What is a succulent?
A succulent is any plant that stores water in thick, fleshy tissue: its leaves, stems, or roots. It’s a survival strategy, not a single family of plants. Thousands of species across dozens of plant families have developed it independently, usually in places where rain is rare or unreliable.
That’s why an aloe, a jade plant, and a cactus can all be “succulents” while being only distant relatives.
Are cacti succulents?
Yes. All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Cacti are one particular family (Cactaceae). You can recognize them by areoles — small, cushion-like spots that spines, flowers, and new stems grow from. The cacti guide covers how their care differs.
The five golden rules
- Give them more light than you think. Most succulents want several hours of direct sun. A dim corner is the number one reason for stretched, pale plants. Light guide
- Soak, then let them dry. Water deeply until it runs out the bottom, then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. Watering guide
- Use gritty soil and a pot with a hole. Water must be able to drain away fast. No drainage hole means trouble. Soil and pots guide
- Water less in winter. Most succulents slow down when days are short and cool, and they drink much less. Seasons guide
- Watch the leaves. They tell you what’s happening: wrinkly means thirsty, mushy means too wet, and stretched means too dark. Plant doctor
The “killed with kindness” trap
Succulents evolved to wait out droughts. A few weeks without water barely bothers them. Constantly damp soil, though, suffocates their roots and invites rot. The most caring thing you can do is often to leave them alone.
If you remember one thing: when in doubt, don’t water. Check again in a few days.
Getting your first plant
Pick a plant that suits the light you have, and check it over before you buy. The buying guide shows what a healthy plant looks like, which pests to look for, and how to settle it in at home.