Succulents and Cacti
Succulents die from too much care far more often than too little. Water them deeply, let the soil dry out completely and then wait a few more days. You'll find rooted plants, unrooted cuttings, mixed cutting packs and seed here, covering Echeveria, Haworthia, jade (Crassula), aloe, agave, string-of-pearls and hundreds of cactus species. Cuttings are the cheapest way to fill a planter, and most root in 2 to 4 weeks.
Shop by type
How to choose succulents
- Low-light rooms: Haworthia, Gasteria, snake plants and jade tolerate a north or east window. Echeveria and most cacti stretch and fade without strong light.
- Sunny window or outdoors: Echeveria, Sedum, agave, aloe and most cacti want 4 to 6 hours of direct sun.
- Cold-hardy outdoors: Sempervivum (hens and chicks) and many Sedum survive zone 4 winters. Most other succulents need to come inside below about 40°F.
- Cutting vs rooted plant: let an unrooted cutting callus for a few days, set it on dry gritty mix and mist lightly until roots form.
Succulent care
| Factor | Target |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, with 4+ hours direct for rosette and cactus types |
| Water | Soak, then wait until the soil is fully dry; about every 1 to 3 weeks in summer, monthly in winter |
| Soil | Gritty mix with at least 50% pumice, perlite or coarse sand |
| Pot | Drainage hole required; terracotta dries fastest |
| Temperature | 50 to 90°F for most; frost kills most non-hardy types |
What to skip
- Glued-on decorations and painted cacti. The paint blocks light and the plant slowly starves.
- Bagged "succulent soil" that's mostly peat. Cut it 50/50 with perlite or pumice so it drains.
FAQ
How often should I water succulents?
Only when the soil is dry all the way through. That's usually every 1 to 3 weeks in summer and monthly or less in winter.
Why is my succulent stretching?
It needs more light. Stretched growth (etiolation) won't shrink back, but you can behead the rosette and replant it.
How do I root succulent cuttings?
Let the cut end dry for 2 to 5 days, lay it on dry gritty mix in bright indirect light and mist every few days until roots appear.
Are succulents safe for pets?
Some aren't. Jade, aloe, kalanchoe and euphorbia are toxic to cats and dogs, while Haworthia and Echeveria are generally considered safe.
Related collections
Snake Plants · Bonsai Trees, Seeds and Cuttings · Growing Media · Pots and Containers
