Succulents have become some of the most popular houseplants out there. They’re easy to care for, affordable, and they’re in style. What’s not to love? Succulents also grow in seemingly endless varieties of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures, which makes them super fun to collect. If you’d like to update the style of your Charlotte home or office with potted succulents, take a minute to browse this quick guide to succulent care from the experts at The Blossom Shop.
How Succulents Differ from Other Plants
The primary differentiator between succulents and other green plants are their leaves. Succulents have thick, rubbery leaves, spines, or segments. These specialized leaves help succulents store water, making it possible for them to survive in harsh climates that don’t see much rainfall.
Why Succulents Are the Perfect Choice of Houseplants
Succulents help create a calming environment with positive energy that helps foster concentration and productivity. They’re also really healthy for an indoor environment. Their roots pull air into the soil and convert toxins, like VOCs, into nutrients. At the same time, they constantly replenish the air with fresh oxygen.
Favorite Varieties of Succulents
Echeveria
Echeveria succulents are some of the most common to spot in succulent gardens and greenhouses. They have a classic, attractive starburst shape, with leaves of various textures and shapes spiraling out from their centers. Echeveria grow in a variety of colors, as well, including shades of pink, red, black, and green, of course.
Succulents – Echeveria
Echeveria Succulents
Jade
Jade plants are another popular succulent choice. They have brown stems and little green leaves that make them look like tiny trees. They do well potted among other succulents and can also thrive on their own. Fully grown, they get to be about three feet tall. Jades also live unusually long lives, as a result, they often turn into heirloom plants that are passed down from generation to generation in a family.
Succulent – Jade Crassula
Jade Plant
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes are perhaps the most cheerful looking of all succulents. They have pretty, paddle-shaped leaves and clusters of delicate little flowers that bloom in vibrant shades of pink, red, yellow, white, and orange. When properly cared for, a kalanchoe will start to flower in autumn and won’t stop until spring. They’re experts at brightening the darker days of winter.
Orange Kalanchoe
How to Grow Healthy Succulents Indoors
Succulents thrive on neglect. They don’t need much water, and they don’t need to be pruned. Basically, they’ll thrive well indoors, as long as you pretty much leave them alone.
Pot succulents in a container that will drain easily and use a low-nutrient soil formulated for cacti or succulents. Place them in a location where they’ll receive plenty of sunlight and rotate the pot periodically to encourage even growth.
The worst thing you can do for a succulent is to give it too much water. You can wet the soil thoroughly when watering, but make sure all the water is able to drain from the pot. Never let a succulent sit in standing water. Wait for the soil to dry completely before watering again.
If succulent leaves begin to turn yellow or brown, this is a sign of distress. Usually, this happens when the plant is over-watered. It can also indicate extreme thirst. Check your plant’s soil and contact a professional at The Blossom Shop for advice.