Not everyone is a plant lover but there’s no denying the beauty plants lend to their surroundings. Even a doctor’s clinic can look inviting with well placed greenery and flowers. If you’re someone who isn’t too keen on spending time tending to plants, or isn’t confident in your keeping-plants-alive skills, take a minute to consider their air purifying abilities and then give succulents a shot. 

The thick, fleshy leaves and stems of succulents allow them to store water. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and are quite striking in appearance. Their ability to store water allows them to survive for long periods of time without rain or irrigation and so they are well adapted to living in arid or semi-arid environments, where water is scarce. 

Some common types of succulents include cacti, agave, aloe vera, string of pearls hoya, haworthia, jade plant, and echeveria. For more check out this link. You’ll find all you need to know about succulents that are great for our Indian climate.

Succulents have become very popular as houseplants in recent years, due to their low maintenance requirements and unique appearance. They are often used in terrariums, succulent gardens, and as accents in floral arrangements.

Caring for succulents isn’t as difficult as it seems. Here are best practices to keep those plant babies alive. 

  • Don’t overwater: Succulents are adapted to survive in arid conditions, and too much water can lead to root rot and other problems. So resist that urge to water them everyday. 
  • Don’t underwater: While succulents can survive without water for long periods, they still require some water to thrive. Limit watering to thrice a week and avoid watering if the top soil looks wet. 
  • Provide good drainage: Succulents need well-draining soil to prevent water from pooling around their roots. So ensure the pot is not sitting in a pool of water. This will rot the roots right away. 
  • Sunlight: Succulents need plenty of direct sunlight for several hours a day. However, some species can also thrive in partial shade. Be sure to rotate your plants regularly to ensure even growth. However, in extremely hot and dry climates, it may be necessary to provide them with some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent sunburn.
  • Temperature extremes: Succulents can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, so they may struggle to grow in very hot or very cold environments. These plants prefer temperatures between 15℃ and 27℃.
  • Correct soil: Soil that is well-draining and contains a mixture of sand, perlite, and other materials is ideal for these plants, so make sure you have the right mix from the get go. 
  • Fertilise sparingly: Succulents don’t need a lot of fertiliser. You can use a cactus or succulent fertiliser once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
  • Correct pot size: Succulents need enough space to grow, but planting them in a pot that is too large can lead to overwatering and other problems.

To be able to grow succulents successfully in a city like Mumbai, you will have luck with growing them indoors. Since they don’t grow very tall and don’t  take up too much space, they can make a lovely green addition to an apartment that may not have the space to grow plants. 

Pop them on a bookshelf, photo ledge, side table or even on the dining table as a centerpiece. You really can’t go wrong there. 

Adequate ventilation, bright indirect light, and a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging are really all you need. Alternatively, you could consider growing succulents in a terrarium that has a controlled environment and allows for better control over temperature and humidity levels. 

If you’re still on the fence about succulents, here’re some very good reasons you should consider buying. 

  • Low Maintenance: Succulents are generally easy to care for and require minimal attention. They are drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water.
  • Versatile: They come in a variety of shapes, colours, and sizes, making them a versatile choice for any home decor.
  • Adaptability: These hardy little guys are able to thrive in a range of conditions, from dry deserts to humid tropical environments, making them adaptable to different climates.
  • Pest and disease resistance: Succulents have natural defences that make them resistant to many pests and diseases, making them a low-maintenance choice for those who do not have the time to spend tending to their plants.
  • Air purification: Like other plants, succulents can help improve indoor air quality by removing toxins and pollutants from the air.
  • Propagation: Succulents are easy to propagate, meaning you can easily create more plants from cuttings, making them a cost-effective choice for filling out your garden or indoor space.

Overall, succulents are a great choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, versatile, and adaptable plant that adds visual interest to any space.

Feature Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash