The Simple Joy of Growing Succulents in Pots

My First Mistakes with Succulents

Now let me be honest, even though they are easy plants, I still managed to make mistake. Big mistake actually. I used to water them like normal plants. Everyday splash splash splash. And what happen? The leaves started turning yellow, mushy, some even fall off. I thought, oh no maybe they are dying.

Later I learnt the golden rule: succulents hate too much water. They like soil that drains fast, and water only when soil is fully dry. In short, “less love is more love” for succulents.

Another mistake, I once kept them in a dark corner inside my room. I thought they are tough, they will manage. But their leaves stretched out, became thin and pale, searching for sunlight. That’s called etiolation, fancy word but basically means plant is begging for light. From that day, I promised to give them good sunshine.

Looking at the Picture – What We See

In the photo, the succulents look freshly watered. You can see drops shining on the leaves like morning dew. The leaves are thick, some with soft green, others with little brownish tone. New baby shoots are peeping out, so cute, like little kids standing next to parents.

The pots are mixed – red, blue, black plastic ones. This shows another beauty of succulent gardening: they don’t need fancy pots. Even a recycled container works fine, as long as there is drainage hole.

At the back you see other plants too, but these succulents in front steal all the attention. They look calm, peaceful, like they are saying, “Don’t worry, life is simple, just take it slow.”

Why Succulents Fit Urban Life

City life is messy. Apartments, rooftops, small balconies. Not everyone has a big garden. Succulents are perfect because:

They don’t need big space.

Small pots are enough.

They grow slowly, so less trimming headache.

They match with modern home décor, even offices.

I sometimes keep one small succulent on my work desk. On stressful days, just looking at it makes me smile. It’s like plant therapy without too much work.

How to Care for Succulents in Pots

Let me share the simple steps I follow, learned through many mistakes:

Soil Mix
Normal garden soil is heavy, holds water too long. Succulents hate wet feet. I mix sand, small stones, cocopeat, and little compost. That makes soil light and quick to dry.

Watering
Rule is simple: water deeply but rarely. When soil is completely dry, then water until it drains out bottom. Then leave it alone. Sometimes I water once in 7–10 days, depending on weather.

Sunlight
Succulents love bright light. Rooftop sun is good, but too strong afternoon heat can burn leaves. So I keep them where they get morning sun, soft and gentle.

Pot Choice
Clay pots are best because they breathe. But plastic pots also fine if there is hole below. Never use pots without drainage, unless you want to drown them.

Propagation
Best part, succulents make babies! You can cut a leaf, let it dry few days, put on soil, and new plant grows. For me, that feels like miracle of nature.

Fertilizer
They don’t need much food. Once in two months, I give mild liquid fertilizer or compost tea. Too much fertilizer makes them grow weak.

Emotional Bond with Succulents

Sounds funny but I really talk to my plants. Specially succulents, because they look like they listening. Each new baby shoot feels like new member of family. Sometimes when leaf fall off, I don’t throw. I put it gently on soil, hoping it will root. And when it does, I feel like proud parent.

Gardening is not only about plants, it is about us too. Succulents taught me patience. They grow slow, so you learn to wait. They forgive you when you forget water. They remind you that less can be enough.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with care, problems come:

Leaves falling easily: Overwatering. Solution: water less, check drainage.

Leaves stretching tall and thin: Not enough light. Solution: give more sun.

White powder or tiny bugs: Mealybugs. Solution: wipe with cotton + alcohol or spray neem oil.

Burnt leaves: Too much harsh sun. Solution: shift to softer morning light.

Every mistake teaches me something new.

Why Everyone Should Try Succulent Gardening

You don’t need big investment. One or two plants enough to start. Slowly they multiply. Soon your table, balcony, rooftop will have small green army. And they never make you feel guilty if you forget.

They are perfect for kids, for old parents, for busy workers. They are like friends who don’t demand, but always give joy.

Conclusion: Small Pots, Big Happiness

Looking at the image again, I feel proud. From one or two tiny succulents, now I have so many. They sit in their pots like little jewels, shining after rain.

Succulent gardening is not just hobby, it is therapy, it is art, it is love. If you have small corner free, don’t waste it. Place a pot, add soil, get a succulent. Water less, love more. And see how life becomes calmer, slower, more beautiful.

Because sometimes, happiness really do come in small pots.