It’s not surprising that succulents have become some of the most sought-after houseplants around. They’re affordable, easy to care for, and currently on-trend. These unique beauties are also super fun to collect because they grow in an astonishingly large number of varieties. If you’re thinking about modernizing your Indianapolis home or office with a few potted succulents, take a moment to glance through this quick guide to succulent care from the experts at McNamara Florist.
How Succulents Differ from Other Green Plants
Unlike other plants, succulents usually have thick leaves that retain water. If you’re familiar with how a cactus survives in the desert, then you can also understand the succulent’s method of survival. Cactus is actually a type of succulent. These plants can be found naturally in dry, arid climates because they are able to retain the water they need inside their unique structures.
Why Succulents Are Perfect Houseplants
Placing a plant in your home or office has always been an easy way to breathe new life into an empty space. Adding a live green plant can instantly boost your mood and productivity.
Succulents, like many other green plants, are good at cleaning the air. They work to remove toxins from the air such as benzene and formaldehyde. Succulent roots draw air into the soil, where they convert harmful chemicals into nutrients. While cleaning up indoor air pollution, succulents also replenish the air by emitting fresh oxygen. Succulents can help us to breathe clearer, focus, and reduce anxiety.
Top Succulent Varieties
Echeveria
With their signature starburst silhouettes and range of colors (green, red, pink, and black) echeveria succulents are some of the most commonly included in succulent gardens, but they’re also lovely potted alone. They’re also commonly used as surprising accent pieces in floral arrangements. If you receive an echeveria succulent in your next bouquet, don’t throw it away with the flowers. Once the blooms are spent, pot your succulent in soil. It’ll sprout roots, and you’ll get to enjoy it for years to come.
Succulents – Echeveria
Garden Party
String of Pearls
A single glance is all you need to understand how this succulent got its name. The string of pearls plant has string-like vines from which spherical leaves sprout sporadically. A string of pearls is the perfect addition to a hanging pot or a container displayed on a pedestal, as this plant will drape delicately over the sides.
String of Pearls
Jade Plants
Another popular succulent choice, the jade plant has deep green leaves and brown stems that make the plant resemble miniature trees. Jades fare well potted with other plants in a succulent garden or terrarium, and they also do well on their own. Fully grown, they’ll reach about three feet. Jades are surprisingly long-lasting, too. Properly cared for, one plant can wind up being passed down between generations in a family.
Jade Plant
How to Care for an Indoor Succulent
Succulents make excellent houseplants because they require very little maintenance. They can thrive even when left alone, as they require little water and don’t need pruning. Depending on the soil, temperature, and sunlight, you can water your succulent once per week. Be sure the soil has dried completely before watering. Succulents love bright light, but not necessarily direct, hot sunlight. Choose a well-draining potting mix. Succulents don’t like to have “wet feet” so it’s important that the water drains through the soil.
If a succulent’s leaves begin turning yellow or brown this indicates distress. This most often happens due to over-watering, but succulents can die of thirst, too. If you notice signs of struggle in your succulent, check the soil and contact an expert at McNamara Florist for help.
