PetalPal
There are many kinds. Some (jade plant, kalanchoe, and their relatives) are toxic to cats and dogs. If you have pets, keep them out of reach.
Light
Plenty of light, 4 hours a day or more
Water
Bone-dry, then water through, about every 7-15 days
Temperature
10-28°C
Feed
Rarely needed
Do this when you get home
- Put it on the sunniest windowsill or balcony. In a dim room it will stretch (thin and leggy).
- When you first bring it home, don't water. Let it settle for a few days.
Day to day
- Water along the rim. Don't pour water into the crown. Water sitting on the leaves burns and rots them.
- In summer heat (above 30°C) many succulents rest. Give them shade, less water, and more air.
- Use a gritty, airy mix, and a pot with a drainage hole
Common questions
It's getting taller and thinner, and the color went green?
That's stretching, from not enough light. Move it somewhere sunnier. If it's already grown crooked, cut the top and root the cutting.
The leaves turned black, soft, and watery?
Too much water plus stuffy heat, and it rotted. Cut off the rotten part right away, let the wound dry, and pot it again. Hold back water.
How do I get those pretty colors?
Plenty of light, a big day-night temperature swing, and holding back water. Spring and fall are when they color up most easily.
