Think you always need light for gorgeous flowers on plants? Here’s how to make a succulent bloom indoors even without sun!
We all know succulents thrive outdoors and bloom better, too. But not everyone (including succulents) can get what they want, especially if you live in an apartment that does not let in a lot of sun. This is why we have brought to you this article on how to make your succulent bloom faster indoors without the sun.
How to Make a Succulent Bloom Faster Indoors
1. Check If They are Mature
Just got a new succulent? Don’t expect flowers overnight! Most succulents need to reach a certain age before they even think about blooming.
If you’ve propagated one from leaves or cuttings, it can take 4–5 years—or more—before it flowers. Some varieties may even take decades!
2. Know Your Plant’s Blooming Habit
Not all succulents bloom yearly. Some take their time. And others, like monocarpic types (such as Agave), flower once and then say goodbye. Here is a tip that always choose known bloomers like Echeveria, Kalanchoe, or Aloe if you want quicker, repeat blooms.
3. Provide the Right Kind of Light
Succulents are sun lovers. Ideally, they need 6–8 hours of bright, indirect light daily. A south or west-facing window works best.
If you don’t have sunny windows, use full-spectrum LED grow lights (around 6500K). These mimic natural sunlight and can do wonders indoors.
4. Supplemental Lighting Can Work Wonders
You can place the light 6–12 inches above the plant and leave it on for 12–14 hours a day. Also, use a timer to automate the light cycle—it takes the guesswork out!
Also, rotate your pots weekly to ensure the entire plant gets even exposure and doesn’t grow lopsided.
Pro Tip: Invest in a light meter to ensure your succulent gets 10,000–20,000 lux daily for best blooming results.
5. Create a Natural Day-Night Rhythm
Succulents rely on seasonal cues. During winter, many go dormant—they need shorter days, cooler temps, and less water.
When spring arrives, gradually increase light and water. This simulates seasonal change and signals your succulent to prepare for blooming. Start fertilizing with a balanced liquid feed once you see active growth.
Note: Do a gentle check before this step to ensure no leggy, stretched growth on your succulents. Etiolation would mean that your plant has not been getting enough light.
6. Keep Temperatures Just Right
Succulents love consistency. Daytime temps of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and nighttime drops to 50–60°F (10–15°C) are ideal for triggering blooms.
Use a thermostat to maintain this range indoors. Cool nights especially help with flower bud formation.
7. Avoid Hot and Cold Drafts
Keep plants away from air vents, heaters, or drafty windows. Sudden blasts of hot or cold air can shock the plant and delay blooming.
Also, skip placing them near the stove or bathroom. The steam and heat fluctuations confuse the plant’s natural cycles.
8. Feed Them with a Bloom Booster
If you are hungry for flowers, as your succulents—sometimes! You can use a bloom-boosting, water-soluble fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer.
Dilute it to ¼ strength and look for something higher in phosphorus—like an NPK ratio of 2-7-7.
9. Don’t Overdo Fertilizing
Too much of a good thing can backfire. Overfeeding—especially with nitrogen-rich fertilizer—leads to lush leaves, not blooms.
Flush the soil with plain water every few months to wash away salt buildup. It’s like a detox for your plant!
10. Let the Pot Be a Little Snug
Succulents often bloom better when root-bound. If they feel “stuck” in a tight pot, it can signal them to flower. But don’t forget the golden rule: always use a pot with a drainage hole!
11. Try a Little Stress (Just a Little!)
Believe it or not, mild stress can encourage blooming. Nature does this all the time. Reduce watering during winter, skip fertilizer, and then increase both slowly in spring. This “wake-up call” tells the plant it’s time to bloom.
Most of your succulents would do very well and bloom faster once you start following these steps. Of course, you need to research specific varieties that you are growing in your collection. But following these tips can give you incredible results. So, try them out and let us know how it goes for you in the comments below!
