Succulents are in-style, easy to care for, affordable, and they’re really fun to collect. It’s no wonder why succulents have become some of the most popular houseplants available. Plus, whether grown inside or out, succulents naturally fare really well in Tucson’s sunny, dry environment. If you’re thinking about adding the modern look of succulents to your home or office, take a look at this quick guide to indoor succulents from Casas Adobes Flower Shop.
How Succulents Differ from Other Plants
Unlike most plants that paper-like leaves, succulents have thick, rubbery leaves. In fact, succulents store water in their leaves, stems, and root systems, which is how they got their name (succulent means moist). Since they store water so efficiently, they don’t need a lot of water to thrive.
The Benefits of Growing Succulents Inside
Succulents not only brighten up a home, but they also purify the air and balance its humidity. Succulent roots operate with a gentle pumping action that draws air and pollution into the soil, where succulent roots convert toxins like VOCs into nutrients. In addition to eradicating indoor air pollution, succulents also emit oxygen, helping to replenish the air.
Popular Succulent Varieties
Since they grow all over the world, there is a seemingly endless variety of succulents to choose from. The following are some of the most popular varieties:
Jade Plants
Jade plants are an all-time favorite type of succulent. Young jade plants are shaped like small trees, and as they grow, they eventually develop thick, scaly trunks that make them look even more like trees. Fully grown plants can be up to about three feet tall. Jades live long lives, often being passed down from generation to generation in families.
Jade Plant
Echeveria
The echeveria variety of succulents grow in different colors, shapes, and sizes. They’re all generally shaped like starbursts or rosettes, but they feature differently shaped leaves which range from pointed to round, flat to crinkled, and stick-like to tubular. They come in a range of green hues including sage, vibrant, and pale, in addition to a range of pinks and reds.
Echeveria Succulents
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe plants are some of the most cheerful succulents because healthy ones will bloom starting in fall and continue until spring. They have clusters of small, vibrant flowers in shades of pink, orange, red, yellow, and white.
Orange Kalanchoe
How to Care for Indoor Succulents
Succulents are super simple to care for. Indoors, they’ll need a pot that drains easily, potting soil that’s formulated for either cacti or succulents and a warm, sunny location. Succulents tend to thrive on neglect, as they rarely need pruning and don’t need much water. Depending on the temperature and humidity of your home, your succulents will only need light watering, maybe every two weeks. Be sure to allow their soil to dry out completely before watering.
If a succulent’s leaves begin to turn yellow or brown, this is a sign of distress. This usually occurs because the plants are receiving too much water, but yellowing or browning can also indicate thirst. Check your plant’s potting soil to make sure it’s not overly wet. Then contact Casas Adobes Flower Shop for professional advice.
