Succulents are widely becoming one of the most popular plants to brighten up a home. They are a simple, yet stunning way to add life to your decor. I love succulents because they not only bring the outdoors in, but they are an easy and stylish way to create living art, their greenery creates a soothing atmosphere in your home AND they help purify the air.
But that's not all....
Because succulents come in a range of shapes and sizes, you can create a living piece that will fit just about any space. Whether you use them on a windowsill, mantle, kitchen counter, or even a living wall, you can easily create a beautiful focal point in any room.
BASIC CARE
The succulent's resilience and ability to retain water make them great for those who aren't necessarily green-thumbed. However, caring for succulents can seem daunting. But have no fear, I outline what you need here! From selecting the right soil to understanding the role of sunlight and water, I'll dig into the basics of succulent care and help you grow beautiful and healthy plants.
When caring for succulents, there are several things to keep in mind:
First, succulents prefer soil that is well-draining, so make sure any potting mix or soil you use fulfils this purpose. I've created a list of organic succulent soil options HERE .
Keep in mind that succulents need plenty of light, but not direct sunlight. If it gets too hot they'll burn. Indirect, bright light or filtered light is best for most varieties.
As far as water goes, succulents don’t require a lot of water, so monitor soil moisture closely to ensure the plants are getting just enough. Over watering is the number one reason a succulent will perish, so if you're not sure if it needs water check the soil about 1/2 an inch down with your finger or use a moisture meter, found HERE. Signs of over watering include mushy leaves or dropped leaves. If this happens, just step away from the succulent and give it time to dry out a bit.
Finally, don’t forget to fertilize your succulents every few months to ensure they remain healthy. I've created a list of organic fertilizers HERE.
PROPAGATION
Succulents are hardy plants that produce new growth from a single leaf or cutting, making them easy for even the newest of gardeners to propagate. After you've purchased a healthy succulent, you can propagate it and create more succulents for your home.
STEM PROPAGATION
First, locate a stem with at least two sections of leaves and separate the section from the main plant. Make sure to use a clean knife or scissors when doing so, then dry the end of the stem for a few days by laying flat on dry soil. Once dry (you'll know it's ready when the cut end is slightly scabbed over), use damp soil and bury the stem so that the leaves are above the surface. Water gently about once per week.
LEAF PROPAGATION
If propagating leaves, lay flat on soil and let sit till the cut end is dried over (like a little scab). Once the cut end if sealed via the drying process, mist till the soil is moist. Do this every few days till you see little roots poke out. Once you see roots, gently tuck them just under the soil and continue to mist regularly until new plants emerge.
Ensure all your succulent cuttings are given plenty of filtered sunlight and soon you'll have a succulent family!
SUCCULENT SYMBOLISM
Succulents are more than just a trendy houseplant; these incredible plants can also be used as a form of symbolism. With their resilience in tough environmental conditions and ability to store moisture, succulents represent hope, strength, and perseverance. As a form of visual representation, succulents convey encouragement and remind us that no matter how difficult life may become, we can still find beauty and joy amid the chaos. Succulents offer us a powerful reminder that no matter what we face, we are capable of overcoming it.
SUCCULENT ART
I'm a firm believer that succulents are more than just plants; they are living works of art.
There's something special about going to a local nursery or garden store, picking out just the right succulents, then carefully planting them in your favorite colorful pots. The combination of succulent leaves and vibrant pottery is an artful statement that adds an aesthetic charm to any home. You can create your own unique artwork by creating succulent arrangements in pots and letting each plant's individual beauty shine. Pair your living art with table decor or use a few pieces to glow up a boring book shelf and now you have living artwork DECOR.
Give it a try!
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