Tuesday Tips: Growing Succulents Indoors Without the Drama

Because even desert queens need the right throne.

Author

John Harrison
July 22, 2025

Let’s face it—succulents come with a rep: “easy,” “low-maintenance,” “the perfect starter plant.” And while that might be true outside, indoors is a different story. When your jade’s reaching like it’s auditioning for Cirque du Soleil or your echeveria melts into mush, it’s not you—it’s the setup.

Succulents are sun-chasing, drought-loving drama queens in disguise. They don’t need much, but what they do need, they’re very particular about.

This Tuesday, we’re breaking down how to grow these sculptural beauties without the sighs, streeeetches, and sudden rot.

The #1 Mistake: Too Much Love

It’s the classic plant parent trap—watering on a schedule, misting for “humidity,” popping them into fancy planters without drainage.

Succulents don’t do well with pampering. They want tough love. Think: “You’ll be fine for two weeks, babe” energy.

Here’s the deal:

  • Succulents store water in their leaves. Overwatering doesn’t hydrate—it drowns.

  • Treat them like the hardy, heat-loving plants they are. Let them fully dry out before watering again.

Pro Tip:
If you’re unsure whether to water… don’t. Wait another few days.

Let There Be Light (The Right Kind)

Succulents crave bright, direct light. Think southern windows, unobstructed beams, the kind of light that makes you squint.

Trouble signs?

  • Long, stretched-out stems = not enough light

  • Was once purple, now pale green? Yep. Light stress again.

Solutions:

  • Best bet? A south-facing windowsill.

  • No good windows? Go artificial. A full-spectrum grow light (12–14 hours a day) will keep your plant compact, colourful, and thriving.

Pro Tip:
Rotate your plant weekly to keep it growing evenly and avoid the “leaning tower of Aloe” look.

Drainage Holes: Non-Negotiable

If you’re fan-free or just love a more natural vibe, don’t worry—you’ve got options:

  • Crack a Window
    Even just a half-inch makes a difference. Bonus: it helps regulate temperature and freshens up the room.

  • Cross-Breezes FTW
    Open windows or doors on opposite ends of a room to create a soft cross-draft. Your plants (and your air quality) will thank you.

  • Rotate Your Plants
    It’s not just about even light—it also helps expose all sides to airflow, reducing risk of hidden rot or mold on the backside of leaves.

The Foolproof Watering Trick

Forget weekly schedules. Succulents don’t follow calendars—they follow conditions.

Here’s the method:

  1. Stick your finger an inch into the soil.

  2. If it feels bone dry, wait one more day.

  3. Then water deeply—until it drains out the bottom.

Let the soil dry out completely again before the next watering. This mimics their native environment and keeps root rot at bay.

Succulents Need Space (Literally and Figuratively)

Don’t crowd them. Give each plant some personal space and air flow.

Grouped too tightly?

  • Moisture lingers.

  • Air doesn’t circulate.

  • Mold and pests find a way in.

Your succulent doesn’t want to cuddle—it wants breathing room and a solid view of the sun.

Pro Tip: Airflow for Propagation & Recovery

Leave at least an inch of space between each succulent—more for larger varieties. Think of it like social distancing for plants: better airflow, less drama. If you're styling a shallow bowl or dish garden, use cactus soil and elevate the arrangement where light and air can reach every angle. Bonus: open spacing makes cleaning up fallen leaves (aka pest bait) way easier.

Final Thought: Space, Sun, and Sassy Survival

Succulents aren’t high-maintenance—they’re just specific. Give them space. Give them light. Give them time.

And in return? You get a parade of jade, lavender, coral, mint, blush, and sage green that looks like a miniature desert dreamscape.

Next time your succulent throws a tantrum (or a leaf), ask yourself: Am I loving too hard—or just not quite right?

Because these plants will thrive indoors… as long as you respect their roots.

Want More Tuesday Tips with Zero Drama?

Share your sunniest shelf, glow-up before-and-afters, or “I finally stopped overwatering” moments with us @PlantMyPlants using #TuesdayTips.

Let’s keep the care smart, the soil gritty, and the succulents selfie-ready.

Be like a cactus—stay strong, stay sharp, and thrive in the sun.

— Unknown

See you next Tuesday, plant fam.
Until next week, plant fam—
Stay spiky, stay sunny, and as always: stay rooted.

-The PlantmyPlants Team
Instagram @PlantMyPlants | Facebook

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