Succulent & Cactus Care
Succulent & Cactus Care
Most succulents don't die of neglect. They die of overwatering, and of being planted in the wrong soil. The standard "potting mix" sold at big-box stores holds water for days, which suffocates the roots of plants evolved to live in the gritty, fast-draining substrates of arid regions. Below: how to actually keep succulents and cacti alive — soil that drains in seconds, watering rhythms that respect their biology, and the species worth growing indoors.
Start here: succulent fundamentals
Best Soil for Succulents: Why Most Bagged Soil Kills Them
The single biggest mistake new succulent owners make. What gritty mix is, and why it works.
Why Succulents Need Gritty Soil
The root biology behind the requirement. Why air circulation in the substrate matters more than nutrients.
Succulent Care for Beginners
Light, water, soil, pot. The four pillars in one tutorial — written for first-time succulent owners.
Deep dives
LECA vs Soil for Succulents
When LECA is the right call, when gritty mix wins, and how to make the choice for your collection.
The Ultimate Guide to Growing Succulent Plants Indoors
A long-form reference covering varieties, propagation, troubleshooting, and seasonal care.
10 Tips for Caring for Your Succulents Indoors
Ten specific habits that separate succulent collections that thrive from collections that slowly fail.
Frequently asked
Why does my succulent keep dying?
The most common cause is overwatering combined with the wrong soil. Standard potting mix holds water for days; succulent roots need to dry out fully between waterings. Switch to a gritty mix and water roughly every 10-14 days indoors (less in winter). Most "I keep killing succulents" stories end when the substrate changes.
Can I use cactus soil for succulents?
Yes — most commercial "cactus and succulent" mixes are interchangeable for both. The key requirement is fast drainage. Look for substrates that are at least 50% mineral content (perlite, pumice, coarse sand) rather than peat-heavy mixes.
How often should I water indoor succulents?
Roughly every 10-14 days during active growth (spring/summer), every 3-4 weeks in winter. The reliable signal is the soil itself: it should be bone dry to the touch before you water again. When you do water, water deeply until it drains through.
Ready to repot?
Mineral-heavy, fast-draining mix designed for succulents and cacti.
Shop Molly's Succulent MixMore guides: Orchid Care · Soil & Substrate Basics · Flowers & Container Gardening · Propagation
