Succulents

Only when the compost has dried out completely: roughly every one to two weeks in summer and as little as monthly in winter. When you do water, water thoroughly until it drains from the pot.

Overwatering is the main way succulents die. If in doubt, wait a few more days; a slightly thirsty succulent recovers, a waterlogged one often does not.

Most want at least a few hours of direct sun to stay compact and keep their colour. A south or west facing windowsill is ideal for the succulent collection.

In lower light, succulents stretch towards the window and lose their tight shape, a process called etiolation that does not reverse.

A fast-draining, gritty mix. Standard houseplant compost holds too much water; a dedicated cacti and succulent substrate keeps roots healthy.

Always use a pot with a drainage hole, and empty any saucer after watering so the roots never stand in water.

Many are, including most Echeveria and Haworthia, but some familiar succulents such as certain Euphorbia have irritant sap. Check the toxicity note on each product page.

Bright windowsills are often out of pet reach anyway, which suits succulents perfectly.

A few dry, papery leaves at the very base are normal: the plant retires its oldest leaves as it grows. Simply pull them away once crisp.

If many leaves shrivel at once while the compost is dry, the plant is thirsty. If they turn soft and translucent instead, it has had too much water.