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I’m a sucker for greenery in my house but OMG if I kill one more plant I’m gonna lose it!! Even succulents that are supposedly the easiest plants to keep alive, I’ve managed to kill in days….DAYS! Ugh! After my favorite plant died last year, I decided to do some research and talk to a handful of people who know what they’re doing so I could figure out how plant succulents and keep them alive. I’m definitely not a professional but I learned a few handy tips that are key to keeping these suckers healthy!

GET THE RIGHT MATERIALS

+   VASE – I used a clear glass vase from target and a concrete pot

+  SMALL ROCKS – I got my white river stones from Hobby Lobby

+  CACTUS + SUCCULENT POTTING MIX 

+  SUCCULENTS 

START WITH ROCKS

The very first step to planting is one of the most important parts that I never used to do. I’m convinced this is the main reason I always killed my succulents in the past. Before planting your succulent, put a handful of rocks in the bottom of your vase. This allows the water to drain out of your soil so it can dry completely. If your soil is too wet or moist in the roots, your plant will rot. (Mine definitely did!) So just be sure to put in enough rocks in the bottom.

ADD A LITTLE SOIL

Put just enough succulent soil in to cover your rocks. The reason I suggest cactus + succulent soil is because it’s specifically designed to drain quickly. I use a local brand of soil that looks more like rocks than fine dirt which I’ve found to work really well. 

PLANT YOUR SUCCULENT

Gently place your plant in the pot and cover with more soil. If you’d like to add more rocks to the top you can! 

DON’T WATER TOO MUCH

The second most important thing to do with succulents is to not over water it! These plants are used to lots of sun and minimal water so drowning it in water will kill it quickly. There’s two ways of watering that I’ve learned are best.

1) Some succulents need to be misted with water periodically rather than soaking the soil with water. Misting the soil doesn’t drown it in water and can keep your roots from rotting.

2) Other plants do well when you soak the soil thoroughly and allow the water to drain out completely. If you go this route, you’ll need to water it once and then let it sit for a week or more. I suggest putting rocks on the bottom of your vase so that your water doesn’t sit in the soil and has a place to flow to.

You’ll need to do a little bit of research on the succulent you’re planting to learn what watering system your plant thrives in.

So how often should you water your plant? It will vary depending on the plant you choose but a good test is to stick your finger down into the dirt an inch or two and if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels moist, wait a little longer.

PUT YOUR PLANT BY THE WINDOW

Like I said earlier, succulents need lots of sun so be sure to keep it close to a window that gets plenty of sunlight.

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The main things you need to remember in order to keep your succulents alive are good water drainage, exposure to sun, and minimal water! After doing these steps, even a plant killer like myself was able to keep these bad boys alive! 

Good luck to all you wanna be green thumb plant lovers! Let me know if you try these steps and if they helped you keep your succulents alive!