It’s not surprising that succulents have become some of the most sought-after houseplants because they are in-style, low-maintenance, and surprisingly affordable. Plus, they’re a lot of fun to collect because of the incredible number of succulent varieties. If you’re planning to modernize your Marco Island home or office with the addition of a few upbeat, quirky succulent plants, take a moment to peruse this quick succulent care guide put together by the experts at Marco Island Florist.
Why Succulents Are So Special Compared to Other Green Plants
The primary difference between succulents and other green plants are their thick, rubbery leaves and stems. These succulent features are the adaptations that allow them to expertly store water and survive in inhospitable environments, where water is scarce.
Could a Houseplant Be More Perfect?
Succulents are attractive and, like other green plants, they’ll help you create a calm atmosphere with positive energy that promotes concentration and productivity. They’re also excellent for the indoor environment. Succulent roots pump air into their soil, where they convert harmful chemicals, like VOCs, into nutrients. While removing toxins from the air, succulents also replenish it by emitting fresh oxygen.
Favorite Succulent Varieties
Jade Plants
The jade plant is one of the most popular succulents. With deep green leaves and brown stalks, they resemble small trees. They look great potted with other succulents but also do well on their own. Fully grown, jade plants reach about three feet tall. They’re unbelievably long-lasting, too. Properly cared for, a jade plant will live for generations, getting passed down through family members.
Jade Plant
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe plants are some of the most cheerful-looking succulents you can find. They have broad, paddle-like leaves and bloom with stunning clusters of miniature flowers. With proper care, they flower annually from autumn until spring and feature stunning hues in shades of orange, yellow, pink, white, and red.
Orange Kalanchoe
Echeveria
Echeveria succulents have classic rosette or starburst-shaped silhouettes. They grow in several varieties which have different colors like shades of green, pink, red, and even black. They also feature differently shaped leaves with some pointy, round, tubular, straight, crinkled, or smooth. Echeveria are commonly found in potted succulent arrangements, but they’re also often included as surprising accents in floral designs. If you receive an echeveria in a floral bouquet, simply plant it in soil once the flowers are spent. It’ll sprout roots, and you’ll get to enjoy it for years to come.
Echeveria
Echeveria
How to Care for Indoor Succulents
On Marco Island, succulents can thrive indoors or out, but we recommend growing them inside to elevate your decor and to fully enjoy all their amazing benefits. The secret to growing healthy succulents is simply to leave them alone most of the time. Succulents thrive on neglect.
Succulent – Green Graptoveria
Succulent – Pachyveria
Pot succulents with low-nutrient soil specially formulated for cacti and succulents in a container that will drain easily. Place succulents in a location where they’ll receive plenty of direct sunlight and rotate the container periodically to encourage even growth. Succulents, especially in a humid environment, do not need much water to survive. When you do water them, soak the dirt thoroughly and allow it to drain completely. Never let a succulent sit in standing water. Wait for the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
If a succulent’s leaves begin turning yellow or brown, this indicates a problem. Typically, this occurs due to over-watering, but can sometimes also indicate a thirsty plant. Consider how frequently you’ve been watering the succulent, check its soil, and contact Marco Island Florist for help.
