How to Grow Succulents (Various)

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Succulents (Various)

Multiple families (Crassulaceae, Aizoaceae, Euphorbiaceae, etc.)

succulent

Succulents are a diverse group of plants with fleshy leaves and stems that store water, allowing them to thrive in dry conditions. They encompass numerous genera and species including echeveria, jade plants, aloe, sempervivum, and sedums. These low-maintenance plants are prized for their unique forms, colors, and architectural appeal in gardens and containers.

Looking for a specific variety?

Aloe vera Jade plant Echeveria elegans Sempervivum tectorum Sedum acre Aeonium arboreum Crassula ovata Haworthia fasciata Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Graptosedum 'California Sunset'

When should you plant Succulents (Various) in your zone?

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Example Succulents (Various) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Succulents (Various)
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Succulents (Various)
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Succulents (Various) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily. Most succulents need bright light; some shade-tolerant varieties can handle 3-4 hours of indirect light.

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Water: Water deeply but infrequently. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings (every 2-3 weeks in growing season). Reduce watering in winter to every 4-6 weeks. Overwatering is the primary cause of failure.

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Spacing: 6-12 inches depending on mature size and variety inches

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Days to maturity: Varies widely; most reach decorative maturity in 1-2 years, flowering in 2-5 years depending on species

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; shallow planting for rosette types

Soil

Type: Well-draining, sandy or gritty cactus/succulent potting mix

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Perlite or pumice (30-40% of mix) Coarse sand Compost (minimal, 10-20%) Avoid heavy mulches

Growing Zones

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Varies by type; hardy sedums and sempervivum thrive in zones 3-9, while tender succulents (echeveria, jade, aloe) prefer zones 9-11. Many tender varieties grow as annuals or container plants in cooler zones.

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Recently planted or propagated succulents with minimal root development and compact foliage

Water lightly after planting; wait 3-5 days before first watering to prevent rot. Avoid fertilizing for 4-6 weeks.

Vegetative Growth

4-12 months

Plant develops roots and foliage, forming characteristic shapes and colors. Rosettes expand and produce new leaves.

Water when soil is completely dry. Provide 6+ hours of bright light. Fertilize sparingly (diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer once monthly during growing season).

Dormancy/Rest

2-4 months

Many succulents slow growth during winter or extreme heat; foliage may become more vivid or change color

Reduce watering significantly; may need water only once monthly or less. Maintain cool temperatures (50-60°F if possible). No fertilizing.

Flowering

2-8 weeks

Tall flower stalks (inflorescences) emerge, bearing small flowers in clusters; colors vary by type

Maintain consistent (but minimal) watering. Do not fertilize or disturb flowering stalks. Some plants die after flowering (monocarpic); others re-flower annually.

Propagation/Renewal

4-12 weeks to establish roots

After flowering or naturally, plants may produce offsets/pups or can be propagated from leaves or cuttings

Allow leaf/stem cuttings to callus (dry) for 3-7 days before placing on moist soil. Root development takes 2-4 weeks. Minimal watering during rooting.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Echeveria Jade plant Aloe vera Sempervivum Sedum Crassula Aeonium Haworthia Graptosedum Kalanchoe Begonia maculata (in containers) Ornamental grasses (drought-tolerant varieties)

Avoid planting near:

Water-loving plants (hostas, ferns, begonias requiring high moisture) Plants needing frequent watering (impatiens, hydrangeas) Heavy mulch-dependent plants

Common Pests

Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate infected plants. Remove with isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab for light infestations.
Scrape off manually; spray with horticultural oil or neem oil. Repeat every 7-10 days as needed.
Increase humidity slightly; spray with water or neem oil. Ensure good air circulation.
Improve drainage; repot in fresh, dry soil. Reduce watering frequency. Remove any blackened/mushy roots.
Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if severe.

Uses

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Container & Ornamental Gardening

Household

Succulents are ideal for container gardens, living walls, rock gardens, and as accent plants in landscapes. Their drought tolerance and varied forms (rosettes, trailing, architectural) make them versatile design elements. [source]

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Skin Care & Healing

Medicinal

Aloe vera and certain succulents contain polysaccharides and anthraquinones with soothing, healing properties. Commonly used in gels and creams for sunburns, minor wounds, and skin irritation. [source]

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Edible Succulents

Culinary

Some succulents like Sedum and purslane are edible, offering a mildly tart, juicy flavor. Used in salads, as garnishes, or cooked in traditional cuisines. [source]

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Terrarium & Living Art

Craft

Succulents are popular for creating miniature terrariums, fairy gardens, and living decorative pieces due to their slow growth and low maintenance requirements. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Flowering succulents such as sedums and echeveria attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting pollinator populations in arid and semi-arid landscapes. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Succulents are primarily grown for ornamental appeal rather than harvest. However, edible varieties (aloe vera, certain sedums) can be harvested for medicinal or culinary use by removing mature outer leaves at the base. Propagate by leaf or stem cuttings year-round; allow cuttings to callus before rooting. Collect offsets/pups when they develop roots.

Fun Facts

🌱 Succulents can survive months without water by storing moisture in their leaves and stems through a process called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), which allows them to open pores at night rather than during the hot day.
🌱 Many succulent varieties can be propagated from a single leaf—simply place a healthy leaf on moist soil and it will develop roots and eventually a new plant without the parent plant being attached.
🌱 Some succulents change color dramatically based on light exposure and temperature; cool conditions and bright light intensify reds, pinks, purples, and oranges in varieties like Echeveria 'Imbricata' and certain sedums.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Full Sun

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