Can You Keep Succulents Indoors as Houseplants?

We have seen a rise in the popularity of succulents, especially during the current pandemic. There is a good reason for this, since succulents come in thousands of varieties and colors, making it a perfect plant for beginners and experts alike. Many of us stuck in lockdown obtained hobbies, one of which is gardening. During the lockdown, some of us might have asked the question, “Can you keep succulents indoors?” In this article, we will be discussing exactly that and various tips and tricks for caring for succulents as houseplants. Read more to know can succulents be grown indoors.

 

Can you Keep Succulents Indoors?

Many of us who tried out gardening have asked ourselves at least once can succulents be grown indoors. The reason maybe is because we’re scared that if we kept our succulents indoors. They wouldn’t be able to get the needed sunlight for them to survive. The good thing is, it is indeed possible to grow and have a thriving succulent as a houseplant. However, caring for succulents as houseplants do need a bit of extra time and effort. But never fear, with the right tips and tricks that I will be sharing with you, tending for your succulents will become a breeze.

Here are some of the tips and tricks that I have learned throughout my years in gardening that will surely make it easier for you to grow your succulents indoors.

 

• Assess Your Home

The very first tip that I could suggest to anyone is this. Before you proceed on buying a succulent as a houseplant, you should first consider your home and where you will be placing your plants. Most succulents love sunlight, and if you cannot provide enough sunlight. It would be difficult for you to grow your succulents indoors. 

 

• Choose the Right Succulent for You

Now that you have finally assessed your living space and planned out where you will place your succulents, it is now time to choose the right kind of succulent plant for you. Although mentioned earlier that most succulents love the sunlight, that does not mean caring for succulents as houseplants would be impossible. People who do not have a sunny spot for their succulents can still care for succulents indoors. 

There are still some succulents that do not require a lot of sunlight. I have listed below some of my suggestions if you want to have succulents indoors but do not have any space with a lot of sunlight.

 

Some Succulents that Do not Require Much Sunlight:

 

• Snake Plants

  – mother’s tongue, or dracaena trifasciata. Is one of the succulents that does not require much sunlight. The snake plant got its name for its dark green leaves that grow upward, like a snake. It is a highly adaptable plant which makes it easy to grow indoors. It requires less maintenance since it only requires water once a month, and it can also cleanse the air.

 

 

 

• Aloe Vera

  – taking care of an aloe vera plant has a lot of excellent benefits. Not only is an aloe vera plant perfect for treating sunburns, but it is also nature’s natural moisturizer. Another benefit of caring for an aloe vera plant is that it is easy to maintain since it requires infrequent watering and does not need much sunlight. It is perfect for busy parents who want to have a bit of nature’s touch in their home without too much maintenance. 

 

 

 

• Jade Plant – the money tree or lucky tree. The jade plant is one of the most popular choices for a houseplant worldwide. Often associated as a symbol of good luck and prosperity, the jade plant has tiny trunks and rounded leaves, making it look like a bit of a tree. Perfect for any climate, the jade plant is easy to care for and only requires water when the topsoil is dry to the touch.

 

 

 

• Chain Cactus – mistletoe cactus, or Rhipsalis Baccifera. Is a tropical plant native from Central America that can also be found in abundance in Florida. The chain cactus has thin stems that can grow very long, up to 6ft. and is a perfect indoor plant since it requires little to no sunlight and adds a nice touch to anyone’s home. Now, who said caring for succulents as houseplants is hard for people with little to no sunlight spaces?

 

• Ensure that your Succulents have Enough Sunlight

A perfect spot for succulents indoors would be near a window or anywhere that sunlight can pass through. As mentioned earlier, most succulents require sunlight exposure. Succulents require at least 6 hours per day of sunlight; that is why placing them near a window is perfect.

 

• Rotate your Succulents 

A crucial part of caring for succulents as houseplants is that succulents. Need to be rotated frequently for all parts to be equally given sunlight. The recommended rotation would be a quarter turn each time you water your plant to ensure that your Succulent has enough sunlight on all sides.

 

• Choose the Right Soil

When taking care of succulents, choosing the right type of soil to make your plant thrive is essential. Regular potting soil won’t do. Choose cactus soil or mix your regular potting soil with perlite, sand, or pumice to create your very own cactus mix. 

 

• Choose a Pot with a Drainage Hole

Choosing a pot with a drainage hole is critical when caring for succulents because succulents do not thrive well in wet soil. That is why choosing a pot that has a drainage hole like a terracotta pot is perfect for beginners. Since it has a drainage hole and the vessels dry quickly. 

 

• Water the soil, not the Plant

One mistake anyone might face when caring for succulents is watering the plant itself and not the soil. Water the soil until the water runs out of the drainage holes to ensure that your plant has sufficient water. Avoid using a spray bottle when watering your succulents because this can cause molds on your leaves and brittle roots. 

 

• Clean your Succulents when Needed

Although it is harder for succulents to get dirty when indoors, it is still possible. An easy way to take care of your succulents is to use a paintbrush. And use a mild horticultural soap mixed with water not to damage your succulents. 

 

• Remove Bugs

Bugs in succulents might not happen a lot for indoor plants, but it is also vital that you know how to fix that when it happens. Prevention is better than cure in all life cases. That is why it is essential first to know the causes for bugs appearing in our succulents. The two leading causes for bugs in succulents are overwatering and overfertilizing.

To remove bugs when this happens, two of the most popular methods are hosing your plants down. Which can physically remove those pesky bugs from your succulent plants. Or by applying neem oil. When using neem oil to remove bugs, please read the instructions carefully since most neem oils sold in the market need to be diluted. Also, remember that using neem oil may cause some burning in your plant when you place your plant in direct sunlight. That is why my recommendation would be for you to apply neem oil at night to avoid any sunburn issues. 

Another tip to remember is that when treating your succulents, it is best to quarantine the one infected to avoid other plants from getting bugs. 

 

• Use Fertilizer 

Succulents do not need that much fertilizer, but if you choose to give your plants extra love, the best time to do this would be during the springtime. Using fertilizer is beneficial in spring because this is the beginning of the growing season for most succulents. Which helps succulents gain an extra boost of nutrients necessary for proper growth and development.

Discover everything you need to know about Lemon Button Fern Care Ultimate Guide! From watering and soil requirements to light and temperature needs, this comprehensive resource will help you keep your Lemon Button Fern thriving and beautiful. Don’t miss out. Start reading now!

 

Succulents make great houseplants!

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After reading the article, we now know to answer the question of, “Can you keep Succulents indoors” with a resounding yes. Although caring for succulents as houseplants might involve a few more steps compared to outdoor plants, nothing beats the joy of caring for a plant and watching it thrive.

Discover everything you need to know about caring for your Lemon Button Fern Care Ultimate Guide. From watering and lighting to soil and fertilization, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks to ensure your fern thrives and stays healthy.

 

 

 

Read More:

 

 

Succulent House Plants – Not All Are Cactus!

 

 

Cactus (wikipedia)