If you can’t get enough of your spring flowers and find yourself spending time in your vegetable garden, even if you don’t exactly have a green thumb, succulents may be the plant for you. They are easy to maintain, forgiving if you forget to water occasionally, and come in endless types of shapes and sizes. (In fact, there are about 10,000 species worldwide, thriving in different climates!) Succulents, like cacti, have adapted to harsh conditions by developing fleshy stems, roots, and leaves that retain moisture, which is what makes them so easy to care for.

Most of these make great houseplants indoors, but many also thrive outdoors, even in the cold. If you’re looking for the type of succulent you can plant outdoors, read the tag to make sure it can survive winters in your USDA hardiness zones

In general, succulents like to dry out between waterings. Water them until the liquid drains to the bottom of the pot, then check them again in a week or so. A lot depends on how dry your house is when it comes to how often they need to be watered, but you don’t want to give them another drink until a finger pushed into the soil a few inches in feels dry . If your plant came in a cute decorative pot, make sure it has holes or transfer it to one that does. In general, all types of succulents – whether hanging, blooming, growing tall or simply looking adorable on your desk, are better off erring on the side of under-watering, rather than over-watering. They will tell you they are thirsty if the leaves drop or appear shriveled. Ready to adopt one? Here are some of the most popular succulent plant types to add to your family, plus how to care for them.