Succulents have become one of the most popular choices for houseplants and green gifts, and it’s really no surprise because they’re stunning, easy to care for, and lots of fun to grow. Our florists at Allan’s Flowers absolutely adore succulents because they thrive naturally in Prescott’s hot, arid environment.
What Makes Succulents Different from Other Kinds of Plants?
The primary difference between succulents and other houseplants are their leaves and unusual structures. Unlike the thin foliage most plants have, succulents sprout thick, rubbery leaf segments that are extremely efficient when it comes to storing water. Succulents grow in different places all over the world, including arid environments and even humid rainforests.
Why Succulents Are Great for Growing Indoors
Like other living plants, succulents can help to create a calm, soothing atmosphere with a positive energy. They help regulate the humidity and dryness of the air indoors as they take in and release moisture, as needed. They also purify the air by drawing toxins, like VOCs, into the soil, where their roots convert them into nutrients. While cleaning the air, succulents also replenish the oxygen.
Our Favorite Succulent Varieties
Succulents come in an almost endless number of varieties, which makes them particularly fun to plant and tend. Some of our favorites include the following varieties:
Echeveria
If you see a succulent garden, odds are it contains one or more echeveria varieties, which look wonderful mixed together or paired with other types of succulents. These starburst-shaped plants feature leaf segments in different shapes (pointed, round, tubular, or stick-like) and in a variety of shades of green, pink, and purple.
Succulents – Echeveria
Kalanchoe
These lovely succulent plants have paddle-like leaves. They sprout clusters of flowers in vibrant shades of pink, yellow, red, orange, and white. They bloom from fall until spring, making them one of the cheeriest succulents to keep around during the shorter days of winter.
Orange Kalanchoe
Sedums
Sedum varieties of succulents are also commonly found in most succulent designs. They sprout fairly quickly, making them perfect for filling in a pot. Some varieties even grow taller than rosette-shaped succulents, making them a good choice, if you’d like to add some height to your succulent garden or make it look like it’s overflowing with succulents pouring over the sides.
Green Sedum
How to Grow a Healthy Succulent
The first step to cultivating a healthy succulent is to provide it with a suitable environment. Succulents like to receive plenty of sunshine, and they need a container filled with soil that will drain easily. Next, it’s important not to over-water succulents, as this is the most common reason they fail. In the summer, your succulents will probably need to be watered at least once a week (make sure the soil drains completely). During the winter, water only when the potting soil has dried completely.
Leaves that turn yellow or brown are a sign of an unhealthy succulent. If you notice your plant’s leaf segments turning, check that they’re not getting too much or too little water. When in doubt, we welcome you to contact an expert at Allan’s Flowers.
