How to Grow Succulents in an Office

Succulents are the perfect choice for an office space since they need little care and attention to grow well. In addition, if you go away on a vacation or business trip, they should fare well while you are away. It is not a guarantee, however, that your succulents can thrive in your office space. Careful selection, planting and proper care -- though not much -- are required.

Porous pot

Potting soil

Coarse sand

Houseplant fertilizer

Select a succulent that can tolerate the lighting in the office. Unless it is a sunny office, such as one that has a south- or west-facing window, select a plant with minimal lighting needs, such as an echeveria. You can also plan to use artificial lighting, whereby you can select a plant that needs more light.

Plant the succulent in a pot that contains 1 part high-quality potting soil and 1 part coarse sand. Plant it to the same depth as its old pot. Use a porous container, such as a terracotta or clay pot, which has not been glazed.

Place the plant in its permanent location. Near a sunny window is typically ideal, but you can also place it 6 to 12 inches away from a cool, white fluorescent light, which is turned on for 14 to 16 hours a day, according to the University of Minnesota.

Water the succulent thoroughly after planting. Water it until the water drips out of the bottom of the pot. You need to water a succulent about once a month when the soil dries out. In the winter when there is less light and the plant is dormant, it needs even less watering.

Dilute a houseplant fertilizer by half or use half the recommended dosing on the label. Apply it to the soil around your succulent about once a month. Do this only in the spring and summer. If you are using granular fertilizer, fertilize just before watering your plant.