Succulents and cacti are often marketed as "impossible to kill" plants. That's mostly true — as long as you resist the urge to overwater them.
The Cardinal Rule: Water Less Than You Think
The single most common succulent mistake is overwatering. Both succulents and cacti store water in their leaves, stems, or roots and actively prefer to dry out completely between waterings.
Watering schedule: In summer, water thoroughly then wait until soil is bone dry — often 2–4 weeks. In winter, once a month or less.
Light
These are sun-lovers. Place in the brightest spot you have — ideally a south-facing windowsill that gets direct sun for several hours a day. Without enough light, succulents "etiolate" — stretching awkwardly toward the light source.
Soil
Use cactus/succulent-specific compost or mix standard potting soil 50/50 with horticultural grit or coarse perlite. Drainage is everything.
Pots
Terracotta is ideal — it wicks moisture from the soil, preventing root rot. Never use pots without drainage holes.
Outdoor vs Indoor
Many succulents and cacti thrive outdoors in summer, and the increased airflow and sun leads to better colouring. Bring inside before the first frost.
Propagation
Most succulents propagate easily from single leaves or stem cuttings. Let cut ends callous for 24–48 hours before placing in dry soil.
