Succulents are on-trend, easy to care for, and affordable. Plus, with seemingly endless varieties, they’re really fun to collect, too. If you’re looking to modernize your home or office decor with succulents, take a look at this quick guide to growing healthy succulents from the experts at Durocher Florist in Springfield.
How Succulents Differ from Other Plants
Most leafy green plants have thin, papery leaves, but succulents grow thick, rubbery leaves that are specialized for storing water. Succulent plants grow in arid locations like deserts and also from the sides of trees in humid rainforests. They store water in their roots, stems, and leaves, which is why they’re called succulent, a word that means moist.
The Benefits of Growing Indoor Succulents
Succulents aren’t just pretty to look at and fun to collect, they’re also good for your indoor environment. Like other green plants, they create a calm atmosphere that promotes concentration and productivity. They also purify the air. Succulent roots pump air down toward their roots, and when toxins like VOCs reach the soil, their roots convert the chemicals into nutrients. While filtering the air, they also replenish its oxygen content.
Popular Succulent Varieties
Echeveria
If you receive an echeveria in a floral bouquet or have them incorporated in your bridal flowers, you can preserve it by planting it in a pot with cacti or succulent soil once your flowers are spent. Wait for it to root and watch it grow.
Succulents – Echeveria
Lipstick Echeveria
String of Pearls
These succulents have an extremely unique look that resembles, as the name suggests, strings of pearls. This vine-like succulent has thin stems with spherical, green “leaves” sporadically growing. Once grown in, a string of pearls succulent will dangle over the edges of a pot, making it the perfect choice for a hanging planter or a pot on a raised pedestal.
String of Pearls
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes are some of the most cheerful succulents to grow indoors. They have broad, paddle-like green leaves and bloom annually from autumn until spring. These pretty succulents feature clusters of small flowers in vibrant colors like red, pink, yellow, orange, and white.
Orange Kalanchoe
Simple Succulent Care
Succulents are some of the easiest plants to grow. New England weather can be a bit finicky, but succulents do well in our climate and are hardy in our region, as they can tolerate drought conditions. They thrive in areas with little water and lots of sun. They do well indoors during the harsher winter months and thrive outdoors during the spring and summer.
They require very little maintenance which is a big plus to those of us who don’t have a green thumb or much free time! In fact, they seem to thrive on neglect. Plant your succulent in a pot that drains easily and gives it a perch with full sun (direct, bright light). Only water your succulent when the soil is completely dry. Typically, just a light mist of water once or twice a week is plenty of moisture.
Bridal Bouquet with Succulent
Bouquet with Succulents
If a succulent’s leaves turn brown or yellow, this signifies distress. Yellowing leaves typically occur due to over-watering, but can also happen when a plant doesn’t receive enough moisture. Check the soil and contact an expert at Durocher Florist for help.
