Succulents have quickly become some of the most popular houseplants. With their striking shapes, colors, and textures, these resilient plants are as stylish as they are easy to care for. Whether you’re a beginner gardener looking for your first houseplant or an experienced grower adding variety to your collection, learning how to care for succulents will help you enjoy these plants for years to come. 

In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of succulent care, introduce you to five easy indoor varieties, and share simple tips on how to take care of succulents at home. 

Why Succulent Care is So Simple 

Succulents are unique because they store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, making them incredibly drought-tolerant. Unlike other houseplants, they don’t mind a bit of neglect, making them perfect for busy households or new plant parents. 

These plants thrive in the same conditions most homes provide (warm air and moderate humidity), and they don’t require frequent watering. With hundreds of varieties in shades of green, purple, red, and even blue, there’s a succulent for every style and space. 

Fun fact: All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. The difference? Cacti always have external spines and never have leaves, while many other succulents have fleshy leaves in unique shapes and colors. 

5 Easy Succulents to Grow Indoors 

If you’re just starting your succulent journey, here are five beginner-friendly varieties that are easy to care for: 

1. Aloe (Aloe vera) 

This plant grows as a cluster of long, slender, bright-green leaves on a short stem.  Those leaves have prickly spines that can scratch you if you don’t handle the plant carefully. Over time, aloe vera produces more clusters of leaves called offsets that can form a colony large enough to fill the whole container. Inside the inner leaves is a sticky sap that’s been used for centuries to soothe wounds and burns. 

2. Echeveria (Echeveria sp.) 

A native of dry climates in the Southwest U.S. and Central America, Echeveria grows in a compact rosette shape that makes it look like a low-growing flower. The plump leaves come in a wide range of green hues from bluish to emerald to lime, with red, burgundy, and purple highlights. The plump leaves come to a point on some varieties, while others are rounded.   

3. Jade plant (Crassula ovata) 

Many people are familiar with this class houseplant with stocky, branched stems and thick, glossy green leaves sometimes tinged with red around the edges. Jade plants can reach several feet tall in their native South Africa, but indoors they typically top out at about a foot high. It can become top heavy, so it's best to plant them in a sturdy terra cotta or ceramic pot. 

4. Panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) 

Among the large and diverse genus of Kalanchoe, Panda plant sticks out for its soft grayish green, oval-shaped leaves with reddish-brown tips. The leaves have tiny silvery hairs that give them a fuzzy texture. Like many succulents, Panda plant is very slow-growing, but can eventually reach 2 feet tall indoors. 

5. Zebra plant (Haworthiopsis attenuata) 

The horizontal stripes on the spiky leaves are the reason for this succulent’s common name. It typically grows only about 5 inches tall and about 6 inches wide, so it’s a good choice for including in pots of mixed succulents or for terrariums. It fares well with modest amounts of bright light, less than most other common types of succulents. 

Buying Tips for Succulents 

Succulents are everywhere, at garden centers, nurseries, supermarkets, and big box stores. But not all sources are equal. Here’s how to choose wisely: 

Best sources: 

• Local growers’ groups (best option—plants are healthy, and you’ll get expert advice) 
• Philadelphia Cactus and Succulent Society 
• Propagations from a friend or fellow gardener 
• Trusted nurseries or independent garden centers 

What to look for: 

• Dry soil (never soggy) 
• A pot with drainage holes 
• Full, plump leaves (not wrinkled or drooping) 

Succulent Success Checklist 

Want your succulents to thrive? Use this quick care guide: 

• Place in bright, indirect light (avoid harsh direct sun indoors) 
• Rotate pots weekly for even growth 
• Wipe dust off leaves monthly 
• Choose terra cotta pots for best drainage 
• Use a succulent/cactus soil mix with sand or perlite 
• Water more in summer, less in winter 
• Always water soil directly, never mist leaves 
• Propagate by snipping offsets and replanting 

Succulent Care Tips for Beginners 

Light 

Succulents love bright, indirect light. South-facing windows are ideal, but avoid placing plants directly against cold glass in winter. Aim for about six hours of sunlight each day. 

Watering 

Overwatering is the most common mistake with succulents. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry and pour water directly into the soil, not on the leaves. In winter, reduce watering as plants grow more slowly. 

Containers & Soil 

Always use pots with drainage holes, ideally terra cotta, which dries faster than plastic. Choose a succulent and cactus potting mix that contains sand, perlite, or pumice to prevent soggy roots. 

Maintenance 

• Repot only when your plant outgrows its container. 
• Skip fertilizer unless a specific variety requires it. 
• Keep leaves clean by gently wiping away dust. 

Outdoor Time 

Succulents love fresh air and sunshine. Move them outside once nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60°F but protect them from heavy rain. Bring them back indoors before fall chills arrive. 

Succulent FAQs 

Are succulents the same as cacti? 
Not exactly! All cacti are succulents because they store water, but only cacti have external spines and no leaves. 

Do succulents need fertilizer? 
Most don’t. Succulents are adapted to nutrient-poor soils. Only feed if an experienced grower recommends it for your specific variety. 

How often should I water succulents? 
It depends on the season. In spring and summer, water when the top inch of soil is dry. In fall and winter, water much less often. 

Final Thoughts 

Succulents are a perfect entry point for beginner houseplant growers and a creative way to add color and texture to your indoor garden. With the right light, soil, and watering routine, your succulents will thrive for years to come.