Benefits of Growing Succulents -Why Succulents Make The Perfect Plants
Photo by Margarita Terekhova on Unsplash
Why Succulents Make The Perfect home and office Plant
If you’re looking for some indoor greenery without any of the usual upkeep, then the independent Succulent might just be for you. Succulents are easy-to-please house guests that can not only survive but thrive indoors which also make them the prefect office plants. With minimal care, the Succulent can lead a happy life and provide you with natural indoor eye candy.
But what exactly is it that makes the Succulent so suitable to indoor living and office life? Here are a few reasons why.
Dry environment
Like most Cacti, the Succulent is built to last. Rain, wind, storm, and more importantly – drought are no problem for the mighty Succulent. But what about the dry conditions of a the office? We all know that low-humidity is no friend of plants considering that it often leads to their death.
Amazingly, the Succulent overcomes this with its moisture-storing, fleshy leaves and stem. Including its thick root, this tough plant creates its own inner-climate by hoarding moisture. And that’s why succulents can endure dry air without any unfortunate side effects.
Little Light
Indoor succulents will long for as much sunshine as they can get. They’d look right at the office on a southerly facing window where they can suck in the most rays. But this doesn’t mean they can’t live happily in a dim apartment. Expert gardeners say they only require half a day’s worth of light meaning that leaving them on any windowsill should be enough.
However, succulents don’t experience culture shock, so, if you have a office window that get a lot of sunlight, don’t hesitate to bring them out there every now and then. As long as they’re not in direct sunlight, the succulent should be fine.
Save on Fertilizer
The recommended fertilizing times of a succulent plant are mainly based on its yearly cycle. Effectively hibernating throughout the winter months, there’s no need for fertilizer during this time. However, come spring, the Succulent wakes up and starts to grow again. This period of activity continues into the Summer. During this lively time, the Succulent only needs to be fed 3 to 4 times to get its fill. This is about half as much as other plants need.
Be sure not to over-feed the plant and to sprinkle the fertilizer lightly onto the top layer of the soil. Too much fertilizer can cause a Succulent to wither.
So, not only is this tough plant the perfect office guest – but it’s also a cheap one.
Simple Soil
Think of the soil that you’d find in a desert. Is it arid, well-drained and sandy? Yes? Well, that’s just right for Succulents. To keep your Succulent as vibrant as possible, try to duplicate this natural setting. You can do this by creating your own mix of sand and soil.
A half-half ratio should do just fine.
If this blend turns out to be crumbly and gritty when wet, then it’s just right.
Containers – pots/plates
Now that you have the right soil, you need to make sure that it can drain properly. If water has no place to drain off to, it’ll pile up at the bottom of the pot. This can waterlog the soil and “drown” the succulent.
The Succulent must be potted in a container that has drainage holes in its bottom. Naturally, if drainage occurs, you don’t want to flood your home! This is where drainage plates come to save the day. Drainage plates will catch any residual water that you can then throw down the sink or use to water your other plants.
And if you’re looking for something a little more chic, the trendy cachepot serves the same purpose but fashionably. A cachepot takes the outdoor element out of a traditional red plant pot and makes it look right at home indoors – instant décor!
No need for a lot of water
Once the necessary precautionary measures are made – you’re ready to start watering. However, you won’t have to do it often. Succulents are low-demand drinkers and can go days, if not months, without water.
Like many plants, it's best to let the Succulent completely drain from time to time before watering again. You can also take this a step farther with this tough plant. Their juicy leaves and water-storing stalks work as a reservoir to quench the plant's thirst whenever needed.
Getting the right balance when watering a Succulent might seem a little tricky but there are a few tips to help you get it right. By gently pushing your fingers two-knuckles-deep into the Succulent’s soil you can check whether it's dry or not. If the soil appears to contain no moisture, then it’s time to lightly replenish its water stocks. Keeping a close eye out for dry or withering leaves is also a good indicator that the Succulent needs watering.
In fact, many weathered Succulent owners claim that just watering them enough to ensure their leaves don’t wither is the best way to go about it.
Keep in mind that the fastest way to kill a succulent is by too much watering. So, it’s nest to underdo it than overdo it.
They look great
The simple fact is that Succulents have a unique and trendy look that can’t be rivaled. Their sharp, clean, and simple leaves can often take on a multi-colored exterior that’s not only a treat to the eye but can also brighten up the dullest of rooms. Their decorative benefits are so renowned that they’re often likened to “sculptures” of the more organic kinds.
And sculptures they truly are. Succulents are tight-packed meaning that they won’t sway around or get caught in anything - they simply sit pretty. They are also strong-built and somewhat short meaning that they won’t overwhelm any other decorative piece in the house.
Succulents can be hung from the ceiling, sat on a mantelpiece or a bookshelf, and even just left in the corner. They look great everywhere!
In fact, you’ve probably seen them in interior design catalogs or magazines before! They’re simply perfect for adding a touch of the wild outside to the cozy inside.
Pot cohabiters
Even better is that Succulents are great at making friends. They can share their pots or surroundings with several different plant species. Planting succulents alongside other greenery can create an indoor forest or jungle that’s teaming with color and vibrancy.
To key to creating your perfect indoor garden is to pick cohabiters that grow at the same rate and require similar amounts of care. This means that one plant’s health won't fail for the benefit of another.
To fulfill this requirement, it’s best to pick from the wide variety of Succulents on the market. They tend to “get along” well with each other and enhance one another’s natural beauty. Their unique colors and builds also blend to create a beautiful contrast.
Keep in mind that a family of plants in the same pot may need extra watering and fertilizing. Just make sure that you have a big enough pot to accommodate all of these lovely plants and you’re ready to get started!
So, there you have it. I hope you’ve gained some valuable insights into the world of succulents from your reading. Even more than that, I hope you’re inspired to pick up your own succulent and welcome it into your office or home! Comment below if you are considering getting a succulent, we would love to hear.
