If you're new to gardening, don’t worry! Succulents are a great place to start. These hardy plants are low-maintenance, and they look amazing too. Whether you’re after a splash of green indoors or something to brighten up your garden, succulents are perfect.

1. Choose healthy plants: First things first, pick a healthy succulent. Look for plants with bright, vibrant colours and firm, plump leaves. If the leaves are looking dull or squishy, it might not be the best plant to bring home. Healthy succulents will thrive much better in your care!

2. Pick the right pot: Succulents need a pot with drainage holes. Why? Because they don’t like sitting in water. Too much moisture can cause their roots to rot. So, make sure your pot lets the water escape easily.

3. Use well-draining soil: Succulents like soil that drains quickly. A great mix is sand, gravel, and coco peat. This helps the water pass through fast, which is exactly what succulents need to grow strong and healthy.

4. Give them sunlight: Succulents love the sun! Keep them in a spot where they can get plenty of natural light. If you’re growing them indoors, make sure to place them somewhere with indirect light. Every once in a while, try moving them into direct sunlight for a few hours — this helps them grow better.

5. Move them with the seasons:  Succulents are tough, but they don’t like extreme heat or cold. During the summer, avoid too much direct sun to prevent them from getting sunburnt. When it's the rainy season, shift them to a shaded spot, as too much rain can cause them to rot.

6. Don’t overwater: Succulents don’t need a lot of water. They store water in their leaves and stems, so they can go longer without a drink. Only water your succulents when the soil feels completely dry. Overwatering can cause their roots to rot, so be careful!

7. Keep fungal issues away: Succulents are quite resistant to pests, but if you water them the wrong way, you could end up with fungal problems. Never water directly on the leaves — this could cause them to rot. Always water at the base, on the soil, to keep them healthy.

8. Give them a clean: Just like any other plant, succulents can gather dust. To clean them, simply spray them with water and wipe them down with a soft cloth. This will help them stay looking fresh and shiny.

9. Feed them occasionally:  Succulents don’t need much fertiliser, but a bit of nitrogen in the soil will do wonders. Mix a little organic fertiliser or manure into the soil for a healthy boost.