Succulents have become some of the most popular houseplants. They’re not only on-trend, but they’re also affordable and super easy to care for. What’s not to like? Succulents also grow in seemingly endless variations of color, size, shape, and texture, which makes them really exciting to collect. If you want to update your Kalamazoo home or office with the upbeat allure of potted succulents, take a moment to check out this quick guide to indoor succulent care from the experts at VanderSalm’s Flowershop & Garden Center.
How Succulents Differ from Other Green Plants
The main difference between succulents and other plants are their leaves. Instead of growing papery leaves like most plants, succulents have thick, rubbery leaves, spikes, and segments. Although these fancy leaves look strange, they’re the reason succulents can survive in harsh, arid climates. Along with their roots and stems, succulent leaves are also experts at storing water.
The Amazing Benefits of Indoor Succulents
In addition to looking great, there are lots of reasons why growing succulents inside is a smart idea. Succulents have been shown to help create a calming atmosphere that improves productivity and concentration. They also help create a healthy indoor air environment by regulating humidity, removing toxins from the air, and replenishing the oxygen.
Top Succulent Picks
Sedum Praealtum (Shrubby Stonecrop)
These pretty succulents, sedum praealtum, grow in a rich shade of green and will eventually trail over the side of your container. They’re just one of many sedum varieties, which are mostly used as ground cover or to fill out a succulent planter. They grow fully and spread quickly, making them perfect for creating an abundant look.
Sedum Praealtum
Jade
Jade plants are a popular choice of succulent because, with brown stems and green leaves, they look just like miniature trees. Jade plants can also live a surprisingly long time. With the right care, they often turn into heirlooms that are passed down from generation to generation in a family.
Succulent – Jade Crassula
Echeveria
Echeveria succulents are starburst-shaped and come in several varieties. Depending on the type of echeveria, the color will vary with shades of green, pink, red, and even black available.
Succulents – Echeveria
How to Care for Indoor Succulents
The key to caring for indoor succulents is not paying them too much attention. They don’t need to be pruned, and they don’t like to have too much water. Pot succulents in a container that will drain easily and use a potting mix that’s been formulated specifically for succulents or cacti. Place it in a location where they will receive plenty of sunshine and rotate the container periodically to encourage even growth.
Succulent Garden
When watering, don’t be afraid to soak the soil, but be sure that all of the excess water is able to drain from the pot. Over-watering is the worst thing you can do for a succulent, as it will cause the plant to rot at its base and die. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
Succulent leaves that turn brown or yellow signify distress. This typically occurs due to over-watering but can also indicate extreme thirst. Check the soil moisture and contact an expert at VanderSalms Flowershop & Garden Center for more advice.
