Succulents have quickly become some of the most sought-after houseplants, and it’s really no surprise. They’re trendy, affordable, and easy to care for. They look different from other plants, and with so many varieties to choose from, they’re also fun to collect. If you’re thinking about modernizing the look of your Albuquerque home or office with a few potted succulents, take a minute to check out this quick guide to growing indoor succulents from the experts at Peoples Flower Shops.
The Difference Between Succulents and Other Plants
The primary difference between succulents and other green plants is that succulents are specially adapted to tolerate drought and survive in harsh, arid conditions. They have thick, waxy, rubber-like leaves that help them store water. Plus, they’re able to store water in their roots and stems. Succulents get their name, which is another word for moist, because they’re so good at storing water that their insides are always wet.
Succulent Boutonniere
Why Succulents Are the Perfect Indoor Plants
Succulents make great house because they’re fun to look at, but also because they help create a calm atmosphere with positive energy that improves focus and productivity. They’re also great for an indoor environment. They help regulate humidity, while also purifying the air. Their roots pump air into the soil. When harmful chemicals like VOCs reach their roots, they convert the toxins into nutrients, effectively combating indoor air pollution. Succulents also replenish the air by constantly emitting fresh oxygen.
Top Succulent Varieties
Echeveria
Echeveria succulents come in a wide variety of starburst-shaped plants. They’re some of the most commonly found succulents. Typically included in succulent gardens, they’re also lovely potted on their own. With colors in shades of green, pink, red, and even black, echeveria succulents are also a popular choice of accent in floral arrangements, corsages, and boutonnieres.
If you receive an echeveria in a floral design, don’t throw it away when the flowers are spent. Instead, plant it in soil, wait for the roots to sprout, and get ready to enjoy its beauty for years to come.
Black Prince Echeveria
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe plants are some of the happiest-looking succulents you can find. They bloom from autumn until spring in clusters of pretty, delicate flowers. Flower colors include vibrant shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white.
Orange Kalanchoe
Sedum
Sedums are trailing succulents that come in plenty of varieties. Some have clumps oblong leaf segments, while others sprout in pretty, multiplying rosettes. Sedum succulents are typically used as ground cover or to fill out a succulent garden because they grow quickly and abundantly.
Green Sedum
Blue Sedum
The Trick to Growing Healthy Indoor Succulents
The main thing to remember when growing indoor succulents is that they pretty much thrive on neglect. They don’t like too much water, and they don’t need to be pruned.
Pot succulents in a container that will drain easily with low-nutrient soil formulated specifically for cacti or succulents. Place them in a location that receives plenty of sunshine and rotate the pot weekly to encourage even growth.
Succulent Garden
Do not over-water succulents. Succulents that receive too much water will rot at the base of the plant and die. Water succulents only when the soil has been allowed to dry completely. Water directly on the soil, instead of over the plants and allow pot to drain completely. Never let a succulent sit in standing water.
If a succulent’s leaves start to turn brown or yellow, this can indicate over-watering and also under-watering. Check the soil and contact a professional at Peoples Flower Shops for assistance.
