These low-maintenance plants can tolerate a lot of neglect, but they need the right conditions to really thrive.

Succulents are widely regarded as agreat plant for beginnersand they double ashome decor.

(And don’t worry, you’re not alone.)

Succulent plants in an apartment

Photo: Linda Raymond/Getty Images

“Aim to place plants in a south- or west-facing window for the best results.”

Water

This is where the low-maintenace part really comes in.

When it comes to watering succulents, “neglect is best,” Guillou says.

group of mixed succulents

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That means your succulent’s soil should be bone-dry and crumbly before you give it another drink.

When in doubt, however, it’s better to steer on the side of under-watering.

“High-humidity environments quickly lead to rots, wilts, and a slow death,” he says.

succulent leaves propagating in plastic cups

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Elliott recommends using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as 10-10-10.

How to Propagate Succulents

Propagating succulentsis relatively easy to do with many succulent varieties.

you might either pull off a leaf, or use a stem from a plant.

Cactus Succulent

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Here’s how to create a beautiful setup to help your succulents thrive.

Here’s how to get to the root of the most common succulent issues.

Overwatering

In most cases, overwatering tends to be the reason a succulent fails to thrive.

Jade plant, lucky plant, money plant or money tree, (Crassula ovata)

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To fix an overwatered succulent, drain out any moisture that you might.

Sun damage

Most succulents thrive in bright sunshine or indirect light.

But too much sun can burn your succulents, and cause brown spots.

An aloe plant sits on a wooden dining table.

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Unfortunately, the brown spots are scars, and will be permanent on your succulent.

you’re able to find some gorgeous succulent options for your garden or your plant collection.

Like squares are to rectangles, cacti are to succulents.

Agave: closeup of blue leaves.

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In other words, all cacti are considered succulents, but not all succulents are cacti.

Cactus plants can also be distinguished from many common succulent plants because they typically don’t have leaves.

However, out of over 300 species, only a few contain the well-known medicinal properties.

Echeveria tippy pink

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Ponytail Palm

Don’t let the name mislead you.

This popular houseplant is actually a succulent, and like other succulents, thrives beautifully on neglect.

your snake plant near the entrance of your home to bring good fortune with proper plant feng shui.

Kalanchoe plants beginning to bloom

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String of Hearts Plant

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This elegant trailing succulent comes from South Africa.

String of hearts plants make great hanging houseplantsand they bloom, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Luckily, most succulents are considered non-toxic to pets.

Potted evergreen ponytail palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata) isolated on white background

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Yes, succulents are generally great plants for beginners because they don’t require much attention.

However, as stated above, overwatering can quickly lead to the downfall of your succulents.

Cock IE.The genus Aloe: phytochemistry and therapeutic uses including treatments for gastrointestinal conditions and chronic inflammation.Prog Drug Res.

Snake plant in a pot indoors

Grumpy Cow Studios | Getty Images

2015;70:179-235. doi:10.1007/978-3-0348-0927-6_6

North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.Kalanchoe.

North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.Aloe.

North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.Euphorbia Tirucalli.

Ceropegia woodii also called String of Hearts or Chain of Hearts, modern house plant in a flowerpot against white wall.

Lana_M / Getty Images

North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.Crassula Ovata.

Close up of jelly bean succulent (Sedum rubrotinctum) with bright red leaves.

Sonia Bonet / Getty Images