Succulents have become some of the most popular houseplants out there, and it’s really not surprising. They’re affordable, stylish, and super easy to care for. Plus, with so many varieties available, they’re also exciting to collect. What’s not to love? If you want to add the upbeat allure of potted succulents to your St. Louis home or office, take a quick look at this essential guide to growing succulents inside from the experts at Walter Knoll Florist.
Why Are Succulents So Different from Other Plants?
The primary difference between succulents and other plants are their leaves. Most plants have papery leaves, but succulents grow thick, rubbery leaves, spikes, and segments. Along with their roots and stems, succulent’s odd-looking leaves help them store water and make it possible for them to live in harsh climates that receive little rainfall.
The Wondrous Reasons to Grow Succulents Inside
In addition, to be super cute, succulents are also really healthy for an indoor environment. They’ve been shown to increase concentration and productivity by creating a calming atmosphere. They’re also experts at regulating indoor humidity. Succulent roots also draw air into the soil, where they convert harmful air pollutants, like VOCs, into nutrients. In addition to purifying the air, succulents continuously replenish it with fresh oxygen.
Top Succulents
Echeveria
Echeveria succulents are starburst-shaped with rows of leaves that have different shapes and textures depending on the variety. Echeverias are some of the most commonly found succulents. They’re often used in succulent gardens, planted on their own, and are even a popular choice of accent in modern floral designs. If you receive an echeveria in a floral arrangement, don’t throw it away when the flowers are spent. Pot it. It will grow roots, and you’ll be able to enjoy its beauty for years to come.
Succulents – Echeveria
Tom Thumb Crassula
The Tom Thumb crassula is one of several varieties of crassula. This one is especially beautiful because, like a plant from a fairy tale, it has vibrant green rosettes that sprout one on top of another, creating lovely spiraling columns.
Succulent – Crassula
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is possibly the most cheerful succulent of all. They have bright green, paddle-shaped leaves and sprout clusters of delicate flowers in vibrant shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, and white. They start blooming in autumn and don’t stop until spring, making them the best way to brighten winter’s shorter days.
Orange Kalanchoe
Tips for Growing Indoor Succulents
The key to growing healthy indoor succulents is to leave them alone most of the time. They don’t require much water, nor do they need pruning.
Pot succulents in a container that will drain easily and use a low-nutrient potting mix designed for cacti and succulents. Place the container in a location that will receive plenty of sunlight and rotate it periodically to encourage even growth.
When watering your succulents, don’t be afraid to soak the soil, but make sure all the excess water is able to drain. Letting a succulent sit in standing water will cause the plant to rot and die. Make sure the soil dries completely before watering again.
Succulent leaves that turn yellow or brown indicate a stressed plant. This usually occurs due to over-watering but can indicate a thirsty plant. Check the soil’s moisture and contact the experts at Walter Knoll Florist for more succulent care advice.