Succulents have become some of the most beloved houseplants, and that’s really no surprise. Succulents are low-maintenance, on-trend, and super affordable. Plus, they’re fun to collect because they grow in a countless number of varieties. If you’re thinking about modernizing your Uniontown office or home with stylishly potted succulents, take a moment to look over this quick guide to growing indoor succulents from the experts at Neubauer’s Flowers & Market House.
How Succulents Differ from Other Green Plants
Succulents are hardy and have greater durability than other plants, but the primary difference is their specialized leaves and structures. With thick, rubbery leaves, succulents are expertly adapted to storing water in harsh, dry climates, like the desert. This makes them extremely tolerant of drought.
Why Succulents Make Perfect Houseplants
Succulents can both purify the air and improve your focus. Filling a space with succulents creates calm, positive energy that increases productivity. Their roots draw air into the soil. When harmful chemicals, like VOCs, reach them, succulent roots convert the toxins into nutrients, effectively eradicating indoor air pollution. Succulents also replenish the air by emitting oxygen.
Square Succulent Gardens
Favorite Types of Succulents
Echeveria
Echeveria plants are some of the most popular succulents. They’re commonly found in succulent gardens because their pretty starburst shapes look great together and with other succulent plants. Echeveria succulents grow in a variety of colors, too, which include shades of red, green, pink, and even black.
Echeveria Succulents
Portulacaria Afra (Elephant Bush)
Young elephant bush succulents are a fun addition to a succulent garden because they resemble tiny trees with green leaves and brown stems. As the elephant bush succulent grows, its brown stems will become covered in brown scales that look like tree bark, helping to create a sturdy structure to support the plant’s continuous growth. Well-tended, an elephant bush can grow up to 12 feet tall.
Elephant Bush
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe plants are arguably the most cheerful of all the succulents. They have broad, vibrant green leaves and bloom with large clusters of small delicate flowers in bright shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. With proper care, kalanchoes will bloom annually starting in autumn and continue to flower until spring. These sunny succulents are experts at brightening up even the darkest days of winter.
Orange Kalanchoe
How to Raise Healthy Indoor Succulents
Succulents are some of the easiest plants to care for because they basically thrive on neglect. They rarely need to be watered, and they don’t require pruning.
Designed Succulent Gardens
Set your succulents up for success by putting them in a container that will drain easily with low-nutrient soil formulated specially for succulents or cacti. Find them a sunny location, where they won’t be exposed to cold drafts or frosty windows. Water the soil directly and allow it to soak through and drain completely. Never let a succulent sit in standing water. Wait until the soil has dried completely before watering again.
Yellow or brown leaves indicate a distressed succulent. Typically, succulents suffer due to over-watering, but turning leaves can also signify extreme thirst. Check the soil and then contact a succulent expert at Neubauer’s Flowers & Market House for help.
