How Long Can Succulents Live?

If it is your first time growing and taking care of succulents, you can’t help but wonder how long can succulents live. Since there are a lot of different succulent types out there, in this article, we will discuss the answer to the question “how long can succulents live?” and we will discuss some important information that you will need to make your succulent plant live longer. If you want to know more information, make sure to read below to find out!

Succulents are one of the hardiest plant groups; they are known to survive in desert-like conditions. They can thrive with just a small amount of watering and can live in areas with extreme temperatures.

If you want to determine your succulent’s lifespan, you may not receive an exact answer as there are plenty of aspects that can affect it. There are different types of succulents and each one is unique from the others so each type has a different lifespan. Here are some of the popular succulents and their lifespans so you will know what to expect when growing them:

Do not allow the soil of this plant to dry out completely, you must keep it moist. However, you must not overwater because it can cause root rot and it can kill the plant. The Christmas cactus prefers less sun exposure, unlike the other succulents. Make sure to provide it with indirect light. They can live up to 30 or more years. This plant is a perfect gift for family members or friends who love succulents.

2. Aloe Vera – Aloe Vera is one of the most popular choices among succulent growers because it has a lot of medicinal benefits to humans. Aloe Vera has plump serrated leaves with colors ranging from green and grey-green. This plant can grow up to 2 feet. If you are planning to grow Aloe Vera at home it may live approximately between 5-25 years.

It will last longer depending on the care and attention given to it. Aloe Vera may grow slowly so you have to be patient. This plant needs full sun exposure and you can plant it in well-draining soil and let it dry out in between watering. When watering this succulent, you can give it enough water but you must use a terracotta container so it will drain excess water accordingly.

3. Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata) – The jade plant is also known as the money plant. It is considered to bring good luck and prosperity to a home. This plant has thick tear-drop shaped leaves and can be grown indoors and you can plant it in a pot.

The Jade plant can grow up to 3 feet and will develop thick woody stems when it matures and may resemble a small tree. Its life-span can last for at least 20 years, but it is known to live for more than 70 years. When caring for this succulent, you must give it enough sunlight exposure. Allow the soil to dry completely in between watering.

4. Hens and Chicks – This succulent is also known as Houseleek and it is a part of the Sempervivum genus. The Hens and Chicks succulent gets its name from the way it produces small offsets from the base of the parent plant. The parent plant is called the hen and the chicks are the small offsets clustered on its base. This plant is easy to propagate because it produces small offsets or small plants that look exactly like the parent plant.

The Hens and Chicks succulents can be planted on a planter or container that has drainage holes to allow proper drainage of water. It can be planted both indoors and outdoors. It has a lifespan of at least 3 years but the plant can last forever because it continuously produces offsets every year. Some species can live longer, but it depends on the species and how you take care of it.

This plant will thrive when placed in a sunny area with warm climates. When watering this plant it can be fully soaked but allow it to dry completely before watering again. You can water the barrel cactus at least once a month. During its younger years, this plant will have rapid growth and will slow down its growth. It will become fully mature after 10 or more years.

Stop watering during wintertime because the plant experiences winter dormancy. During springtime, this plant will grow a new pair of leaves and push up from the middle of the plant to take the place of the old leaves that will naturally die off. If you get lucky, this plant may flower once a year. The living stones can live up to 40-50 years.

What Are the Ways That You Can Make Your Succulents Live Longer?

1. Water, but not too much – Succulents are capable of storing water in their leaves. You can water your plants when the soil is dry. When a plant has changed its color and it becomes soft and soggy, it means you are overwatering it. Succulents are prone to root, leaves, and stem rot when exposed to too much water.

2. Provide enough sunlight exposure – Succulents need sunlight to live. If you are growing one indoors, you can place it near a window sill so it can get enough sunlight daily. If succulents are not getting enough sunlight, they will become “leggy” or etiolated, they will grow sideways towards a light source. Make sure to use grow lights when growing succulents indoors. During summertime, avoid exposing the plant to the full blazing sun as the succulents can also have sunburn. Succulents need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight every day. You must also check the plant’s hardiness and which zones they are appropriate to grow. If the plant is frost hardy, it can withstand cold climates.

3. Apply fertilizer – Plants absorb organic materials and nutrients in the soil. You can apply fertilizer during the warmer months. You can also repot your plant every 3 years or so to provide it with new succulent/cactus potting soil and it can continue absorbing nutrients. No need to apply fertilizer during wintertime as most succulents experience winter dormancy.

4. Propagate the succulents – You can propagate your succulents. Most succulents are easy to propagate, you can use leaves or stem cuttings, through this process you can create more plants and allow them to live longer.