and succulent is incredibly easy, simply wait for the soil dry and then soak the soil.


 

 

Light

The second thing to consider when caring for a cactus or succulent is light. Cactus, as opposed to succulents, are incredibly resilient plants and can virtually survive any lighting environment. On the other hand, for succulents light is more important. As a general rule of thumb, the more colorful a succulent is the more light it will need. Colorful succulents, like Echeveria, Aeonium, and Crassula are what we call sun lovers and will thrive on the windowsill, patio, or in the yard. Green colored succulents like Haworthia and Aloe are what we call shade lovers, and these succulents will still thrive on the windowsill, but can also be exposed to indoor environments with very little light. Unlike green succulents, colorful succulents will not survive in a low light environment that does not receive sunlight for at least 40% of the day. And unlike colorful succulents, green succulents cannot be placed in direct sun for the majority of the day.

Light can get a little tricky, but this generalization of the lighting requirements needed for cactus and succulents will make your first cactus and succulent purchase a success! One thing to remember is that the above advice is a generalization. It is always best to look up your succulent to see its lighting requirements, for your benefit Succulent Market includes this type of care information for each cactus and succulent we sell on the bottom half of all of our product pages.

And that’s it! Yes, cactus and succulent care is incredibly easy and low maintenance. It's why so many people love succulents so much! If you’re interested in getting on the fun, please take a look at our selection of farm-fresh cactus and succulent plants, and please accept 10% off your first order with code: Welcome 10.