Mini-Guide: How to Keep a Succulent Plant Alive

You received or bought a succulent, a cute, minimalist plant that is surprisingly easy to maintain. If your schedule is full of meetings, KPIs or pitches, don't worry: it won't take up too much of your time. A few minutes a month is enough to keep it happy and green.

Succulents are renowned for being easy to care for, but easy doesn't mean carefree. Here are 5 essential tips to ensure your little friend thrives alongside you.

Let me show you how simple it is to take care of your succulent!

Rule #1: Light, Your Best Friend

Succulents are desert plants and they love light!

• Where to place it? Place it in a place where it will receive as much natural light as possible, ideally 6 hours a day. A south, east or west facing window is perfect.
• Watch for signs: If you notice your succulent stretching and growing unusually tall (a phenomenon called etiolation), move it to a brighter spot. Healthy growth is compact and uniform.

💡 Tip: Think of light as vision. You need as much clarity as possible to grow healthily and not develop in the wrong directions!

Rule #2: Watering – Less is More!

This is the most common reason succulents wilt: overwatering. Succulents store water, so they need a water "crisis strategy."

• The Essential Test: Don't water your succulent on a set schedule. Water ONLY when the soil is completely dry. Stick your finger 2-3 cm into the soil to check.
• How to water? When watering, water generously , letting the water drain completely through the drainage hole. Then, wait until the soil is completely dry again (this can take 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the season).

⚠️ Survival: If the leaves are soft, translucent and yellow-brown, it is a clear sign of over-watering . Stop watering immediately!

Rule #3: Air and Drainage, the Key to Longevity

Like any house, your plant needs a solid foundation and space to breathe.

• Drainage: The pot should always have a drainage hole. Roots that sit in stagnant water will rot quickly.
• Compost (Soil): Use a special soil mix for cacti and succulents, which is sandy and allows for quick water drainage.
• Ventilation: Don't keep them in completely enclosed spaces. A well-ventilated office helps prevent excessive humidity and disease.

Rule #4: Temperature and Season - Time for Rest

Succulents have a growing period (spring/summer) and a dormant period (fall/winter).

• Warm Season: Watering is more frequent (see Rule #2) and a very diluted fertilizer can be used (once a month, if desired).
• Cold Season (Rest): Reduce watering drastically. Even once a month or less is enough. This is not a time for growth, but for conservation.

Rule #5: Cleaning and Maintenance: Trim the Old

A little maintenance routine keeps your succulent healthy and beautiful.

• Remove dead leaves: Dry, wrinkled leaves at the base of the plant should be removed. They not only look unsightly, but can also retain moisture and attract pests.
• Check for pests: Once a month, take a quick look under the leaves to make sure you don't have any uninvited guests (like woolly aphids).

✨ Closing Inspiration:

Your succulent is a symbol of resilience . It doesn't require constant attention, but it shows you that, like a successful business, with the right ingredients (light, a dry environment, and room to grow), it can flourish spectacularly.

Good luck in business! Keep your little succulent on your desk as a daily reminder of your power to adapt.