Every plant is unique, but most succulents and cacti thrive by following one simple principle:

When in doubt, wait to water.

These plants evolved in harsh environments where drought is common. Too much water is far more dangerous than too little.

Light Requirements

Most succulents prefer bright light with several hours of direct sun each day.

Outdoors

• Morning sun is ideal.
• In hot climates (like Arizona), many species appreciate afternoon shade during summer.
• Increase sun exposure gradually to prevent sunburn.

Indoors 

• Place near the brightest south- or west-facing window available.
• Rotate the pot every few weeks so growth stays even.
• If growth becomes stretched or pale, your plant likely needs more light.

Watering

The biggest mistake people make is watering too often.

The "Soak and Dry" Method

1. Wait until the soil is completely dry.
2. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
3. Allow all excess water to drain.
4. Do not water again until the soil is completely dry.

Never leave pots sitting in standing water.

How to Tell When Your Plant Needs Water

Rather than watering on a schedule, watch your plant.

Signs it needs water

• Leaves begin to wrinkle
• Leaves become slightly soft
• Lower leaves shrink
• Plant feels noticeably lighter when picked up
• Soil is completely dry

Signs of overwatering

• Mushy leaves
• Yellow or translucent leaves
• Black stems
• Leaves dropping easily
• Persistent wet soil

Overwatering is the leading cause of succulent death.

Soil

Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix.

Even better:

• 50% cactus soil
• 50% pumice, perlite, or coarse grit

The faster water drains away from the roots, the healthier your plant will be.

Pots

Pots should always have a drainage hole.

Terracotta pots are highly recommended because they:

• allow soil to dry faster
• improve airflow around roots
• reduce the risk of root rot

Decorative cache pots are fine as long as the inner pot drains completely.

Repotting

Most succulents only need repotting every 2–4 years.

Repot when:

• roots grow through drainage holes
• the plant outgrows its container
• soil becomes compacted
• the soil no longer drains well

How to Repot

1. Let the soil dry completely.
2. Remove the plant gently.
3. Shake away loose old soil.
4. Trim dead or rotten roots with clean scissors.
5. Place into fresh dry soil.
6. Wait 3–7 days before watering to allow damaged roots to heal.

Fertilizing

Succulents require very little fertilizer.

During spring and summer:

• Feed once every 1–2 months using a diluted cactus fertilizer (¼–½ strength).

Do not fertilize during winter dormancy.

Temperature

Most succulents enjoy:

• 60–90°F during the growing season
• Protection from prolonged freezing temperatures

Many cacti tolerate cool nights but should be protected from hard freezes unless known to be cold-hardy.

Common Problems

Stretching (Etiolation)

Cause:

• Not enough light

Solution:

• Move to a brighter location gradually.

Sunburn

Cause:

• Sudden exposure to intense direct sun

Solution:

• Introduce outdoor sunlight slowly over 1–2 weeks.

Sunburn appears as white, tan, or brown patches and cannot be reversed.

Root Rot

Usually caused by:

• frequent watering
• poor drainage
• soil staying wet too long

If caught early:

• remove affected roots
• allow the plant to dry
• repot into fresh dry soil

Seasonal Care

Spring & Summer

Most species actively grow.

• Water more frequently (only after drying out).
• Fertilize occasionally.
• Excellent time for propagation.

Fall & Winter

Many species slow down or become dormant.

• Water much less often.
• Keep plants dry during prolonged cold weather.
• Avoid fertilizing.

Genus-Specific Tips

Echeveria

• Loves bright light and morning sun.
• Lower leaves naturally dry as new growth develops.
• Avoid letting water sit inside the center rosette for extended periods.

Graptopetalum & Graptosedum

• Produce a powdery coating (farina) that protects the leaves.
• Try not to touch the leaves excessively—the coating does not grow back once rubbed off.

Sedum

• Extremely easy and forgiving.
• Many species propagate from fallen leaves.
• Some varieties tolerate more water than desert succulents.

Crassula (Jade Plants)

• Water less frequently than many people expect.
• Thick woody stems store significant water.
• Can become top-heavy with age and benefit from occasional pruning.

Haworthia & Haworthiopsis

• Prefer bright, indirect light or gentle morning sun.
• Excellent indoor plants.
• Often require less sunlight than most succulents.

Gasteria

• Tolerates lower light better than many succulents.
• Slow growing.
• Water sparingly.

Aloe

• Enjoys bright light.
• Water deeply but infrequently.
• Mature plants produce offsets ("pups") that can be separated.

Kalanchoe

• Generally appreciates slightly more water than many desert succulents.
• Many species bloom during winter.
• Remove spent flowers to encourage healthy growth.

Lithops (Living Stones)

One of the most unique succulents.

Special care:

• Water very sparingly.
• Never water while old leaves are drying and new leaves are emerging.
• Too much water can easily split or rot the plant.

String of Pearls, Bananas & Dolphins (Curio species)

• Prefer bright indirect light with some morning sun.
• Water when the "windows" on the pearls begin to close and the foliage softens slightly.
• Avoid constantly wet soil.

Aeonium

Unlike most succulents:

• Grow primarily during cooler months.
• Become semi-dormant during extreme summer heat.
• Water less during the hottest part of summer.

Euphorbia

Although often mistaken for cacti, Euphorbias are different plants.

Special care:

• White sap (latex) is irritating to skin and eyes.
• Wear gloves when pruning.
• Allow cut surfaces to callus before watering.

Mammillaria

• One of the easiest cacti for beginners.
• Produces rings of beautiful flowers when mature.
• Allow soil to become completely dry between waterings.

Opuntia (Prickly Pear)

• Handle with thick gloves—the tiny hair-like spines (glochids) are difficult to remove.
• Pads root very easily.
• Excellent drought tolerance.

Gymnocalycium

• Prefers bright filtered light rather than intense afternoon sun.
• Often flowers readily with proper care.

Astrophytum

• Extremely slow growing.
• Avoid frequent watering.
• Sensitive to prolonged wet conditions.

Ariocarpus

• One of the slowest-growing cacti.
• Requires exceptional drainage.
• Water sparingly, especially during cool weather.

Propagation

Many succulents are easy to propagate.

Leaf propagation

Works well with:

• Echeveria
• Graptopetalum
• Sedum
• Pachyphytum

Allow leaves to callus for several days before placing them on dry soil.

Stem cuttings

1. Make a clean cut.
2. Allow the cutting to dry and callus for several days.
3. Plant in dry soil.
4. Wait several days before watering.

Offsets (Pups)

Many species naturally produce baby plants.

Examples:

• Aloe
• Haworthia
• Gasteria
• Agave
• Mammillaria

Separate pups only after they have developed their own roots whenever possible.

Enjoy Your Plant!

Succulents reward patience more than attention. Give them plenty of light, excellent drainage, and resist the urge to water too often—they'll often thrive with surprisingly little care.

If you ever have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Byrds of Paradise. We're always happy to help you keep your plants healthy and growing!