Have you ever thought about adding a cactus or succulent to your houseplant family but were overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices? You are not alone. There are thousands of species of succulents and cacti around the world. In fact, the Mammillaria genus of cactus has over 200 known species and the Echeveria genus over 150!
Many have been cultivated to be excellent, slow-growing houseplants that need little care. This guide only touches on a few of the many varieties available, but it’s a good place to start if you’re interested in learning more about these fascinating plants.
What is a succulent?
A plant is called a succulent if it has thick, fleshy tissues that have adapted to store water. Cacti, which are a type of succulent, mainly store water in their stems, while many other types of succulents store water in their leaves or roots. Did you know that succulents are are found on every continent except Antarctica? Most cacti, however, are native to the Americas.
How do I care for succulents & cacti?
The first thing to know about many (but not all) succulents and cacti is this: they want - no, they need - full sun in order to thrive. They are not going to be happy in a shady, dark corner. Another important tip: do not overwater them. Dry is better than wet and, once overwatered, they rarely make a full recovery. In fact, succulents appreciate being left alone much of the time, so if you’re a hands-off kind of a plant parent, they may be just what you’re looking for!
Some general care tips:
Use succulent and cactus soil, which is lighter and doesn’t hold onto too much water
Place them in full sun or the brightest indirect light you have (see exceptions below)
Water them sparingly (especially in winter!)
Feed them with a cactus fertilizer when they are actively growing (usually spring and summer)
Below, you will find a few of our favorite succulents and cacti, with specific care tips for each plant. Although some varieties like to be watered more often than others, always err on the side of underwatering, especially in winter. This list is most certainly not exhaustive - consider it more of a primer! :)
Agave & Aloe
Fun facts:
Agave and aloe are both members of the Asparagales order (the same order of asparagus and lilies!) Aloe is a genus of over 500 species of flowering succulent plants, some known for their healing properties. Agave is pollinated by the Mexican long-nosed bat, who feeds on the plant’s nectar using its long muzzle, much like a hummingbird does.
Quadricolor Agave
Agave univittata ‘Quadricolor’
Full sun
Water in spring and summer when the soil has begun to dry out (to about 1”). Let dry out thoroughly before watering in the fall and winter.
Feed regularly during the growing seasons
Aloe vera
Aloe barbadensis miller
Bright light; too much hot sun may scorch leaves
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
Fertilizing once a year is sufficient
Blue Elf Aloe
Aloe ‘Blue Elf’
Bright light; too much hot sun may scorch leaves
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
Fertilizing once a year is sufficient
Cactus
Fun facts:
Cacti have spines instead of leaves. In fact, the word "cactus" comes from the Ancient Greek κάκτος, meaning a spiny plant whose identity is not certain. You can drink the water from a cactus (a good thing to know if you’re ever lost in the desert).
Silver Torch Cactus
Cleistocactus strausii
Full Sun
Let the soil nearly dry out between waterings. Water more often in spring and summer, very rarely in fall and winter
Fertilize monthly during the growing seasons
Copper Lady