Succulents are in-style, easy to care for, and super affordable. They’re also really fun to collect because there are a seemingly endless number of different varieties. If you plan on giving your home or office a modern look with succulents, take a gander at this quick care guide to growing succulents indoors from the experts at Julia’s Florist in Wilmington.
How Succulents Differ from Other Green Plants
Most green plants have papery leaves, but succulent leaves come in thick and rubbery. Their unusual size, shapes, and texture all come together to help succulent plants store water. This talent for holding water makes them extremely tolerant of drought and well adapted to living in arid climates, like deserts.
Why Succulents Are the Perfect Houseplants
Succulents are cute, unusual, and alluringly beautiful. They’re a modern, upbeat way to create a calm atmosphere with positive energy that promotes productivity and concentration. They’re also really healthy to have around. Succulent roots pump air toward the soil. As toxins, like VOCs, reach the roots, succulents transform the harmful chemicals into nutrients, effectively cleaning up indoor air pollution. At the same time, succulents emit oxygen, replenishing the air in a home or office.
Top-Choice Succulent Varieties
String of Pearls
When you see a string of pearls succulent, it’s immediately obvious why this plant is called what it’s called. This succulent has thin, string-like vines from which bright-green, spherical leaves grow in a sporadic pattern. This succulent tends to drape, which makes it a beautiful addition to a hanging pot or planter displayed on a pedestal.
String of Pearls
Echeveria
Echeveria succulents are some of the most popularly used succulents. They’re commonly found in succulent gardens and greenhouses. Echeveria succulents come in a wide variety of plants, but they all grow into rosettes or starburst shapes. They vary in color including shades of green, pink, red, and even black. Different types of echeveria also have differently shaped leaves which range from pointed to round, stick-like to tubular, and smooth to crinkled.
Succulents – Echeveria
Jade Plant
Jades are another favorite succulent. They have deep, jewel-green leaves and resemble miniature trees. Jades look lovely when potted with an assortment of succulents, but also do quite well on their own. Fully grown, they can reach up to three feet tall. They’re also unbelievably long-lasting, as well-tended jades will often last throughout generations, being passed down through families.
Jade Plant
How to Grow Indoor Succulents
Succulents are hardy and low-maintenance, which makes an excellent choice for anyone with a busy schedule, an absent green thumb, or anyone who often travels because succulents basically thrive on neglect. Indoor succulents should be potted with low-nutrient soil formulated for cacti or succulents and potted in a container that will drain easily. Find a perch that receive plenty of direct sunlight, but is free from cold drafts or frosty windows in the colder months. Periodically, rotate the plant to encourage even growth.
Water succulents sparingly, only when the soil has dried completely, and never let a succulent sit in standing water. Succulents generally don’t need pruning, but it’s best to remove dead leaves and debris to prevent bacterial growth.
If a succulent’s leaves persistently turn yellow or brown, this indicates distress and usually occurs when a succulent has been given too much water. Yellowing leaves, however, can also indicate a thirsty plant. Check the soil and contact an expert at Julia’s Florist for more advice.
