5 Succulents for the Beginner Gardener
Succulents have moved into the spotlight (or should I say sunshine) as hugely popular among beginner and experienced gardeners alike, and for good reason. There are over 10,000 types of succulents, ranging from the well-known Aloe Vera plant to the exotic Fish Skin Euphorbia. This diverse group of plants require very little water and space, making them an ideal choice for beginners who want to add a little greenery to their lives.
General Growing Tips
Light Many succulents require full sun. If planting outside, choose a spot that gets bright, indirect sunlight- think morning sun and afternoon shade. Succulents exposed to sunlight during the heat of the day outside may burn. If planting inside, choose the sunniest window available and a succulent type that is tolerant of low light. Generally, full sun succulents will still grow indoors but may lose their vibrant color and shape without the use of a grow light.
Soil
Succulents hate sitting in wet dirt. Stay away from potting soil and choose something specifically formulated for cacti. You'll need a well draining soil with a mix of organic material to nourish the plant, and inorganic material such as rocks or sand to keep the roots dry and the soil aerated.
Water
Succulents are drought resistant plants that generally grow in arid climates. This means your watering schedule will be sparse. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering. Soak the dirt thoroughly and try to water the soil directly, rather than pouring water on the plant. With their intricate forms, succulents tend to pool water between their leaves, inviting pests and leaf rot.
Now that we know the general growing requirements, let's take a look at some plants!
1. Senecio Radicans- "String of Bananas"
This succulent is ideal for hanging baskets, as it tends to spill over the sides of whatever container it's in. With a low light tolerance, string of bananas is perfect for those trying to grow succulents indoors. The only precaution is that is can be toxic to pets- so plant it somewhere away from your furry friends!
2. Sansevieria Trifasciata- "Snake Plant"
This is one of the most common houseplants. With limited watering requirements and its ability to grow well in low light, snake plants are perfect for beginners who aren't accustomed to checking up on their greenery. It is very difficult to kill. As it is toxic, keep it away from pets.
3. Kiwi Aeonium
This succulent has beautiful green and yellow rosettes with a tinge of pink along the edges. It requires mostly full sun so try to place it in the sunniest window available. This succulent is generally nontoxic to pets.
4. Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii- "Moon Cactus"
This adorable cactus is actually a combination of two different species grafted together. It is a popular ornamental cactus that comes in a variety of colors. Suited to partial sun and very little water, this cactus can add a little color to any windowsill.
This bright and sunny succulent grows low to the ground, forming a mat as it spreads. It requires full to partial sun, so choose the sunniest window available. Generally nontoxic to pets, this succulent is a great addition to fill out container gardens.
The More you Know, the More you Grow!
Don't let lack of knowledge or experience hold you back from enjoying these beautiful succulents! Here at Sensorium Emporium we're happy to provide reliable plant resources, along with an extensive collection of plants to choose from. Visit our store at 28 Monmouth Street in Red Bank, NJ for more plant info and indoor greenery.
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