Our care tips: Succulent plants

Succulents (or fleshy plants) store water in their leaves, stems or roots: that's what makes them so easy to live with. The golden rule: water sparingly, and only when the soil is dry to a depth of 1.5cm. For a Small or Standard-sized plant, the equivalent of an espresso, that's 5cl, is enough; allow 10 to 15cl for a Large one.

With many of them, the leaves will guide you: when they're firm, they're not thirsty; once they turn soft, it's time to water. Place them in a bright room, away from direct sunlight, which can scorch them. This guide also explains how to repot, prune and propagate them from a single leaf. Discover our succulents.

Succulents, also known as fat plants, are plants with fleshy foliage capable of storing water in their leaves, stems, or roots. Originating from Africa, South America, or Mediterranean countries, their water storage allows them to survive in these arid and very sunny environments.

Succulents are not a specific botanical family but are composed of nearly 12,000 different plant varieties, such as Agavaceae, Cactaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Begoniaceae, and Geraniaceae.

Thanks to this water storage, succulents are low-maintenance plants. At By Charlot, we have a multitude of succulents, from Miniature to Large sizes. Let yourself be charmed by La Coquette, Le Généreux, or La Délicate!

How much water should I add to my plant depending on its size?

Our succulents are available in 4 different sizes , from Miniature to Large. So you can find the right plant for you depending on the space available in your home.

To help you water your succulents, here are some watering tips based on their size:

Miniature: add a tablespoon of water to measure the quantity and avoid putting any on the side.
Small and Standard: The amount of water equivalent to an espresso, or 5 cl of water, is sufficient for these two plant sizes. However, you can adapt it according to the needs of your succulent.
Large: a double espresso, or about 10 to 15 cl of water, will be enough to meet your plant's needs.

These amounts are recommendations and may vary depending on the plant's environment. Watering amounts and frequencies depend on your plant's exposure and the humidity level in your home.

Since plants are living beings, their maintenance is not an exact science, so it is important to observe them to take the best possible care of them.

How to tell if my succulents need watering?

Several signs can warn you that your plant needs water. In the case of succulents, their leaves are a key indicator. If your plant's leaves are firm, it means it doesn't need watering. However, if its leaves feel softer to the touch, it means your plant needs water. We recommend watering it, always in small quantities. This rule applies to succulents such as: Le Généreux, La Délicate or La Rêveuse.

For other succulents, like La Coquette, L’Espiègle, L’Extravagante, or Le Fougueux, if your plant is drooping, it means it lacks moisture; water it and it will be perfectly healthy.

We always advise waiting until the soil is completely dry before watering your plant again. Dry topsoil is not always a sign of thirst. When in doubt, always touch the soil with your finger; if the soil is dry 1.5 cm deep, you should water the plant. The soil can sometimes be more humid than you think.

What is the best exposure for my succulents?

Succulents are native to very sunny regions. Therefore, they require light, even very bright, exposure. The more natural light your plant is exposed to, the better and faster it will grow. However, be careful of direct sunlight, which can burn your plant.

Some succulents tolerate less light and can be placed in shadier areas. The Generous, the Extravagant, and the Fiery are plants that can thrive in a room with a shady exposure. Even if your plant acclimates to this exposure, the lack of natural light still slows its growth.

Your home is really dark, but you absolutely want to get a succulent plant. We recommend the Extravagant, available in Large size, this Zamioculcas Zamiifolia is the perfect plant for apartments and interiors with low light.

What is the best type of water for my plant?

Like most houseplants, Aglaonema is sensitive to the lime in tap water. Ideally, we advise you to water your plant with rainwater when possible. This option can be difficult when living in an apartment. To counteract this, before watering your plants with tap water, let the water sit to reduce its lime content.

What are the ideal conditions for growing succulents indoors?

Living in arid and very sunny regions, succulents have become accustomed to our interiors. These plants can survive temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C . Be careful, succulents are sensitive to drafts! Be careful not to leave them too close to your doors or windows.

To help your succulents thrive all year round, we recommend adding a little natural fertiliser. Our Tropical Elixir is the perfect fertiliser for succulents and succulents. From March to October, during your plants' growing season, add 2 drops of liquid fertiliser to your watering water for every 250ml of water. You can add fertiliser every other watering.

I want to repot my succulent, how do I do it?

To repot your succulent, equip yourself with your plant, potting soil, and a slightly larger pot (a few centimeters larger in diameter). Repotting is usually done in early spring before your plant's growth period, approximately once every two years depending on the growth of your plant.

Aerate your plant's roots by gently shaking the root ball. Add potting soil to your new pot and place your succulent inside. After adding soil almost to the top of your pot to allow for optimal watering, you can add a little water to your plant to settle the soil.

Your succulent is now repotted. Place it in a bright room and it will grow optimally!

Tips for pruning your succulent plant

Pruning succulents is limited because they grow rather slowly. However, pruning succulents is easy . If you want to prune your plant, equip yourself with a pair of gloves and clean, disinfected pruning shears.

You can prune your succulent if it becomes too tall or if some stems are growing unbalanced. You can prune them to maintain an aesthetic shape. To do this, cleanly cut the stem(s) in question as close to the trunk or central stem as possible. Be careful not to damage the main stem of your plant.

Most succulents do not require regular pruning and can maintain their natural shape without slowing their growth.

How do I propagate my succulent plant?

Succulents are among the easiest plants to propagate. In most cases, succulent cuttings are taken from the leaves. Remove one or more leaves from your plant and then immerse about 1 to 2 cm of the leaf in water. Change the water once or twice a week and rinse the roots to prevent rot. Within a few weeks, roots will develop and you can replant this cutting.

Succulents can also be propagated directly in the soil. Take one or more leaves from your plant and place them on top of the soil without pressing it in too deeply. Mist the leaf to keep the soil moist, and it will quickly develop roots.

My succulent is infested with small bugs, what should I do?

Some insects can infect your plant: mealybugs and red spider mites . If you have a white mass on the leaves of your succulent, these are mealybugs. Mix a dose of black soap in a liter of water and spray the preparation on your plant. Once this is done, we advise you to remove the white masses with a damp cloth. Be careful, mealybugs can be transmitted from plant to plant. Keep your succulent away from your other plants while you are treating it.

If you have red spider mites on your plant, mist the leaves with water. These insects fear humidity and will disappear!

Are succulents suitable for pets?

Not all succulents are pet-friendly. At By Charlot, we have pet-friendly succulents: Le Généreux, La Coquette, Le Fougueux will delight you by charming your four-legged friends.

White marks are appearing on my plant's leaves

You're seeing white marks appearing on your plant's leaves. This is due to the limescale present in the watering water. Succulents store water in their leaves, so limescale can sometimes show up as slight white marks. To prevent this from happening again, if you have the option, water your plants with rainwater. Otherwise, before watering your succulents with tap water, let your water air out to reduce the limescale present in it.

To remove these limescale marks, use a damp cloth and clean your plant's leaves.

Succulents By Charlot: Which one to choose?

Easy to care for, available from Miniature to Large sizes, By Charlot succulents are our favourites. With a dozen varieties, these succulents are sure to find a place in your home, discover our different succulent species!

Focus on Crassula By Charlot:

With fine and elegant curves, La Délicate, our Crassula Ovata, seduces with its mastered sense of refinement. From Miniature to Large size, its airy silhouette will bring you serenity and softness. The Crassula Ovata Gollum, La Rêveuse By Charlot, stands out with its graceful and slender appearance.