HOW TO GROW HEALTHY SUCCULENTS

Succulents are on-trend, fun to collect, and super affordable. So, it's no wonder why they've become some of the most sought-after houseplants. They're also really easy to care for. That being said, you do need to have some information in order to make sure you do everything right to keep your succulents alive and happening. Check out this quick guide to simple succulent care from the experts at French Florist in Los Angeles.

What Makes Succulents So Special?

Unlike other green plants, succulents don't have thin, papery leaves. Instead, they grow thick, rubbery spines, leaves, or segments. With these rubbery leaves, they're perfectly adapted to L.A.'s sunny, dry weather because these strange appendages allow them to store water extremely efficiently. In fact, succulents keep water in their roots and stems, too, which is why they're called succulents in the first place ' succulent is another word for moist.

Why Grow Succulents Inside? 

Succulents will help create a calm, serene atmosphere in your home or office. In addition to putting out positive vibes, they also keep the indoor air healthy for breathing. Succulent roots generate a gentle pumping action that draws air toward the soil. When harmful toxins like VOCs reach their roots, they convert the chemicals into nutrients, effectively eradicating indoor air pollution. In addition to purifying the air, they also replenish the indoor atmosphere with plenty of fresh oxygen.

Popular Succulent Varieties

Succulents come in an almost endless number of varieties, which makes it fun to play with them in both succulent gardens and floral arrangements. If you receive a succulent in a floral bouquet, simply plant the succulent in soil once the flowers are spent. The succulent will soon sprout roots and start to grow.

Sedum

Sedum succulents tend to finger outward or upward in clumps of leaf segments. They're perfect for filling out a succulent garden or arrangement. They grow in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe plants are arguably the most cheerful of all succulents thanks to their pretty flower clusters that bloom in vibrant shades of pink, orange, yellow, red, and white. If cared for properly, a healthy kalanchoe will start blooming in autumn and continue until spring.

Echeveria

Echeveria plants are some of the most popular and commonly seen succulents. They come in several varieties, but they all feature starburst-shaped silhouettes. Echeveria grow in shades of green, pink, red, and even black. Their leaves vary in shape, too, ranging from round to pointed, tubular to stick-like, and crinkled to flat.

How to Care for Indoor Succulents

Caring for plants doesn't get much easier than taking care of succulents. Pot a succulent in low-nutrient soil formulated specially for cacti or succulents and make sure the plant has a pot that will drain completely. Indoors, succulents need a warm location and lots of directly sunlight. Succulents rarely need pruning, but any dead leaves or debris should be removed promptly to prevent bacterial growth making the plant sick. Water succulents sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry and never let the plant sit in standing water.

If leaves begin turning yellow or brown, this means the plant is stressed. Most commonly, this occurs due to too much water, but can also indicate a very thirsty succulent. Check the soil to try to figure out what's going on, and then contact an expert at Echeveria for additional help.