How to Care for Succulents Indoors

Keeping succulents alive inside your home can be a little challenging. But with the right approach, you can maintain a thriving indoor succulent collection with minimal stress.

While these little plants are adorable, not all succulents naturally thrive indoors. That said, growing them inside is entirely possible—and rewarding!

This guide will walk you through how to care for succulents indoors so they stay healthy and vibrant. For extra help, grab the free cheat sheet “Five Things Your Succulent Is Trying to Tell You”, which explains common signs your succulent gives and what they actually mean.

Begin with the Right Succulents

Not all succulents are well-suited for indoor life. Choosing varieties that prefer lower light conditions instead of full sun makes a huge difference in your success.

Brightly colored succulents, like red, orange, or purple types, usually struggle indoors because they need direct sunlight. Instead, start with naturally green succulents such as Haworthia or Gasteria, which tolerate indoor lighting better.

Provide Plenty of Light

Sunlight is often the hardest thing to replicate indoors. Outside, succulents thrive with about six hours of indirect sunlight each day.

Indoors, place your plants near windows with the most consistent light. If natural sunlight is limited, choose the brightest spot in your home or office. Supplementing with a grow light can also help during darker months.

Water Correctly: More Water, Less Often

Watering is one of the most common mistakes for indoor succulent growers. Succulents need more water than most people assume—but not constantly.

The key is the “soak and dry” method: water the soil thoroughly, let it dry completely, and then water again. Spritzing leaves occasionally isn’t enough for long-term health. Avoid daily watering, as this is the fastest way to kill your plants.

Watering schedules will vary depending on season, light levels, and humidity. Many succulents also have a dormant phase during cooler months, requiring less water.

Pro tip: only worry about shriveled leaves at the top of the plant. Lower leaves naturally die off as part of growth—this is normal.

Avoid Glass or Non-Draining Containers

Succulents don’t like sitting in waterlogged soil, so glass containers or terrariums without drainage holes are risky for long-term planting. Lack of airflow can also compromise root health.

If you must use a glass pot, be extra cautious with watering and follow specialized guidance for non-draining containers. Otherwise, stick with terra cotta or glazed ceramic pots with drainage holes—they help soil dry faster and maintain healthy roots.

Keep Pests in Check

When succulents are properly cared for—right soil, good drainage, adequate light, and airflow—bugs usually aren’t an issue.

If pests appear, the most common are fungus gnats, caused by overwatering, and mealybugs, tiny white insects that cling to leaves. Treat mealybugs with rubbing alcohol and pour alcohol on the soil to kill eggs. Maintaining healthy soil and watering practices will prevent most infestations.

Make It Enjoyable

Indoor succulents are forgiving and generally maintain their appearance for weeks, even for those new to plant care.

Remember: succulent gardening is meant to be relaxing and fun. Don’t stress if a leaf wilts or a plant needs adjustment—learning their signals is part of the process.

For a quick guide to some of the best succulents for indoor growth, check out the video provided in the original post.