Succulents have become some of the most popular houseplants. They’re trendy, affordable, and low maintenance! What’s not to love? Plus, they grow in nearly endless varieties of colors, shapes, textures, and sizes, which makes them super fun to collect. If you’re thinking about updating your Philadelphia home or office with a few stylishly potted succulents, take a minute to look over this quick guide to indoor succulent care from the experts at Robertson’s Flowers & Events.
How Are Succulents Different from Other Plants?
Succulents are distinguished from other green plants by their thick, fleshy parts. By nature, succulents are designed to retain water in dry, arid climates. This ability makes them low-maintenance and long-lasting.
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The Benefits of Growing Succulents Inside
These plants can help create a calm, positive environment that relieves stress and aids in productivity and creativity. They also help purify the air. Succulent roots draw air into the soil. When harmful chemicals, like VOCs, reach the roots, they transform the toxins into nutrients, combating indoor air pollution. Succulents also replenish the air by releasing oxygen.
Favorite Succulent Varieties
Echeveria
Echeveria succulents are some of the most popularly used in greenhouses and succulent gardens. They grow in pretty rosette or starburst shapes and come in a variety of colors, depending on the type of echeveria. Hues include shades of pink, red, green, and even black. They also vary in texture with leaves ranging from smooth to crinkled, round to pointed, and tubular to stick-straight.
Succulents – Echeveria
Urban Wave
String of Pearls
With a single glance, you’ll immediately understand why this succulent is called “string of pearls.” This plant has long, string-like tendrils of vines that actually sprout spherical leaves. As a result of its odd appearance, it looks more like the materials for a necklace than an actual living plant. These beauties will cascade over the edges of a container, making them a great choice for a hanging pot or pedestal display.
String of Pearls Succulent
Rhipsalis Cereuscula (Coral Cactus)
Commonly called the coral cactus, the rhipsalis cereuscula succulent grows bushy with long, thin segments of plant stems. Eventually, they spill prettily over the edges of containers, making them a perfect choice to create a full look in a succulent garden. These succulents can burn from too much direct sunlight, and the tips of their arms will turn red if exposed to cold.
Succulent Garden
How to Care for Your Indoor Succulents
The primary trick to raising healthy succulents is not to fuss with them too much. Succulents thrive on neglect, as they don’t need pruning and rarely need to be watered.
Pot succulents in a container that drains easily with soil formulated for cacti or succulents. Place them in a sunny location and water about every two weeks or sooner if the soil has dried out. These plants are meant to sustain themselves in dry climates, so you want to avoid over-watering. Succulents can be placed outdoors in the warmer spring and summer months, but always bring them inside before the first frost.
If a succulent’s leaves begin turning yellow or brown, this is an indication of stress. Typically, this occurs due to too much water, but can also be a sign of extreme thirst. Check the soil and then contact Robertson’s Flowers & Events for professional advice.
