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.
The desert rose (Adenium obesum) is a striking flower that stands out in many gardens, both indoors and outdoors. It’s prized for its trumpet-shaped pink or red flowers, thin, vibrant leaves, and thick trunk that befits a bonsai plant. Native to Africa, Madagascar and the Middle East, desert rose plants thrive in warm climates (USDA…
Kalanchoes are popular houseplants with low maintenance needs. The Florist Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), also known as flaming Katy or Madagascar widow’s thrill, is the most grown. It blooms with brightly colored flowers in red, orange, yellow, and white. There are also many types of Kalanchoe grown for their attractive leaves. These include the attractive and…
Hundreds of plants are out there, but only a few make a perfect pick for your bedroom decor. Before you get overwhelmed with choosing one, let’s introduce the snake plant and its benefits as a houseplant. Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is a long-lived succulent with sword-like leaves colored in green, yellow,…
String of turtles (Peperomia prostrata) is one of the plants I’m completely obsessed with. This cutie has a very attractive leaf shape that makes it look like the shell of tiny turtles strung together. It’s an excellent choice for spaces like desktops and hanging baskets. But how do you go about planting and maintaining this…
Aloe vera plants are known to form rosettes that make them look beautiful. They are among the easiest succulents to grow, making them popular indoor plants. Aloe can tolerate a bit of neglect and harsh arid conditions. So, do aloe vera plants bloom? The short answer is yes. Aloe plants are known to produce flowers….
The split rock succulent (Pleiospilos nelii) also known as the cleft stone, living rock cactus or mimicry plant is one little plant that makes a gorgeous houseplant. I like it because it has low watering needs and a strong resistance against heat, pests and drought. True to its name, the split rock has a very…
Paddle plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora), also called flapjacks, dog tongue, or desert cabbage is an amazing succulent with large, fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves that stack one on top of the other like pancakes. It blooms in late winter to early spring with a tall flower forming at the center of the rosette. Native to South Africa, the…
Lithops popularly known as the living stones are small low-growing plants that resemble pebbles. These beautiful succulents rarely grow more than 1 inch above the surface. They come in a range of subtle colors perfect for any space. Native to South Africa, their stone-like texture and compact size allow them to thrive in sandy and…
The Indian corn cob (Euphorbia mammillaris) is a columnar cactus-like plant that grows into dense clusters. The chalky green stems are ribbed and occasionally covered with blunt spikes that resemble toothpicks. From late winter to early summer, this succulent produces yellow flowers. Native to South Africa, the Indian corn cob cactus is a drought-tolerant plant…
The propeller plant is one of the few succulents that does well indoors. Its fleshy sickle-shaped leaves that resemble airplane propellers are attractive enough, but the plant also offers a pop of summer color with stunning red flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Flowering occurs from late spring to mid summer typically…