How long do succulents live?

It is a tough question because succulents are so diverse. There are thousands of different varieties with their own needs and habits. As a gardener, it is important to know the plants about their life span, how fast they grow, and what they need in terms of sun, water, pots, soil, and the like.

Lifespan of succulents

There are many plants with unknown ages, simply because they haven’t been observed in nature long enough. Here are a few succulents with known life spans:

Jade Plant (70-100 years), Hens and Chicks (3+ years),  Aloe Vera (5-25 years), Barrel Cactus (Centuries), Living Stones  (40-50 years),  Christmas Cactus  (30+ years). You can buy succulents online.

Some succulent plants have factors at play that drastically affect how long they live. For example, many hybrids, such as Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg, have short lifespans. Some succulents don’t live long but grow offsets to replace themselves. The main plant only lives around 3-4 years but sends out lots of offsets in a lifetime.

Aeonium kiwi is a monocarpic plant that dies after flowering. Depending on how fast the succulent matures, it may live for many years before it blooms. If the succulent begins to flower,  the best thing to  do is take some cuttings for propagation. It carries the generation forward. 

Growing condition of succulents

Succulents are typically slow growers. That doesn’t mean their growth is all the same, though. The majority of succulents cycle between dormancy and a growing season each year. Plant dormancy is very similar to hibernation in animals. During a certain season, succulents go into survival mode to make it through extreme weather conditions. They slow or stop their growth in order to conserve energy. Because of this, succulents usually don’t need as much water or sun while dormant. The growing season is when succulents get to work. This is when they’ll form new leaves, send out offsets, and flower. Succulents typically appreciate extra water, sunlight, and even fertilizer during this time.

Succulents native to the Northern Hemisphere usually go dormant during the winter and grow in the spring and summer. On the other hand, native southern plants typically shut down when it’s hot outdoors in the summer. Plenty of sunlight is needed. However, most species cannot tolerate direct sun. Indirect or bright, filtered light is usually the best. If it doesn’t receive enough sunlight, the plant may begin to fade.

The soil must be well-draining. There are many specialty succulent and cactus mixes that are perfect. A mix can be prepared by mixing one part potting soil with one part perlite. If the mix retains too much water, the roots will begin to rot. Fertilizer depends on the variety of  the succulent. Some appreciate multiple doses a year while others don’t need it at all. Plants that do need fertilizing usually prefer one that’s balanced or low nitrogen.

Keeping pests and diseases well away from the plants is crucial. Knowing the signs for common succulent pests such as mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Diseases are usually rare in succulents, but nearly all are prone to root rot. Prevent this by watering properly and keeping the stem and leaves dry.

It should be remembered that these care tips are general and vary from plant to plant. For the best instructions, it is better to know the succulent’s specific needs. Proper care definitely will be beneficial for the succulents. To really extend their life span though, the following things are to be done:

Keeping a consistent watering schedule, Using good quality soil, repotting into new pots as needed, acclimatization of succulents when moving them to a new location, taking good care of the roots, Propagation of plants so that it can live on through its descendants. 

A new succulent should be known very correctly, as its care can make a huge difference. So learning about that plant, track its progress. The succulent is dependent on its grower to a great extent as it can not speak out about its requirements.

Ulani Uriah

Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.

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