Succulents have become some of the most sought-after houseplants available. They’re on-trend, easy to care for, and affordable, which makes them super fun to collect. Plus, they grow all over the world in a nearly endless number of varieties. If you’re planning to update your home or office decor with succulents, check out this guide to growing indoor succulents from the Alexandria florists at Conklyn’s.
How Succulents Differ from Other Plants
In nature, succulents grow in arid environments, like deserts. They can also grow in humid locations where they don’t receive much water, such as from the bark of a rainforest tree. The overall appearance of succulents differs from other plants. Instead of sprouting papery leaves, they grow thick, rubbery leaves and/or spines. Their stems, roots, and leaves act like reservoirs, as succulents store water in these parts. As a result, over-watering is much more detrimental to a succulent versus leafy green houseplants, which need more frequent watering and much richer soil.
The Benefits of Growing Indoor Succulents
Like other live plants, succulents have positive psychological effects, creating a calm environment and increasing concentration. They also purify and replenish the air, helping combat indoor air pollution by removing toxins from the environment and producing oxygen.
Popular Succulent Varieties
Echeveria
These are one of the most common succulents to find in succulent gardens, floral arrangements, and greenhouses. They grow in a wide variety, but all feature a starburst-like silhouette. Different echeveria grow in various shades of green, pink, red, and even black. They have leaves that range in shape from smooth to crinkled, round to pointed, and tubular to stick-like.
If you find an echeveria in a floral bouquet, simply pot it in soil once the flowers are spent, and watch it grow!
Echeveria Succulents
Jade Plants
Jade plants are a popular choice for succulent gardens and gifts of individual succulents. They resemble small trees and are incredibly long-lasting. With the right care and enough growing time, they can grow up to three feet tall and be passed down through generations of family.
Jade Plant
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes are some of the most cheerful-looking succulents out there. They have broad, paddle-like leaves and bloom with clusters of small flowers in vibrant shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. With proper care, a kalanchoe will bloom every year from autumn to spring.
Orange Kalanchoe
How to Care for Succulents Growing Inside
Caring for succulents differs from other houseplants. Pot your succulents in a container that drains easily with low-nutrient soil. They like their soil to be well-drained and very dry. Succulents need lots of sunlight, so place them on a warm, sunny perch. Only water a succulent after the soil has become bone-dry. When watering, you can fully saturate the soil, but don’t let your plant sit in standing water. Then wait until the soil is completely dry to water again.
Desert Beauty Succulent Garden
Persistent yellow or brown leaves is a sign of distress. This most often occurs due to over-watering, but succulents can suffer from a lack of water, too. Check the soil and contact a professional at Conklyn’s for help.
