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Hello everyone, I’m fairly new to the world of succulents and, up… | The Cactus & Succulent Circle | Planta community

Tay Tay

Hello everyone, I’m fairly new to the world of succulents and, up until now, I haven’t gravitated toward them as much as other houseplants. However, I’d like to expand my collection and learn how to properly care for a few succulent varieties. I often find myself admiring them at local plant nurseries, but I’ve never been quite sure which ones are best for a beginner. For those with experience growing succulents, what species would you recommend as a good starting point? Any advice on care, common mistakes to avoid, or beginner friendly varieties would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

1 like 9 comments

9 comments

  1. BooksandPlants

    Jade plants and aloe veras are pretty good succulents for beginners. You do need to get a soil mix specific for succulents (it gets rid of water quicker). I would also suggest getting some terracotta pots as they also retain excess water.

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    • Kimmygail

      I also got aloe plants and had those for decades.

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  2. Franke Tanker 78541

    In my opinion all cacti and succulents are for begginers because they don’t need much water

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    • Kimmygail

      Yes but I’ve found over the years that some succulents need a little more water then regular prickly cactus but they also don’t like & don’t take the cold so you need to bring them inside if you live in an area that freezes

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  3. Phil

    I have many more succulents than tropicals. I like them so much more because of their uniqueness. For beginners, I would suggest haworthias, sansevieria, or gasterias. They require less light and are more forgiving with the watering. Shallow terracotta planters are the best for succulents. Echeveria are less forgiving. For soil I use Jacks Gritty Mix as a base and then add some regular houseplant soil to that. For the plants I mentioned, I would mix it about 50/50. I usually add other additives but this will get you started. Do not use Miracle brand succulent soil without amending it. You drench the plant after the soil is completely dry. Do not rely totally on a moisture meter because they are not accurate with high grit soil. Pics are haworthias, sansevieria, sansevieria display et al., and gasteraloes. It’s a huge variety available for you.

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    • Belle

      I have a ton more mother of millions if you’re interested in them now!!

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    • Buffy

      Phil: So geometrically perfect! What is the one in the white planter.. green and red leaves?

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    • Phil

      That is a gasteraloe flow that was exposed to a strong grow light and is sun stressed. Many pups. Better pic.

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  4. Kimmygail

    Hi. I have many succulent & cactus varieties. I’ve eventually grown a big collection in my yard, on the patio & in house. Mostly cuz I don’t always remember to go out to water plants so I e gone to more succulents & cactus which can be some neglected and survive well. The first one I got from my mom was a jade. She broke off hers & started a big one for me. I had it for decades but eventually had to grow newer ones cuz frost got it before I could bring it inside. Jade is great and very ur easy.

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