It’s not surprising that succulents have become some of the most beloved houseplants available because they’re low-maintenance, affordable, and on-trend. They’re also really fun to collect because there are so many different varieties. If you’re planning to modernize your Tulsa home or office decor with a succulent or two, take a moment to read through this quick guide to succulent care from the experts at Mary Murray’s Flowers.
How Are Succulents Different from Other Green Plants?
The primary differentiator between succulents and other plants are their thick, rubbery, waxy leaves and stems. These unique features make succulents experts at storing water inside their roots, stems, and leaves, which makes it possible for them to survive in harsh, arid environments, like the desert.
Why Succulents Make the Best Houseplants
Succulents are wonderful houseplants because they’re beautiful. They also create a calming atmosphere with positive energy that promotes productivity and concentration. In addition, succulents are a healthy choice of decoration because they improve indoor air quality. They help eradicate indoor air pollution by pulling toxins, like VOCs, into their roots and converting them into nutrients. They also replenish the air by emitting fresh oxygen.
Top Succulent Varieties
Echeveria
Echeveria succulents are some of the most common to spot in succulent gardens and potted on their own. They grow in signature starburst-shaped silhouettes and come in a variety of colors including shades of green, red, pink, and even black. Depending on the echeveria variety, their leaves can be round, pointed, crinkled, smooth, tubular, or stick-straight.
Succulents – Echeveria
Succulent Love
Graptosedum “Alpenglow”
Graptosedum succulents grow in small clusters of rosettes. They also sport surprisingly vibrant colors for what’s typically considered a “green” plant. The alpenglow variety of graptosedum succulents is particularly beautiful in a stunning shade of brightly blushing pink.
Alpenglow succulent
Living Succulent Wreath
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe plants are some of the most cheerful-looking succulents out there. They have shiny, broad leaves and stun every year with their clusters of vibrantly colored miniature blooms. Properly tended, kalanchoes will bloom from autumn to spring in bright shades of orange, pink, yellow, white, and red.
Orange Kalanchoe
How to Care for Indoor Succulents
The secret to growing healthy succulents is to simply let them be. Succulents thrive on neglect. They rarely need water, and they don’t need pruning.
Pot succulents with low-nutrient soil formulated for cacti and succulents in a container that will drain well. Place them in a sunny location and rotate the pot occasionally to encourage even growth. As leaves die, remove them promptly to prevent bacterial growth that could damage the plant.
Succulents expertly store water and can even pull moisture out of a humid environment, so they rarely need to be watered. When you water a succulent, soak the soil thoroughly and allow it to drain. Never let a succulent sit in standing water. Wait for the soil to dry completely before watering the plant again.
If a succulent’s leaves begin turning brown or yellow, this is an indication of an unhealthy plant. This most often occurs due to over-watering, but can sometimes indicate an extremely thirsty succulent. Consider how often you water, check the soil, and contact at expert at Mary Murray’s Flowers for advice.
