Succulents are in-style, affordable, and super low-maintenance, so it’s no surprise that they’ve become some of the most desirable houseplants available. With countless varieties, succulents are also really fun to collect. If you’re thinking about modernizing your Staten Island home or office with a few potted succulents, take a moment to look over this quick guide to succulent care from the experts at Moravian Florist.
What Makes Succulents Different from Other Green Plants?
The primary difference between succulents and other green plants is that succulents have thick, rubbery leaves and/or spines, instead of the thin paper-like leaves other plants grow. The special structure of succulents makes them perfectly adapted to living in harsh, arid conditions where water is scarce. Succulents are masters at storing water in their leaves, stems, and roots.
Why Succulents Make Perfect Houseplants
Your house isn’t the desert, but it is the perfect place for growing succulents. Adding succulents to your home or office will create a calm atmosphere with positive energy, helping you concentrate and be more productive. Succulents are also excellent for your indoor environment. Succulent roots pull air into the soil. When toxins like VOCs reach their roots, they convert the harmful chemicals into nutrients. While removing pollution from the air, succulents also continuously replenish the oxygen.
Top Types of Succulents
Echeveria
Echeveria succulents are some of the most commonly used succulent plants. They’re beautiful in succulent gardens and potted on their own. With pretty starburst-shaped silhouettes, echeverias come in a variety of colors including shades of red, pink, green, and even black. These pretty succulents are also commonly incorporated in floral bouquets, as surprising accent pieces. If you receive a bouquet with an echeveria, don’t throw the succulent out with the flowers once they’re spent. Instead, pot it in soil. It’ll sprout roots, and you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come.
Succulents – Echeveria
Echeveria Succulents
String of Pearls
The string of pearls succulent is one of the oddest-looking plants you can find. With a single glance, it’s obvious how the plant got its name. “String of pearls” succulents have very thin vine-like stems with perfectly spherical leaves sprouting sporadically. They look just like round pearls strung on strings. These are perfect in hanging containers or pots displayed on pedestals, as the strands will cascade over the sides of the pot.
String of Pearls Succulent
Jade
Jade plants are another favorite succulent. With green leaves and brown stems, they look like miniature trees. Jades are also long-lasting. Well-tended, a single plant can live for generations, turning into an heirloom that’s passed down through families.
Jade Plant
Succulent – Jade Crassula
How to Care for Indoor Succulents
Succulents are remarkably easy to care for. They practically thrive on neglect, which makes them the perfect choice for anyone lacking a green thumb, anyone who travels frequently, or those who simply don’t have time to be bothered with houseplant care.
Succulent – Green Graptoveria z
Pot succulents with low-nutrient soil formulated for cacti or succulents in a container that will drain easily. Find them a sunny perch, where they’ll be safe from cold drafts and frosty windows. Since succulents are adapted to tolerating drought, they don’t need much water to survive, and too much water will actually kill succulents. Always allow the soil to dry out completely before watering a succulent. Wet the soil thoroughly and allow the water to drain. Never let a succulent sit in standing water.
If a succulent’s leaves begin turning brown or yellow, this indicates a sick plant. Most often, this occurs due to over-watering, but yellow or brown leaves can also indicate extreme thirst. Check the soil and contact an expert at Moravian Florist for help.
