Succulents are known for their thick, fleshy stems and leaves which are capable of storing water. This adaptation allows them to survive long periods of drought with minimal watering. Succulents come in a vide range of plant species from different habitats, including cacti.
Succulents are typically low maintenance and many gardeners loves them for that. They generally require infrequent watering. Majority of these plants thrive in bright indirect light and this makes them suitable for indoor conditions. However, few species prefer direct sunlight.
All succulents are susceptible to root rot when overwatered. Thy require well-draining soil to thrive. A mix of potting soil and coarse sand or perlite is often recommended. It’s also crucial to choose pots with drainage holes when potting or repotting to allow excess water to escape.
While succulents are know to be hardy plants, they are still prone to insect pests such as mealybugs, scale, aphids, fungus gnats and spider mites. It’s important to inspect your plants regularly and treat for these pests as needed.
Most succulents are propagated through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings or by offsets. It is a relatively easy process to add more plants to your collection or to gift friends and family with. With good care, succulents should live for many years as they reward with their beauty.
I’ll never forget the moment I spotted tiny white fuzzballs on my Flaming Katy’s vibrant leaves. My heart sank—I thought my cheerful, flower-packed plant was untouchable! Turns out, even the tough Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) can fall prey to pests. If you’re noticing sticky leaves, weird spots, or a lackluster plant in your home, you…
ZZ plants are the superheroes of houseplants—tough, stylish, and perfect for busy households. But what happens when those glossy, upright stems start to droop? Don’t panic! I’ve been there, staring at my sad ZZ plant, wondering what went wrong. In this guide, I’ll walk you through why your ZZ plant might be drooping and share…
I still remember the day I noticed my ZZ plant’s leaves curling inward. It was thriving in my Chicago apartment, its glossy green leaves a perfect accent to my living room. Then, out of nowhere, those leaves started looking like tiny green tacos. Panic set in—what did I do wrong? If your ZZ plant’s leaves…
ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), commonly known as the Zanzibar Gem or eternity plants, are the superheroes of houseplants. They’re tough, low-maintenance, and can thrive in almost any corner of your home. But when those glossy, dark green leaves start turning yellow, it feels like a punch to the gut. I’ve been there, staring at my…
Echeveria agavoides ‘Lipstick’ is my absolute favorite succulent. Its vibrant lime-green leaves, kissed with fiery red edges, look like they’ve been dipped in a bold shade of lipstick—hence the name! Native to the rocky, arid regions of Mexico, this stunning plant is perfect for every home. It’s low-maintenance, pet-safe, and adaptable to various climates, from…
The first time I saw an Aloe ‘Christmas Carol,’ I was thrilled. Its star-shaped rosettes, with deep green leaves edged in vibrant red and speckled with crimson bumps, screamed holiday cheer. It’s like a tiny Christmas decoration that lives year-round! This small succulent, a hybrid by Kelly Griffin, is perfect for every home, whether you’re…
I’ll never forget the first time I saw a Greenovia Mountain Rose succulent. Its tightly packed, rose-like rosettes looked like something out of a fairy tale. Sitting pretty in a small terracotta pot at a local nursery, I was hooked. This rare gem, also known as Aeonium dodrantale or simply the Mountain Rose, is a…
When I brought my first Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) home, I was impressed by its vibrant blooms. Those red, pink, and yellow flowers screamed pure joy. But within weeks, those blooms faded, and the leaves looked leggy. What went wrong? I was clueless about its light needs. Flaming Katy, also called the Christmas kalanchoe, and…
Hey there, plant lover! If you’ve just brought home a vibrant Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), you’re in for a treat. This cheerful succulent, with its clusters of star-shaped flowers, adds a pop of color to any home. Those bright red blooms are eye-catching. I remember when I first got mine, but I was clueless about…
Aloe plants, especially Aloe vera, are a favorite in U.S. households. They’re easy to care for, purify the air, and their gel is a natural remedy for burns and skin irritations. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, Aloe vera thrives in warm, dry climates. I keep my aloe on a sunny windowsill in my Chicago…