Growing Succulents Indoors

Not all succulents are suited for indoor growing. In fact, there are some that won’t survive well indoors at all. However, there are plenty of succulents that will grow well indoors, and even more that will tolerate it. Here are some attributes to look for when selecting a succulent to grow indoors.

Tolerant Of Low Light

Many succulents require full sun. When you’re shopping for your indoor succulent garden, be sure to choose succulents that require partial or full shade. You may even find some that prefer low light. Succulents that require full sun may grow indoors, but often they’ll lose their color, shape, or both very quickly. Succulents that require shade will do quite well indoors and maintain their original form.

Examples: Sansevieria trifasciata, Haworthia retusa

Slow Growing

It is hard to know whether a succulent grows quickly or slowly just by looking at it, but with the help of the internet you should be able to find out pretty easily. The problem with keeping fast-growing succulents indoors is they tend to need more light. Without enough light they grow long and leggy. Slower-growing succulents are more likely to maintain their form. Cacti are a great example of slow-growing succulents. Often they’ll prefer full sun, but because they grow slowly, they won’t mind a little less light.

Examples: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, Mammillaria rhodantha

Naturally Green

Succulents that have bright colors such as red or orange will often revert to green when grown indoors. Generally, succulents that are already green in color will thrive much better in lower-light settings. Plus, they won’t change colors due to lack of sunlight.

Examples: Rhipsalis cereuscula, Haworthia fasciata

Branchy Or Trailing

A succulent that naturally forms branches or grows upward is a great selection for growing indoors. Since they are already growing up, they are less likely to show signs of stretching for light. Trailing succulents also tend to do well indoors as they are also less compact. These succulents also add variety to an arrangement that may have lower-growing or compact succulents.

Examples: Crassula ovata, Senecio rowleyanus

If you’re just starting out with succulents indoors, look for the succulents listed as examples here. They are easy to take care of and will thrive indoors. As you become more experienced with succulents or if you have a very bright room, you can begin to add others to your collection that may require more sunlight.