Succulents have become some of the most desirable houseplants. They’re trendy, affordable, and low maintenance. What’s not to love? They even grow in seemingly endless varieties of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures, which makes them super fun to collect. If you’re planning to update your home or office in Rowland Heights, Whittier, or Glendora with a few potted succulents, take a moment to look over this quick guide to growing indoor succulents from the experts at Ron & Alicia Robinson Florist.
How Succulents Differ from Other Plants
The primary difference between succulents and other plants are their unique leaves and texture. Instead of sprouting papery leaves like other plants, succulents grow thick, rubbery leaves. This smart adaptation helps them store extra water, making it possible for them to live in harsh, arid environments. As a result, succulents are incredibly tolerant of drought and surprisingly easy to care for.
The Wonderful Reasons to Keep Succulents Inside
Succulents help generate positive energy and calming atmosphere that promotes productivity and concentration. They’re also beneficial to the indoor air. As succulent roots pump air into the soil, transforming toxins into nutrients, the plants are also continuously releasing fresh oxygen and replenishing the air.
Top Succulent Varieties
Echeveria
Echeveria succulents are some of the most commonly found in greenhouses and succulent gardens. Their different varieties grow in pretty starburst-shaped silhouettes and come in different colors including shades of green, pink, red, and even black. They’re lovely mixed with other succulents in a planter or potted on their own. Echeveria succulents are also commonly used as surprising accent pieces in floral bouquets. If you receive a floral arrangement featuring a succulent like an echeveria, don’t throw it out when the flowers are spent. Instead, pot it in soil. The roots will sprout, and you’ll be able to enjoy a new plant for years to come.
Succulents – Echeveria
Echeveria Succulents
String of Pearls
With a single glance at this odd succulent, you’ll immediately understand how it got its name. The string of pearls succulent has long, string-like tendrils that sprout perfectly spherical leaves. As a result, this succulent looks more like a piece of costume jewelry than an actual living plant. They’re perfect for potting in hanging planters or on pedestals, as the strings of pearls will cascade down the pot’s sides.
String of Pearls Succulent
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes, with their clusters of cheerfully vibrant flowers, are some of the happiest-looking succulents you can find. With proper care, they’ll bloom annually starting in the fall and continue to flower until spring.
Orange Kalanchoe
How to Grow Healthy Succulents Indoors
The main thing to remember when growing succulents inside is that they’re mostly adapted to living in the desert. They don’t need to be pruned, don’t like much water, and they need sunshine.
Pot succulents in a container that will drain easily with low-nutrient soil formulated for cacti or succulents. Place them in a sunny location and rotate the pot periodically to encourage even growth.
While you shouldn’t be afraid to thoroughly soak the soil, succulents will die quickly if given too much water. Make sure the pot can drain completely so that no succulent is ever left in standing water. Wait for the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
If a succulent’s leaves start turning brown or yellow, this means the plant’s not doing well. Most often, this occurs as a result of over-watering, but it can also indicate extreme thirst. Check the soil and contact an expert at Ron & Alicia Robinson Florist for help.
