If you already like plants and grow a lot of different kinds, you may know that there are many reasons to grow succulents. It’s easy to become fond of this kind of plant. Yet, you might not have discovered ALL the benefits of succulents. There are so many benefits to growing these plants that it’s hard to name them all. Here are the most important ones.
Once you learn a few basics, you’ll find succulent plants are easy to grow. It’s easy to take care of succulent plants once you know how to make the right soil that drains well and, most importantly, how much water to give them. Don’t worry if you forget to take care of these plants sometimes; they’re easy to get along with.
This makes them very easy to take care of, which is great for people who like to have a few potted plants on their desk at work or in sunny spots around the house. You may have heard that succulents can help clean the air of harmful chemicals and even make your dry home or office more humid. This added humidity helps relieve dry, itchy skin. It can also prevent sore throats, the common cold, and that dry cough.
Succulents are good for a range of other medical issues. Most of us know that aloe vera juice and gel are sold to reduce swelling, especially in the digestive tract. Aside from that, it is said to help with inflammation in other parts of the body as well. The saponins and other antioxidants in these plants are used for arthritis pain. Boil the roots of yucca to make a tea for this purpose.
Symptoms of the troublesome condition of eczema are sometimes alleviated by succulents. People who had eczema as kids often get rashes and itching as adults because their skin isn’t able to fight off bacterial infections. Low humidity sometimes triggers the symptoms, so succulents do double duty in assisting with eczema.
Agave accelerates the healing process while the juice limits pain from several conditions. It is used to make tequila, but people also take it for toothaches, stomach problems, and other issues where its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and vitamin-rich properties can help. Pregnant women should avoid the use of agave, and everyone should limit its oral use.
As a long-time succulent addict, I’m constantly amazed by the myriad benefits these petite powerhouse plants can offer. Sure, succulents are undeniably adorable additions to your home décor. But beyond their cute, compact appearance, succulents have some seriously awesome qualities that make them ideal houseplants.
In this article, I’ll outline eight of the top perks of growing succulents indoors. From air purification to stress relief, succulents can enhance your living space and your wellbeing in so many surprising ways. Read on to learn why succulents are way more than just pretty faces!
8 Advantages of Growing Succulents at Home
1. Low Maintenance
For busy folks or neglectful plant parents like myself, succulents are ideal since they require very little care. Their thick, water-storing leaves allow them to thrive on brief, infrequent watering and sunlight. Set them and forget them! Just be sure not to actually forget them entirely.
2. Better Air Quality
With their high transpiration rates, succulents actively pump moisture and oxygen into the air while filtering out toxins. This makes them powerful natural air purifiers especially beneficial for indoor spaces. Some top air-cleaning succulent choices are Echeveria Haworthia and Sansevieria.
3. Adaptability
Thanks to their desert origins, most succulents are tough as nails when it comes to adapting to different environments. They’ll tolerate a wide range of light, temperature and humidity levels found in homes.
4. Living Decor
Succulents are the ultimate living sculptures! Their stunning shapes, colors and textures make them perfect for sprucing up your living space. Let them bring an inviting touch of nature into your home with their vibrant foliage.
5. Natural Humidifiers
The waxy leaves of succulents retain moisture evaporating from their pores increasing surrounding humidity. This makes them helpful for combatting the dry air caused by heating and cooling systems.
6. Stress Reduction
Studies show being around plants can lower stress levels blood pressure and anxiety. The simply act of tending and observing the steady growth of your succulents can have therapeutic, meditative effects.
7. Mental Boost
That stress-relieving greenery can also boost productivity! Researchers found that being able to see and care for plants improved people’s memory retention and concentration.
8. Health Benefits
Beyond cleaning the air, succulents contain powerful compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera, perhaps the most famous succulent, is renowned for its antibacterial and healing qualities.
Choosing the Right Succulents for You
With over 60 plant families and 10,000 diverse species, there’s a succulent for everyone! Here are top picks for every setting and gardening skill level:
- Beginner-friendly: Jade, Burro’s Tail, Zebra Plant
- Easiest care: Snake Plant, Zz Plant, Ponytail Palm
- Pet-safe: Panda Plant, Bird’s Nest Sansevieria, Ball Cactus
- Low-light tolerant: Gasteria, Haworthia, Crown of Thorns
- Desk plants: Hens-and-Chicks, Aloe Vera, Mini Cacti
- Trailing varieties: Donkey’s Tail, String of Pearls/Tears/Buttons
- Bright color pop: Echeveria, Sedum Rubrotinctum, Calandrinia
Displaying Succulents for Maximum Joy
Now for the fun part – getting creative with succulent styling ideas to show off your plants’ gorgeous forms!
- Plant in found objects like teacups, seashells, boots.
- Combine varieties and colors in fun container gardens.
- Let them trail from wall mountings and hangers.
- Tuck into wreaths, terrariums, fairy gardens.
- Top candles, soaps, gifts with mini succulents.
- Display in bright sunny windowsills.
- Create living artworks on vertical boards.
- Accent shelves, tabletops, mantels and more.
Overcoming the Challenges of Growing Succulents
While generally low maintenance, succulents do come with a few cautions to be aware of:
- Overwatering is the #1 killer – repot in fast-draining soil and water only when dry.
- Stick to bright, indirect light to avoid sunburn.
- Avoid temperature extremes and drafts.
- Root rot is caused by soggy soil – don’t let water pool under pots.
- Leggy growth means more sunlight is needed.
- Monitor for pests like mealybugs and spider mites.
Let Succulents Bring Health and Happiness Into Your Home!
Hopefully this overview has showcased just how versatile and beneficial succulent plants can be. Beyond being Insta-worthy decor, succulents have so much to offer as natural air purifiers, mood-boosters and low-maintenance companions. Their sculptural shapes and lush colors create a living oasis indoors. Just be sure to brush up on their basic care needs and quirks before adopting your succies. Then sit back and enjoy their hassle-free healing powers!
Other Benefits of Succulent Plants
Recent studies show other benefits from the use of these plants in the office environment. In addition to providing a touch of beauty, the plants tend to increase work productivity, concentration, and focus. We can all use an increase in those attributes.