Saw It, Wanted It? Well, Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Bring Succulents Home
You’ve likely come across them on numerous Pinterest boards and can’t help but be charmed by their undeniable cuteness. These petite, flesh-toned plants have gained tremendous popularity due to their minimal maintenance requirements. Their relatively smaller size makes them a perfect fit for nooks and corners in your home or office, instantly adding character to your decor.
However, before you make your purchase, it’s crucial to consider which type of succulent suits you best, as there’s a wide array of varieties to choose from. Ready to know more about the greens?
Incorporating succulents into your indoor decor introduces a splash of green, a refreshing departure from the urban greyness that engulfs us. Notably, having a touch of greenery around offers more than just aesthetics:
- Succulents not only infuse spaces with vitality but also act as natural air purifiers, almost like your personal oxygen source.
- Thanks to their water-retention abilities, succulents are mostly hassle-free. Apart from occasional watering and trimming, they largely thrive with just sufficient natural light.
The top five most popular succulents are:
- Burro’s Tail
Also known as the donkey’s tail, it’s a trailing succulent. It thrives best in hanging containers or placed over ledges, allowing it to cascade elegantly. Bright light is essential for its growth. While it rarely blooms, you might spot pink or red flowers on the stems during summers. In winter, its growth slows down, so it’s wise to let the soil dry between waterings.
2. Jade Plant
A beloved classic due to its undemanding nature. Jade plants do well in heavier pots like terracotta, especially since they can become top-heavy. They require ample sunlight for robust growth. The key to their longevity is allowing the soil to completely dry before watering, although it’s advisable to water before the leaves lose their lustre, which indicates stress.
3. Aloe Vera
Another cherished choice. Aloe vera boasts beauty benefits and exemplifies succulents’ water-retaining capacity. It clusters as it grows, but can be divided and transplanted if it becomes crowded. It appreciates sunlight, but excessive exposure can scorch its leaves. Overall, it’s a low-maintenance houseplant that can thrive with minimal care. Keep the soil dry, as the plant naturally holds water.
4. Panda Plant
This common succulent grows slowly. Place it where it receives sufficient sunlight, and ensure the soil is fully dry before watering. It’s crucial to avoid getting water on the leaves, as they may rot.
5. Zebra Haworthia
Resembling aloe vera but adorned with zebra-like stripes, it’s often mistaken for an exotic plant. Easily grown, it just requires a few hours of sunlight near a window daily. Its small size allows it to be cultivated alongside other succulents without concerns of sprawling leaves. Again, let the soil dry completely before watering.
After choosing the right fit, here are some care tips:
- Succulents generally need around six to seven hours of daily sunlight. For recently planted ones, gradually introduce them to sunlight to prevent leaf scorching. Rotate the placement of succulents, as constant sunlight exposure can dry them out.
- Avoid excessive care. Water succulents once the soil dries, based on the season and the plant’s water retention capacity. Water the soil, not the leaves. Look out for slightly wilted leaves, indicating the need for watering.
- When picking pots, prioritise drainage. Opt for earthenware pots instead of glass containers. Regular soil isn’t suitable; go for cactus soil or a mix of potting soil, stones, and sand.
- While pests aren’t a major concern indoors, watch for bugs. Gnats, small white insects, may nest in succulents with excess moisture. Swiftly remove larvae and eggs with 70% isopropyl alcohol to prevent damage. Isolate infested plants to curb bug spread.
In Conclusion
Incorporating succulents into your living or workspace can bring a touch of nature’s elegance while demanding only a modest amount of care. By selecting the right variety and following these simple guidelines for nurturing, you can effortlessly enhance your surroundings with these charming and resilient plants. So, whether you’re drawn to the trailing beauty of the Burro’s Tail or the striking stripes of the Zebra Haworthia, the world of succulents offers an inviting and refreshing way to infuse greenery and life into your environment.
And if you simply choose to go with regular houseplants, here are some care tips to ensure that you have a thriving scenery at home.
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