Succulents have become a popular choice of houseplant because they thrive with minimal care and also come in a rainbow of nearly countless stunning varieties. They can be potted in just about any type of receptacle, from traditional pots and stylish ceramics to hollowed-out corks, recycled berry baskets, eggshells, wall hangings, and wreaths. This makes them a perfect addition to any decor style. Our florists at Ah Sam Florist love them because they flourish naturally in dry, sunny San Mateo.
What Makes Succulents So Different from Other Plants?
The primary difference between succulents and other types of plants are their unique structures. While they come in a diverse array of varieties, almost all succulents sprout thick, rubbery leaves. These fleshy plants grow in this way in order to efficiently store water in their naturally arid, native environments. While some succulents originate in the deserts of the world, others grow from the trunks of trees in humid rainforests. Most succulents have fairly shallow root systems, which allow them to quickly absorb water during rainfall in porous soil. Healthy succulents will also bloom during the right time of the year with surprisingly beautiful flowers in shades of pink, yellow, orange, white, purple, and red.
The Benefits of Growing Succulents Indoors
Succulents don’t just elevate the look of an indoor space, they also make it healthier. Growing plants, like succulents, indoors can actually purify and replenish the air in your home or office. They remove toxins like VOCs from the air, taking them in and converting them to nutrients. They also breathe in carbon dioxide and exhale fresh oxygen. Plus, filling an indoor environment with living plants creates a calm atmosphere that facilities focus, positive energy, and relaxation.
Our Favorite Types of Succulents
There’s an almost endless variety of succulents to choose from. They come in different shades of green, pink, purple, and red. We love to display succulents in gardens featuring a mixed selection, which helps to highlight their unique shapes and colors.
Aloe
We especially love varieties of aloe, which all feature ridged, spiky segments in patterned variations of bright green.
Aloe
Echeveria
Echeveria succulents are also alluringly beautiful. Their leaf segments grow in starburst patterns in a range of shapes, ranging from pointed or crinkled to round, and hues including a variety of pinks and greens.
Echeveria
Modern Succulent Garden
Crassula
These varieties of succulents grow in spires and vine-like patterns with columns of fleshy leaves that add height and visual interest to a succulent garden.
Succulent – Crassula
Sedum
Sedum succulents grow in column-shapes and rosettes in a variety of colors. They add texture and visual interest to succulent arrangements.
Blue Sedum
How to Care for Succulents
Succulents require very little care. They like to sit in a sunny location and prefer infrequent watering, as they don’t survive well in overly moist soil. During the winter, they might need only a splash from time to time. In the summer, most succulents tend to need weekly watering, but always be sure the soil is allowed to drain completely and dry out in between watering. Succulents also grow slowly, which means they rarely need pruning or tending. If you notice your succulent’s leaves yellowing or shedding, it might be getting too little or too much water.
Succulent Mojo Terrarium
If you’re having trouble keeping your succulents healthy, we welcome you to talk with an expert at Ah Sam Florist about proper succulent care and potting.
Or read more about everyone’s favorite plants.
