Learning to Care for My First Succulent: A Beginner’s Journey to Plant Parenthood

When I brought home my first succulent, I thought, how hard could this be? It was small, adorable, and looked nearly indestructible. Everyone said succulents were “easy,” the perfect starter plant. But once it was sitting on my windowsill, I realized there’s a quiet art to keeping even one happy.

Becoming a plant parent to my single succulent has been a gentle journey. Part patience, part curiosity, and a whole lot of learning. Here’s what I’ve discovered so far about how to care for succulents as a beginner.

The “Easy Plant” Myth

Succulents really are low maintenance, but not no maintenance. In the beginning, I loved mine a little too hard. Watering it every few days and trying to “help it grow.” Big mistake.

I learned that succulents don’t need constant attention. They store water in their thick leaves and thrive best when we trust them to do their thing. Once I stopped overwatering and started listening, my plant perked up and started thriving.

Lesson learned: Sometimes love looks like letting things breathe.

Finding the Right Light

Lighting was my next lesson. Well, technically, my second lesson was that they grow! That caught me way off guard. My succulent was stretching toward the window—its leaves reaching for sunlight. That was my first clue that it wasn’t getting enough well-rounded light.

Most succulents love bright, indirect sunlight, ideally about six hours a day. I just now, 4 years later, learned to rotate it every few days so it grows evenly and doesn’t lean too much to one side. Honestly, it’s a bit too late for my grown baby, but it’s such a small act that can make a big difference.

This is one of the stems that budded from my baby. The main succulent baby is actually orange right now to protect itself from the harshness of New York City winter, but it will go back to green in the Spring. 🌿

How I Learned to Water the Right Way

Watering used to make me nervous—how much, how often, when? I learned that the best way to water succulents is to wait until the soil is completely dry. Then, give it a deep drink, letting the water drain right through the pot.

I use cactus soil with a little sand mixed in for better drainage, and I made sure the pot has a hole at the bottom. No drainage = root rot. And trust me, that’s not a vibe.

Now I check the soil with my finger about every 8 days. If it’s dry all the way down, that’s my cue.

The Emotional Side of Plant Care

I didn’t expect to connect emotionally to a single plant, but here we are. My succulent has become part of my daily routine. I check on it with my tea, notice new growth, and quietly thank it for being my baby.

Caring for this one plant has grounded me in ways I didn’t expect. It’s taught me how to pause, pay attention, and find peace in small things. Watching new leaves form after weeks of care and then eventually new stems budding with more leaves feels like a personal win every time.

What I’ve Learned So Far

• Succulents need sunlight more than water. Don’t smother them with care.
• Use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.
• Give them 6 hours of bright, indirect light daily.
• Rotate your plant to keep it growing evenly.
• Water deeply but infrequently, only when the soil is bone dry.
• Be patient; growth is slow but steady.

One Plant, Many Lessons

Taking care of my one little succulent has taught me so much about balance. It’s not about perfection; it’s about consistency, attention, and energy.

If you’re starting your own plant journey, I promise: one succulent is enough to teach you everything you need to know about growth, patience, and quiet joy. It’s a living reminder that small things, when tended to with love, can thrive beautifully.

I’ve housed (and buried 🫣) a few more plants, but I’ve had my succulent the longest. It has a special place in my plant mama heart. 🤎