Think of this as a health check you can run in a few minutes, plus fixes for the problems we see most often at the nursery. It works for cacti and leafy succulents alike, since the failure points are mostly the same.
The 5-minute health check
What healthy looks like
- Firm to the touch, no soft or mushy spots
- Even, deep color rather than pale or yellowing
- Compact growth, not stretched or leaning toward the light
- Soil that drains fast and does not stay soggy
- No black or brown mush at the base
Sunlight: how much is enough
Cacti and succulents want bright light, but too much direct sun on a plant that has not been acclimated can scorch it. A good default is a bright, south or west-facing window indoors, or a spot that gets at least six hours of sun outdoors. If a succulent looks pale, stretched, or is leaning hard toward the window, it needs more light. Brown, crispy patches usually mean too much direct sun too fast, ease a plant into full sun gradually rather than moving it all at once.
Temperature: what these plants tolerate
Most cacti and succulents are comfortable in typical indoor conditions, roughly 65 to 80°F. Many desert cacti will take a light frost briefly, but protect plants from hard freezes and bring anything borderline indoors once nights drop below 50°F. If you are gardening outdoors through winter, our Winter Cactus Care Guide covers cold-season protection in more detail.
Watering, the short version
Water only when the soil is completely dry, then soak deeply and let it dry out fully before watering again. Never water on a schedule, since how fast soil dries changes with the season and the pot. Overwatering is the single biggest cause of the problems below. For the complete method, see How Often to Water a Cactus: The Soak and Dry Method.
Common problems and fixes
Wrinkled or shriveled
The plant is thirsty. Give it a deep soak once you have confirmed the soil is fully dry, and it should firm back up within a day or two.
Mushy stems or black spots
This is overwatering, and it moves fast. Stop watering, check for rot, trim any soft tissue, and repot into dry soil.
Brown, crispy patches
Sun scorch from too much direct light too quickly. Move to a slightly shadier spot and reintroduce full sun gradually.
Pale, stretched-out growth
Not enough light. Move to a brighter window or add a grow light. New growth should come in more compact.
When to repot
Repot every two to three years, or sooner if roots are growing out of the drainage hole or the soil has broken down and stopped draining well. Always repot into dry soil, and hold off on watering for about a week afterward so any disturbed roots can settle.
The quick version
- Firm, evenly colored, and compact means healthy.
- Wrinkled means thirsty. Mushy or black means overwatered, act fast.
- Bright light is essential, but ease plants into full direct sun.
- Water only when soil is fully dry. Full method: How Often to Water a Cactus.
- Repot every 2 to 3 years, into dry soil.