Succulents are the ultimate indoor plant—if you can manage to keep yours alive. For all their purported ease, it always seems that you’ve watered yours too much or too little, put it in the wrong part of the house or planted it in an inadequate container. Well, worry no more. If you’re wondering how to grow a succulent that thrives instead of shrivels, here are six expert tips that cover everything from how much water to give your plant to the best pot and soil to use. You’ll find that once you’ve cracked the code, succulents are actually quite easy to maintain.

“They’re great for any type of grower but are especially great for frequent travelers or those who forget to water regularly, as succulent plants are notoriously forgiving,” notes Meredith Gaines, a senior plant expert and horticulturalist at Fast Growing trees.

25 Summer Flowers that Can Boost Your Curb Appeal

Meredith Gaines is a Senior Plant Expert and horticulturist at Fast Growing Trees, one of the world’s largest sustainable nurseries. Gaines holds a degree in biology and horticulture from Clemson University and previously worked at the Desert Exhibit at the South Carolina Botanical Gardens and Filoli Estate in the Bay Area, California.

From agave to cactus to ZZ plants, a succulent comes in many different forms, Gaines explains. It’s their ability to retain moisture in the leaves and stem that lends succulents their plump, thick statures.

Aside from your preferred aesthetics, when choosing a succulent, you’ll want to consider the plant’s growing conditions. This includes the amount of sunlight and the growing zone you live in. (The USDA Hardiness Zone map helps determine which plants are most suitable for your climate.) Additionally, Gaines recommends taking into account any pets or young children, as some succulents can be spiky or toxic.

The 20 Best Annual Flowers for Full Sun, from Marigolds to Snapdragons