Succulents are popular houseplants that are easy to care for and bring interesting textures and colors to any space. With their unique shapes and fleshy leaves, it’s no wonder succulents have become so trendy. Many succulents are touted as “set it and forget it” plants that require little maintenance But even low-maintenance plants don’t live forever So how long do succulents live?
The lifespan of succulents varies widely depending on the type. Some succulents live just a few years, while others can survive for decades or even centuries. On average, most succulents live between 3-30 years. Here’s a breakdown of the lifespans of some popular succulents:
- Jade Plant: 20-100 years
- Aloe Vera: 10-20 years
- Christmas Cactus: 30+ years
- Hen and Chicks: 3-5 years
- Echeveria: 3-30 years
- Kalanchoe: 6-7 years
- Barrel Cactus: 50-100+ years
As you can see, lifespans range significantly between succulent species. And even within a species, factors like climate, soil, sun exposure, and care impact longevity. For any plant, growing conditions that closely match their natural habitat will support the longest life.
While we can’t stop the aging process there are ways to keep succulents thriving for as long as possible. Here are tips to extend your succulent’s lifespan
Prioritize Drainage
Proper drainage is critical for succulent health. Succulents store water in their leaves and stems, so soggy soil leads to rotting roots and certain death. Use a pot with drainage holes and make sure the potting mix is very fast draining. A cactus/succulent soil blend or a mix of 1 part soil, 1 part perlite works well. Adding a layer of gravel at the bottom improves drainage further.
Give Bright, Indirect Light
Succulents need ample sunlight to photosynthesize and grow properly. But direct sun can scorch leaves not adapted to handle the intensity. Place succulents near a bright window where they receive bright, indirect light. Rotate pots regularly so all sides get sun. Signs of insufficient light include elongated, weak growth.
Allow Dormancy
Most succulents cycle through dormancy periods where growth slows or stops. Preventing this natural dormancy inhibits flowering and shortens life. Let indoor succulents experience winter dormancy by providing cooler temps and reduced watering for a few months.
Water Deeply and Infrequently
Succulents should be watered thoroughly until it drains from the holes. Then allow the soil to fully dry before watering again. The “soak and dry” method supports healthy roots. Take care not to overwater, especially in winter.
Provide Gritty, Sandy Soil
Create an ideal succulent growing medium by adding sand, small gravel, or pumice to commercial cactus/succulent soil. This creates air pockets for drainage while still holding some moisture. Re-potting every 2-3 years in fresh soil also boosts vigor.
Fertilize Lightly in Growing Season
While succulents are low feeders, mild fertilizer in the growing season gives them an extra boost. Look for options made for cacti and succulents. Dilute to half strength and fertilize every 2-3 months during spring and summer.
Monitor for Pests
Mealybugs, spider mites, and other sap sucking insects can infest succulents and rapidly weaken them. Carefully inspect leaves and stems monthly and treat any pests immediately. Keep plants away from drafts or damp conditions that encourage pests.
Protect Outdoor Plants from Extreme Cold
Succulents grown outdoors in cold winter climates need protection. Mulch the ground around plants and cover them with fabric row cover or a cold frame to insulate from freezing temps. Avoid planting tender succulents outside if your winters get colder than the plant’s hardiness zone.
Propagate New Plants
Take stem or leaf cuttings from your succulents to propagate new “backup” plants, especially if you notice signs of aging. This allows you to continue growing the variety even after the original plant dies. Propagating is fun and ensures you always have extras!
Even with excellent care, succulents do eventually perish. But following these tips gives your plants the best shot at reaching their maximum lifespans. Get to know your succulent’s needs, be diligent about proper growing conditions, and propagate new plants periodically. Your succulent garden will keep thriving for many years to come!
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HOW LONG WILL YOUR SUCCULENTS LIVE? | HOW TO EXTEND YOUR SUCCULENT LIFESPAN
FAQ
How long do indoor succulents last?
How Long Do Succulents Live? It depends on the type, but many succulents are hardy plants that can live for decades—as long as you don’t overwater them.Jun 12, 2023
What happens when a succulent dies?
Can succulents come back to life after dying? Once a plant is truly dead, there’s no bringing it back to life. If portions of a dying succulent are still healthy—like leaves, rosettes, or stem tips—you can cut away those parts and propagate them into new plants. How often should you water succulents?
How often should you water a succulent?
Succulents generally need to be watered when the soil is dry to the touch, typically every 1-3 weeks, but this can vary based on several factors.
Can you cut off a piece of a succulent and replant?
How long do succulents live?
Some succulents don’t live long but grow offsets to replace themselves. A great example is Chicks and Hens. The main plant only lives around 3-4 years but sends out lots of offsets during its life. You may not even notice the main plant’s death because of how many offsets take its place. Monocarpic plants, like aeonium kiwi, die after flowering.
How do succulent plants reproduce?
Succulents like Sempervivums, Agave, and some Haworthia species reproduce through offshoots, or “pups.” If you let these pups grow and fill in the space where the original plant was, they can keep living long after their expected lifespan. Proper care can help these plants live even longer!
What happens if a succulent dies?
When a succulent dies, it can also feel like you’re the one who killed it– but succulents have life spans just like we do, and they are just as varied as any other plant or animal. It’s important to take care of your succulents and stay wary of their average lifespan to get the most out of these adorable plants each year.
How do you keep succulents alive?
It is best to follow a ‘Soak and Dry’ method for your succulents. Water the plant thoroughly until it flows out of the drainage holes. Let the soil dry out before the next shower. Do not overwater. Snip away the dry and yellow leaves to keep them alive for long.
Do succulents go dormant?
Succulents native to the Northern Hemisphere usually go dormant during the winter and grow in the spring and summer. On the other hand, native southern plants typically shut down when it’s hot outdoors in the summer. The right potting mix will help your succulents to thrive. Source: douneika
How do you know if a succulent is dormant?
To ensure your succulent is dormant and not dying, pay attention to its growing season and use the snap-scratch test to ensure it’s alright. Succulents tend to have varying lifespans depending on their type and environment. For example, a Senecio grown in cold areas only has a lifespan of about a year, while a barrel cactus can live over 100 years!