The Biggest Myths About Succulents

Succulents seem to be getting more popular by the day, and it's no wonder! They're typically easier to care for than most other houseplants, requiring less care and attention. They're often on the cheaper side when shopping the plant selection at your local store, in part due to their smaller size. Succulent plants can easily be mixed with other plants, creating a fun look in any planter.

The main reason succulents are becoming so fashionable is because they're so WEIRD! There are over 10,000 types of succulent plants, each with unique quirks in appearance. Who doesn't want something strange looking to grab the attention of one's visitors?

With all the attention on our beloved succulent plants, we thought it'd be a good time to focus on some of the many myths that exist around them!

Myth #1

Succulents Don't Need Water

Many people seem to be under the misconception that succulent plants don't need water at all, which is absolutely not true. As with other plants, a regular watering schedule is crucial for your plant's success! Succulent plants are certainly drought-tolerant, and when living inside of your home without direct sunlight can go two or three weeks between waterings. They'll let you know if you're watering them too much, as their leaves will get soggy and fleshy... and ultimately will start falling right off if the water is too excessive.

Myth #2

All Succulent Plants Can Live Indoors

Two small potted succulent plants outside on a ledge.

Many succulent plants make for great home or office plants (or home office plants. I guess we need to update our way of speaking after 2020!), but not all of them. As we said in the intro, there are more than 10,000 types of succulent plants in the world, and many of them need to stay outside to survive. You can find some of the more popular indoor succulent plants that we sell at The Plant Dads right here!

Myth #3

Succulent Plants Grow in Any Dark Space

A succulent plant in a dark background.

Just like people, not all succulent plants are the same. Some handle darker corners of a room better, while others thrive in some sunlight. Regardless, all succulent plants need at least some sunlight throughout the day, typically indirect sunlight.

Myth #4

Succulents and Cacti Are Different

A cactus and succulent plant

This one is sorta true, but not really. (How about we just end it right there for a terribly confusing last statement!)

Cacti are part of the succulent family. So, it is true that all cacti are succulents, but all succulents are most definitely not cacti. Cacti is simply a subcategory of succulent plants.

Myth #5

All Succulents Are Safe for Pets

Two succulent plants with a pink background.

Though some succulent plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs, such as Hawthoria, Aeonium, Echeveria, others are very harmful for pets. Besides being toxic, some succulent plants also have sharp thorns that must be kept away from animals and children!