If you want to get started curating a garden, but only have indoor space, succulents are a great way to start out. Succulents have several benefits including purifying the air, having affordable maintenance, and adding color and greenery to any space. It may seem intimidating to keep up with a seemingly fragile plant, but here are four tips on how to care for succulents.

Know What You're Growing

When you get a new succulent, be sure to read its plant tag so you know exactly what you have. These tags often have the name and the succulent's specific care instructions to ensure the longevity of the plant. Explore different succulent types to see which grows best in your environment.

Planter Requirements

When you take a succulent home, take them out of the plastic planter they come in to repot them and encourage propagation. The best pots for succulents are from terracotta or ceramic because both materials are breathable and encourage proper water drainage and air circulation. Succulent roots are shallow, so it's important to plant them in a shallow pot so that they grow.

Water Requirements

You should only water a succulent if the soil is completely dry. Water is stored in their leaves, so plants with thicker leaves need water less often. Use a watering can or insert a gardening globe to thoroughly soak the soil and avoid watering until the soil is completely dry again.

Light & Temperature Requirements

Succulents love light and need about six hours of sun per day. Newly planted succulents can scorch in direct sunlight, so you may need to gradually introduce them to full sun exposure or provide light shade with a sheer curtain. If your space doesn't get as much natural light, you can also facilitate growth with an indoor grow light.

Grow lights can also be used as an additional heat source. Although succulents prefer a dry environment, most survive in high humidity. Do your best to position your grow light 6" to 12" from your plants and alternate between on and off every 12 hours.

With a little dedicated care, you can make these little plants flourish. Once you feel like you know how to care for succulents, you can branch out to other areas of gardening.