I killed my succulents with kindness

March 6, 2022 · 1 min read

My first three succulents died in the same winter. I watered them every week, because that is what I did for my other plants.

Succulents store water in their leaves. In winter they grow very slowly and use almost no water. Wet soil and cold temperatures together cause root rot. The leaves turn soft and transparent, and then the stem turns black at the base.

Now I follow three rules:

1. Water only when the soil is completely dry. I check with a wooden chopstick. If it comes out clean, the soil is dry.
2. In winter, water about once a month, or less.
3. Use a pot with a drainage hole and a gritty mix. I mix cactus soil with perlite, about half and half.

The succulents on my windowsill now are four years old.