Why are succulents so popular?
Whatever the method by which someone gets into succulents, it has been an indisputable hit and seems to gain popularity each year. In different parts of the world, Google searches related to succulents have continued to rise over the past ten years.
Are succulents trendy?
How trendy are succulents? Did they ever become trendy at one point in history? These are some of the questions that came to mind once I began to see these plants everywhere. Plants can be found in jewelry, wedding arrangements, party favors, wreaths, wall art, and many other uses you would not normally associate with live plants.
It does appear that these plants are trendy since they are popular both among grandmas as well as with more young and hip people. According to what I’ve read, certain varieties of succulents were very trendy in the 1970s. As with anything trendy, the craze dissipated and people sort of forgot about them. The trend seems to be back now. In my limited knowledge, I cannot make any recommendations on trendy topics, but I am simply pleased to see these plants being in demand and widely available again. This is good news for small collectors like me because it makes it easier for most people to get access to these plants in a cost-effective and convenient manner.
Reasons why succulents are the best plants
Drought resistant
Due to their unique ability to hold water, succulents have evolved as drought-tolerant plants. It is not surprising to see succulents becoming a fixture in gardens and landscapes as the climate changes and the number of droughts increases. Succulents are excellent ground cover, especially in conditions of extreme aridity. Locally, drought-resistance plants are often replacing lawns. Different succulent and cactus species provide a range of beautiful colors and textures for drought-tolerant landscaping. Their ability to thrive in arid climates makes them valuable plants for desert environments. To kill a succulent plant, you have to overwater it and shower it with love.
They are hardy, easy plants to care for
The hardiness of succulent plants makes them suitable for dry environments, as well as easy to maintain and care for. Low maintenance plants like these require little to no care in the garden or indoors when grown in the right environment. The right potting mix and watering are necessary for them to thrive. As soon as you understand the basic care for these plants, they become easier to maintain. As a matter of fact, I have almost killed one too many of these plants because of neglect, too much sun or too little sun, etc., but most do recover with proper care.
Beautiful unique shapes, sizes and colors
There are numerous varieties of succulents, each with its own unique shape, color, texture, and appearance. Each plant has its own unique characteristics. Their exquisite beauty can be seen in the variety of colors they exhibit. Getting to know these plants allows you to see how their colors change with changing lighting conditions. Plants that are dark green in the shade can turn bright red or orange in the sunlight. There are pretty much a multitude of color choices ranging from white to black. Some of their fascinating shapes resemble rocks, while others trail and grow several feet long.
They are easy to multiply
You can multiply your succulent collection at a reasonable price by propagating them. Growing your plant collection by propagating is the process of taking a portion of an existing plant and growing it into a new one. Different propagation techniques exist. A plant can be propagated from cuttings, stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, offsets, or seeds from a mature plant. There are some succulent plants that are easier to propagate than others. It takes some practice, some research, and a bit of trial and error to begin propagating successfully, but the reward is worth your time and effort.
They can grow anywhere
Succulents can be grown both indoors and outdoors. In most cases, succulents prefer brightly lit surroundings but do not require full sun as a whole. For them to grow, a lightly shaded patio outdoors, or a bright, sunny location indoors, would be sufficient. As for the pot you plant them in, they aren’t particular about the type, but prefer pots with drainage holes since they don’t enjoy sitting in water too long. It is preferable to have a fast draining soil. Their ability to survive in harsh conditions makes them a versatile asset.
Have many different creative uses
Nowadays, you can find succulents just about anywhere. They can be used as wedding centerpieces, displayed in adorable containers in cafes or shops, or placed in small jewelries. I have even seen them used as planters in books. Although you may see them in arrangements that appear to be suffering, their resilience allows them to survive where most plants would not. Perhaps this is because succulents are able to survive harsh conditions until they can be transported or repotted in a more suitable environment. The proper care will enable these plants to continue to thrive when they are transported. Since they have such a unique quality, they make an ideal plant to use in exquisite arrangements and designs, due to their use in so many different arrangements and designs.
Fairly affordable
Succulents are very popular, so you can find a great selection at an affordable price. In addition to buying plants locally, I have also bought plants online. I’ve purchased a few plants online and have mixed feelings about the experience. There are some plants that are hardier than others. Plants with hardier leaves and less fragile parts are more likely to survive shipping. Locally is best for me. Buying locally can save you money on shipping costs, depending on where you reside. Before purchasing the plant, you can inspect it in person.
Local plant nurseries are more likely to carry varieties that are suitable for your region’s growing conditions, so purchasing locally can provide you with insight into what types of flowers and plants can be grown there. That said, buying succulents online is definitely an affordable option if you’re looking for a rare or hard-to-get plant locally. Additionally, if you need to buy in bulk for a particular reason, such as to use them as party favors, then buying online may be your best and most affordable choice.
Are there benefits to growing succulents?
The aloe vera plant and the agave plant have long been extracted and used for their health benefits, as well as a variety of other purposes. Aloe vera can be found in different forms and can be consumed as a supplement or health drink due to its many health benefits. In addition to being applied topically, it can also be used for other purposes. Since ancient times, Agave has been used as a sweetener, and it has become a popular sugar substitute. Agave also has natural antiseptic properties, which make it effective for treating wounds topically. There are also other cacti species that have traditionally been consumed in certain cultures. Other than the well-known usage and health benefits of aloe vera and agave, what are the benefits of growing succulents?
Help you breathe better
The air around you is purified when plants are around, especially indoors. Carbon dioxide is reduced and oxygen levels in the air are increased by plants. Additionally, they reduce airborne dust levels, increase humidity, reduce air pollutants, and keep air temperatures low, all of which helps us breathe easier.
Help you focus
It has been shown that having plants around us can help people concentrate by improving their attention span. Researchers found that employees working in offices with interior gardens or green spaces were more productive and took fewer sick days. Researchers have shown that one of the best ways to increase focus and concentration is to surround ourselves with plants, or to spend time outside in nature.
Make you happier
It is natural for your mood to improve when you are surrounded by beautiful things or things you love. We may feel better by having something to look after, like a plant, and seeing it grow and bloom. By doing so, we may feel less lonely and less isolated. Taking care of succulents and cacti comes with tangible and intangible benefits. Did you know that surrounding yourself with things you appreciate can make you feel happier?
Best Succulents
You can grow succulents both indoors and outdoors, depending on your region, location, climate, and lifestyle. You can grow some succulents suggested below:
Aloe Vera
One of my first succulent plants was an aloe vera plant that grew from an offshoot of a mature plant gifted to me by a coworker. When I was a kid, I didn’t know anything about succulents. Although I didn’t care for the plant properly and watered it regularly, I might have overwatered it, but it flourished and grew regardless of my mistakes. It produced a lot of baby plants and had to be replanted more than once. That plant had to be left behind when I moved across country, but that was my first encounter with them.
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that grows up to 40 inches tall and usually has no stem. Leaflets are thick and fleshy. They range in color from green to grey-green. Occasionally, the stems of some varieties are covered in white flecks. In order to spread, they produce clusters of offshoots. In pots or containers, dwarf plants are very suitable as indoor plants. Plants like these are good for beginners because they require very little maintenance and are easy to grow.
Snake Plant (Mother-In-Law’s Tongue)
These succulents have upward-pointing leaves that are long and windy. Most of the leaves are green, although some have a yellow edge. Plants like these make excellent starter plants since they are tolerant of neglect. It is known that snake plants help purify the air in your home by removing formaldehyde and benzene toxins, which makes it a great choice as an indoor plant. Their preference for low to moderate indirect light makes them suitable for indoor use. Unlike most succulents, snake plants dislike being overwatered and sitting in water. The snake plant can live for years and can grow up to five feet tall if it is given the right environment to grow.
Ponytail Palm Tree
Ponytail palm trees are actually succulents from the Agave family, despite their name and appearance. A tree with ponytail-shaped leaves and a bulbous trunk, which contains water, gives this plant the appearance of a ponytailed palm tree due to its long, thin leaves that grow from the top of the trunk like hair. It is easy to grow these plants and they do not require much maintenance. The plants need direct sunlight, but they can tolerate low light for part of the year as well, making them ideal houseplants. Since they are succulents, it is important to let them dry out in between watering and not let water sit in the soil.