Succulents are in-style, affordable, and really easy to care for. Plus, with so many varieties available, they’re also fun to collect. It truly isn’t surprising that succulents have become some of the most popular houseplants. If you’re planning to add a few to your home or office, take a minute to check out this quick guide to succulent care from the experts at Griffin’s Floral Design & Wineshop in Columbus.
How Succulents Differ from Other Plants
Most green plants have paper-thin leaves, but succulents don’t. Their leaves are thick and rubbery because they provide the plant with more places, in addition to their roots and stems, to store water. As a result, succulents are extremely tolerant to drought.
Why Succulents Are a Wonderful Houseplant Choice
Succulents are pretty, yet unusual to look at, giving any space an interesting design. They’ll create a calm, positive atmosphere that promotes concentration and productivity. In addition, succulents help regulate humidity in the air. Like tillandsia (air plants), succulents can also draw moisture and nutrients from the air. They can also add moisture to dry add, depending on the current climate. Succulents don’t just look nice and regulate humidity; they also foster a healthy environment by purifying toxins from the air and replenishing the oxygen.
Favorite Succulent Varieties
Echeveria
These succulents are some of the most common ones seen in succulent gardens and greenhouses. Their lovely rosette or starburst-shaped silhouettes are pleasing to look at, and they come in a variety of colors (green, pink, red, and even black) with differently shaped leaves. Echeveria are also often used as an unexpected accent in floral bouquets. If you receive a floral arrangement with an echeveria, simply plant it once the flowers are spent. It’ll sprout roots and start to grow.
Succulents – Echeveria
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe succulents are fun to grow and are some of the most cheerful succulents you can find. When properly cared for, they’ll bloom with clusters of small flowers from autumn until spring, brightening up the shortest days of the year. Their flowers are brightly colored in shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, and white.
Orange Kalanchoe
Jade Plant
Jade plants look like miniature trees, and fully grown, they’ll reach heights of about three feet. These plants are unbelievably long-lasting. When well-tended, they’re often passed down through generations of family members.
Jade Plant
How to Care for Indoor Succulents
Succulents are hardy, low-maintenance plants that basically thrive on neglect. They don’t like to be overly pruned, and they really don’t like to be over-watered. Pot succulents in a low-nutrient soil designed for cacti or succulents and choose a container that drains easily. Smaller containers generally promote faster growth, as succulents with tighter root systems sprout more quickly. Succulents should be placed in a location that receives plenty of direct sunlight and is not exposed to cold drafts or frosty windows. Water sparingly, only when the soil has dried completely, and never let a succulent sit in standing water.
Various Succulents
It’s natural for a few leaves to dry up or drop, as your succulent grows. Remove these promptly to prevent bacterial growth. If leaves persistently turn yellow or brown, this is a sign of distress. This occurs most commonly due to over-watering, but can also happen when succulents don’t have enough water. Check the soil and get professional advice from an expert at Griffin’s Floral Design & Wineshop.
