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Succulent Plants: The Perfect Indoor Greenery
I have always found it a little ironic that plants adapted to hot, arid desert environments are called “succulents.” To me, the word suggests biting into juicy fruit on a warm summer day. In reality, succulent plants are highly efficient water-storing specialists. Their thick, protected tissues allow them to hold moisture and survive for surprisingly long periods with only tiny amounts of water. Their unusual shapes and relatively simple care requirements have also made them extremely popular among indoor gardeners.
Theo Mercer
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I have always found it a little ironic that plants adapted to hot, arid desert environments are called “succulents.” To me, the word suggests biting into juicy fruit on a warm summer day. In reality, succulent plants are highly efficient water-storing specialists. Their thick, protected tissues allow them to hold moisture and survive for surprisingly long periods with only tiny amounts of water. Their unusual shapes and relatively simple care requirements have also made them extremely popular among indoor gardeners.
Succulents can be found across many different plant families. The cactus family, Cactaceae, is probably the group most people immediately associate with succulents, while the fig-marigold and stonecrop families also contain numerous succulent species. Their defining characteristic is the ability of their leaves and stems to become thick and fleshy as they accumulate water for use during dry periods.
This adaptation allows them to survive conditions that would be difficult for many other plants. Too much water, however, can cause their tissues and roots to rot. If they receive too little water, their leaves and stems may shrivel and draw inward. Succulents are remarkably good at conserving both water and nutrients, which means they generally require relatively little attention.
There is some disagreement over whether cacti should technically be included among succulent plants. For the purposes of this discussion, they will be left out. Instead, the focus is on familiar succulents such as agave, yucca, aloe, bromeliads, sedum, sempervivum, echeveria, euphorbias, halophytes, Graptopetalum paraguayense (ghost plant), and related species.
Environment
In general, succulents prefer warm surroundings, relatively dry conditions, soil that drains quickly, and plenty of sunlight. There are exceptions, however. Some varieties can tolerate temperatures below freezing, including low-growing sedums used as ground covers and colorful sempervivums.
Succulents are also well adapted to environments with low humidity. Even though they are excellent at conserving moisture, they still need water to remain healthy. Large fluctuations in temperature, prolonged drought, or insufficient exposure to sunlight can all have a noticeable impact on their growth and appearance.
Soil
When planting or repotting succulents, you can purchase a commercial growing mixture formulated specifically for these plants. Another option is to create a simple homemade medium by combining one part regular potting soil with one part coarse sand. Avoid using sand collected from the beach.
Choose a container that provides enough room for the plant to grow and, most importantly, has drainage holes in the bottom. Good drainage is essential because succulent roots can suffer when excess water remains in the soil.
During summer, you can feed your succulents with a standard houseplant fertilizer up to twice during the season. Dilute the fertilizer to approximately half the strength recommended on the product label.
Light
Most succulent varieties prefer full sun or partial sunlight. A bright windowsill that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day is an excellent location for many indoor specimens.
If adequate natural light is unavailable, artificial grow lights can be used as an alternative. Interestingly, giving succulents more sunlight than they normally receive can cause their foliage to develop richer colors, a phenomenon sometimes described as “blushing.”
By contrast, inadequate light can leave the plants looking pale, gray, or washed out. Healthy succulents can display an impressive range of colors, including pink, orange, purple, blue, deep almost-black tones, and even red.
Water
Most succulents enter their main period of active growth during the warmer months of spring and summer. During this period, they generally require somewhat more water. In winter, their needs decrease considerably, and watering once every two to three weeks is often enough to prevent their leaves from becoming dehydrated.
When watering, thoroughly soak the growing medium until excess water begins flowing from the drainage holes. Allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. It is generally better to give the plant a thorough watering at appropriate intervals rather than repeatedly adding tiny amounts of water.
Keep in mind that different succulent species can have somewhat different requirements. Always consider the particular species or variety you are growing and adjust your care routine accordingly.
Benefits of Growing Succulents
Keeping succulents indoors can offer several advantages. They can contribute to a fresher indoor environment, and certain species, including aloe and yucca, have traditionally been valued for their medicinal properties. Plants can also contribute to a more pleasant and uplifting indoor atmosphere.
For anyone looking for compact houseplants that are easy to maintain while still offering unusual shapes and attractive foliage, several succulent varieties are particularly appealing.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The Jade Plant features thick, glossy, oval-shaped green leaves that may develop reddish tips under suitable conditions. It forms a sturdy, woody trunk with branching stems and can eventually produce delicate white or pink flowers shaped like small stars.
Its tree-like structure and fleshy foliage make it one of the most recognizable succulent houseplants.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is widely recognized for its traditional medicinal uses. The plant produces thick, pointed leaves that emerge from a central growing point. Depending on the growing conditions and variety, its foliage can range from vibrant green to muted gray-green.
Its distinctive upright leaves and practical uses have made aloe vera a particularly popular choice for indoor cultivation.
Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
The Panda Plant is a relatively compact succulent with soft, fuzzy gray leaves. The edges and tips of the leaves are decorated with characteristic brown markings, giving the plant an appearance quite different from many other succulents.
With appropriate care, it can live for many years. Flowering is uncommon when grown indoors, but its unusual furry foliage provides plenty of visual interest even without flowers.
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