Low-maintenance, fun to collect, and affordable — what more could you want from a houseplant? With so many benefits and so many different varieties, it’s really no wonder why succulents have become some of the most popular houseplants. If you’re ready to start your own succulent collection or simply want a fun, modern way to spruce up your home or office, take a look at this quick guide to succulent care from Carithers Flowers in Atlanta.
How Succulents Are Different from Other Plants
The primary difference between succulents and other plants are their leaves. Instead of the papery leaves found on most plants, succulents have thick leaves or spines with a rubbery texture. These specialized leaves help succulents store water. Succulents grow in various places, where water is scarce, all around the world. This includes arid locations, like deserts, and humid locations like the tree bark found in rainforests.
Benefits of Keeping Succulents Inside
In addition to being stylish, there are plenty of reasons why it’s smart to have succulents in a home or office. Like all living plants, succulents contribute to the cultivation of a calm, low-stress atmosphere that helps improve concentration and peace of mind. Succulents also help regulate moisture in the air, drawing in moisture in high humidity and releasing moisture, when the air’s dry. In addition, succulents can combat indoor air pollution by drawing toxins, like harmful VOCs, into the soil, where their roots convert them into nutrients. As succulents breathe, they’ll release oxygen, replenishing the air.
Favorite Types of Succulents
The sheer variety of succulents seems limitless, which means it’s difficult to choose which ones to purchase first. Some of the most commonly found and popularly used succulents include the following plants.
Black Prince Echeveria
This starburst-shaped succulent features a burst of leaves with green coloring toward the center that grows black as it moves toward the leaves’ tips. The black prince echeveria is a favorite thanks to its otherworldly colors and alluring looks. It’s beautiful on its own or in an arrangement with coordinating and contrasting succulents.
Black Prince Echeveria
Succulent Garden in Glass
Sedum
Sedum succulents are popular for filling out succulent gardens. They grow in different shapes, sizes, and directions, which makes them wonderful for ground cover or perfect for adding height to a design.
Green Sedum
Lipstick Echeveria
Like other echeverias, the lipstick echeveria grows in a starburst shape. Unlike others, the lipstick echeveria features leaf segments with attractive, bright-pink tips.
Lipstick Echeveria
Simple Indoor Succulent Care
Sometimes the hardest aspect of caring for succulents is simply leaving them alone. Succulents need a warm, sunny location and a pot that drains easily. Other than that, they don’t need much. In fact, over-tending or over-watering a succulent is one of the worst things you can do for it. Be sure that your plant’s soil is able to dry completely before you water it.
If a succulent starts to turn brown or yellow, this means the plant is in distress. Typically, this occurs due to over-watering, but these color changes can also indicate that your plant hasn’t received enough water. Check the soil, use your best judgment, and feel free to contact an expert at Carithers Flowers for additional help.
