Succulents cannot survive for long when grown in just rocks. They may survive for short periods, but will eventually die due to the abscence of nutrients and water. However, it’s possible to prolong the life of succulents growing in just soil by providing them adequate water, nutrients and light.

Provide Sunlight

Make sure the succulent is placed in a location where it receives plenty of sunlight. Succulents need around six hours of bright light each day to thrive.

Offer Water

Use a sprayer bottle to mist the plants with water regularly. If the leaves appear shriveled and/or wilted, it may indicate that the plant is in need of watering.

However, the condition should not be confused with overwatering. Since there are no drainage holes in a terrarium or a glass jar, it’s easy to overwater the plant. If the leaves appear soft and mushy, take it as an indication to adjust the watering frequency.

Give Nutrients

Succulents growing on just rocks do not have soil to absorb nutrients from, you’ll need to cover the requirements with fertilization; Add fertilizer diluted to ¼ strength in the water that you use to mist the succulents with.

Add Organic Material

Adding organic material provides a medium that the roots can attach to. Coir and spahgnum moss are organic materials that succulents prefer most. These materials will hold the plant in place and provide the support necessary for the roots to grow.

If you use sphagnum moss, you can mist less frequently. The moss stores moisture and allows the succulent roots to absorb it over a period of time. In fact, frequent watering may even be harmful to your succulent in this case.

The Ideal Growing Medium For Succulents

Succulents grow best in well-drained soil. Since they belong to arid regions, they’re adapted to growing in fast-draining sandy soil. Gardeners often improve the drainage of potting soil by mixing small rocks or gravel in it before planting succulents.

Rocks and pebbles help water flow out easily through the soil, which improves drainage. They also create small spaces within the soil layer to help improve aeration, giving more room for the roots to breathe.

Commercial succulent and cacti potting soils are best for growing succulents. These soil mixes are made from a combination of organic and inorganic materials that both improve drainage and nutrient composition of the growing medium.

Growing Succulents in Soil and Rocks

While succulents growing in rocks in glass jars and pots is a common arrangement seen in homes, it’s mostly an illusion. The succulents are not just growing in rocks. They are growing in a minimum amount of soil that will cover the roots and the soil is cleverly hidden by rocks to give the illusion that the succulents are growing in just rocks.

Different types of rocks can be used for the arrangement, but a smaller size will make it easier to hold the soil without making it visible through the glass.

Place a layer of rocks/pebbles or gravel on the bottom and sides of the glass jar. Then, place the succulent and cacti mix in the center. Plant the succulents on the soil, covering the roots with more soil if necessary.

Once the plant is in place, add more pebbles on top to cover the soil that’s visible from the top. You may need to use tweezers to place the pebbles since glass jars have narrow openings.

Once the arrangement is complete, it will look as if the succulents are planted in pebbles/rocks. However, in reality, there’s potting soil between the pebbles, and that is what’s holding the succulent’s roots.

There’s no one simple answer to how long succulents live since they are a diverse range of plant species; Different species have different lifespans.

Furthermore, their lifespan will also depend on the growing conditions and the level of care they receive. Depending on the variety, succulents can have lifespans of a few years to over a hundred years.

Growth Habits of Succulents

The lifespan of succulents also depends on how they grow. Succulents are typically slow-growers. Their slow growth rate is partly because of the less optimal conditions they usually live in, where water and nutrients are sparse. Mini succulents growing in small pots and terrariums will take at least a few years to grow to maturity.

Many succulent species also alternate between dormancy and growth with the changing seasons. During dormancy, the plant will grow even slower than its usual rate. However, with suitable conditions, like warm temperatures and bright light throughout the year, dormancy can be completely avoided.

Monocarpic Succulents

Some succulents do not have a long life, but are accustomed to survive through propagation. Monocarpic succulents, for example, die right after flowering. For this reason, it is often referred to as the “the bloom of death.”

Sempervivums, most Agave varieties and most Aeoniums are monocarpic plants. Even for the succulents that die after flowering, the life isn’t short. There are certain conditions that need to be met before these succulents can flower. Agave Americana, for instance, can live for 10 to 30 years before flowering.

Once you see blooms on a monocarpic succulent, there isn’t much that can be done to avoid death. However, they typically propagate well and give lots of pups, before blooming and dying. The pups will continue to live even once the mother plant is dead.

Average Lifespan of Common Succulents

Below is a list of the most common succulents along with their average lifespans and the conditions required to ensure their longevity.

Jade Plant

Also sometimes called the money plant, the scientific name of Jade plant is Crassula Ovata. They are a treasured houseplant since they’re easy to care for, propagate well and have a long lifespan. Furthermore, they are often associated with good luck, hence the name “money plant.” Jade plant can live for over 70 to 100 years, which is typically longer than the life of the owner themselves.

However, to ensure their longevity, Jade plant require optimal care. Direct sunlight for 4 hours or more everyday is ideal for the plant. Additionally, regular watering to ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, will also keep it healthy; Ensure the soil is well drained. If it is planted in a container, there should be enough drainage holes at the bottom to allow water to flow out easily without waterlogging the soil.

Temperatures between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit are best for Jade Plants. In colder climates, the plant will perform better when grown indoors. In an indoor environment, artificial lights can also be used to maintain adequate lighting and temperature levels.

Aloe Vera

Taking 3 to 4 years to mature, Aloe Vera can survive anywhere between 5 to 25 years and attain a height of about 2 feet; Giving it the right care can help it survive longer.

Though they are sun-loving plants and need at least a few hours of direct sunlight to grow optimally, too much sun isn’t good for them either. Exposure to direct sunlight for long hours can burn the leaves. Room temperature is ideal for the plant, though they’ll also tolerate cold temperatures.

Hens and Chicks

Hens and Chicks is the collective name given to a group of succulent plants because of the way they look; There is a mother plant with a wider base at the center, surrounded by smaller ones. Hens and Chicks include ground-hugging species of Sempervivum, including Sempervivum ‘Pekinese’, S. arachnoideum , and S. tectorum.

The average lifespan of Hens and Chicks is 3 to 4 years; However, this is the lifespan of a single plant. The mother plant – in the center – continues producing new “chicks” year after year.

Even once the main plant dies, the chicks continue living. The chicks mature to become the mother plant and start producing their own “chicks.” In this sense, the plant can survive indefinitely.

Like most other succulents, Hens and Chicks grow best in light and well-drained soil. Water each time the soil dries out. Since they reproduce frequently, they will need to be split up in additional containers as soon as the original pot becomes crowded. Make sure they get lots of sunlight, but avoid overexposure to sun for long hours as it may overheat them.

Living Stones

Native to South Africa, Living Stones (Lithops sp.) are intriguing succulent varieties because of their unusual appearance. They can be easily mistaken for split pebbles at first glance, hence the name. Living Stones grow slower than most other succulents and stay small. Their longer than usual lifespan is partly due to their slow development.

Typically, lithops can survive between 40 to 50 years, as long as they are given the right care. Though they are low maintenence plants and need very little watering, lithops won’t survive in low light. They need to be placed at a location with 4 to 5 hours of bright sunlight. They can also live in full sunlight, even if its gets hot.

Grow the plant in well-drained, sandy soil and water only when the soil dries out. Don’t water through the winters while the plant is dormant. A little bit of fertilizing during the growing season can also help it bloom once a year.

Christmas Cactus

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera sp.) is a favorite in homes because of the showy blooms it gives right around Christmas time. As compared to a single flower on many succulent varieties, Christmas cactus bears lots of flowers, in red, pink or white, depending on the variety.

When cared for, they can live for 30 years or longer, blooming each year throughout their lifespan. Grow them in a pot with drainage holes and well-drained soil. Water them regularly, but avoid overwatering all the same. Water the plant only once the soil surface feels dry to touch. Fertilize it with a diluted mix specialized for succulents every year to keep it healthy and to promote blooming.

How To Help Succulents Survive Longer

Though succulents are hardy plants and respond better to negligence than other plants, certain conditions can help maximize their lifespan.

Use the Right Container

Breathable containers, with drainage holes at the bottom are best for succulents. Typically, they do well in terracotta pots, though they might need to be watered more often since the soil dries out faster. The faster the soil dries out, the better it is for the plant.

Best Soil

Sandy, well-drained soil is best for succulents. The ideal choice is a cactus and succulent mix, available at garden centers, since it’s specifically formulated for succulent growth.

Avoid Crowding

Though succulents clustered densely in a small pot may be an attractive sight, it does not offer the ideal growing conditions for the plants. They need sufficient room for their roots to breathe.

When not given enough space around the root zone of each plant, the leaves start loosing their stored moisture, wrinkling as a result. Soon, the root cells start dying, eventually killing the plant.

Optimal Sunlight

Though most succulents appreciate bright light, overexposure to direct sunlight and hot temperatures is not good for them.

Different succulents have different sunlight requirements. It’s best to research the plant before choosing a spot to place it.

Typically, succulents with green or variegated leaves are most susceptible to sunburns. They should be placed next to a sunny window, with some shade during the hottest hours of the day. Succulents in red, grey, or blue colors, and those covered with spines can generally survive full sunlight and hot temperatures.

Little Water

Offer them just enough water to keep the soil moist, but not wet. Overwatering is the most common cause of premature death in succulents.

Succulents store water in their leaves, stems and roots, which is why they need less water as compared to other plants. However, depriving them of moisture isn’t good for their health either.

As an estimate, most succulents need a deep soaking every two weeks.

Fertilization

A well-balanced fertilizer, containing a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, offered once a year at the beginning of the growing season is enough to keep them nourished; Over-fertilization can also burn them.

There can be multiple possible problems that can cause these symptoms like:

• overwatering,
• underwatering,
• poor drainage,
• insufficient and/or excessive light,
• transplant shock, and
• various types of pests

Overwatering

Overwatering is one of the most common causes of leaves curling down. Overwatering causes the soil to be saturated with water such that there’s limited room for air between the soil particles.

The succulent roots are deprived of oxygen; Oxygen is required for the aerobic respiration of plant parts, including roots. Roots are unable to respire aerobically in waterlogged soils, eventually resulting in root rot.

Solution

If the problem is caught early, it is possible to reverse the symptoms with improvement in the watering schedule.

Start by reducing the watering frequency. Follow a consistent watering schedule that covers the plant’s requirements without saturating it.

The best approach is to water deeply each time until extra moisture drains out through the hole at the bottom of the pot. Allow the soil to entirely dry out before watering again.

The fastest way to relieve the symptoms of overwatering in succulents is to repot the plant in fresh soil and a new pot. Carefully trim roots that show signs of rotting before placing them in the new pot.

Once the plant is in its new home, follow your amended watering schedule to prevent the problem from reoccurring. Indoor succulent species are typically best watered every 14-21 days.

Underwatering

Similar to overwatering, underwatering is also a threat to succulents. Succulents are adapted to arid areas and their fleshy leaves, stems, and roots have specialized cells to store moisture.

During periods of prolonged drought, the plant consumes these stored moisture reserves until it can absorb water from the soil.

As the water stored in the fleshy leaves is used up over time, they sag and curl downwards. If the lack of water persists, the plant gradually uses up all of its stored water; Eventually, it wilts and dies.

Succulent leaves curling down due to underwatering is more common in summers when water evaporates faster. Succulents will need to be watered more frequently through the summers to prevent this problem.

Solution

Overwatering is easy to treat if caught in time. Offer the plant a deep watering and the leaves will soon regain their structure.

Follow a regular watering schedule, offering enough water each time that it drains out of the drainage holes. Allow the soil to completely dry before the next watering.

Inadequate Drainage

In some cases, succulents may still show signs of overwatering even if watered correctly. If the issue is not a result of a poor watering schedule, it might be due to incorrect drainage.

If the succulents are planted in a container with poor drainage or in heavy, poor-draining soil, water will pool around the roots each time the plant is watered.

Considering their natural habitat, i.e. semi-arid and arid regions, succulents are used to growing in dry, sandy soil. Growing them in heavy, slow-draining soil that retains water for a prolonged period will result in root rot.

Solution

Add drainage holes at the bottom of the pot or container if they are not present already. If the succulent is not growing in light soil with good drainage, you will need to repot it.

Garden soil or standard potting mix are not the best options for growing succulents. Grow them in a potting mix that is specifically formulated for cacti and succulents.

Cacti and succulent potting mixes are readily available in garden centers. These blends have the ideal structure and nutrient requirements.

Insufficient Light

Succulents are native to desert and semi-desert areas. This means that they’re adapted to growing in bright sunshine. Though they’ll grow well as a houseplant, exposure to bright light is the requirement for many varieties; Some species will also grow well in indirect sunlight. Together with leaves curling down, stunted growth is also a common symptom of insufficient lighting.

When succulents are growing outdoors in the garden, insufficient lighting is possible if they are shaded by surrounding plants, trees, or structures. Lighting is even more critical when growing plants indoors. If the succulents are not placed next to a sunny window, or the sunlight is shaded by curtains through most of the day, leaves may start curling down.

Solution

The obvious solution is to ensure optimal lighting. Place the pot near a sunny window, preferably a south-facing one. Make sure the plant receives at least 6 hours of bright sunlight each day.

Relocating it outdoors to a sunny location may also improve the condition in certain cases. However, abrupt changes in the environment can stress the plant. Expose the succulent to an increasing number of sunlight hours gradually over a course of a few days before relocating it to the new location permanently. The temperature conditions outdoors will also need to be considered when relocating.

Excessive Light

Too much sunlight can also cause the leaves on the succulents to curl down. Different succulent varieties have slightly different requirements. Growers need to find out the growing requirements for the particular variety they are growing before placing it in a designated location.

The problem is more common in newly planted succulents. Exposing them to direct sunlight scorches them. Other than succulent leaves curling down, browning of leaves and brown spots appearing on the leaves’ surface often suggest that the succulent is receiving more light than it appreciates.

Solution

Garden-grown succulents can benefit from some shade from the mid-day sun, especially during summers. If indoor-growing succulents are receiving excessive exposure to sunlight through the window, move them a little further away from the window or shade the sunlight partially with curtains.

If newly planted succulents are to be exposed to full sunlight, it should be done gradually. Increase 1 or 2 hours of sun exposure each day before the plant is ready to sit in full sunlight a week or so later.

Transplant Shock

Succulents are prone to transplant shock when moving them from their original containers, similar to most other plants. When you remove the plant from its original soil and pot and place it in a new environment, it will take some time to adjust to the new setting.

Often, if the plant is not looking its best for the fist couple of days after transplanting, their original vigor will be restored in a few weeks once it has adjusted in its new home.

Solution

Allow time to the plant to adjust to the new environment. Water lightly during this time to allow the mobility of nutrients and air around the roots. At the same time, make sure it receives enough moisture to settle in the new environment. Avoid fertilizing as it can stress the plant further.

Do not transplant on exceptionally hot days and make sure the new home is ready to be planted in before taking out the plant from its original container. Avoid leaving the plant roots exposed longer than necessary.

Pests

The most common pests that bother succulents are mealy bugs, root mealy bugs, spider mites, aphids and fungus gnats. They feed on the plant sap and infect them with toxins. The leaves become wrinkled and bend as a result.

Solution

As soon as pests are noticed on a plant, isolate it so the pests are not transferred to the surrounding plants. A strong jet of water can knock them off the plant. Neem oil spray, at least once a week, is also effective in getting rid of bugs. Alternatively, you can spray a mixture of alcohol and soapy water to drive away the pests. Let the soap and alcohol sit on the leaves for a few hours before washing it away with clean water.