Succulents are unique-looking plants that embellish your indoor space with mesmerizing beauty. They purify the air by removing toxic chemicals and making the environment healthy. The splatter of healthy growing lush green indoor plants can make your space feel instantly fresh and soothing.
Many succulent varieties are more suitable for outdoor growing due to their need for light, however, due to the high summer temperatures and sensitivity to direct sunlight, succulents suitable for indoor growing are becoming increasingly popular.
Not all houseplants are easy to grow for beginners, however, the biggest plus of growing succulents is that they require low maintenance and can tolerate a period of neglect.
SUCCULENTS THAT DO WELL INDOORS
Here is a list of succulents that do well indoors.
1. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
The string of pearls is a delicate cascading succulent that looks spectacular in hanging planters or baskets. These succulents grow luxuriously and are super easy to propagate. The string of pearl thrives in a warm and dry environment and doesn’t need frequent watering. They should be placed at a bright location or near a sunny window where it gets ample sunlight for 6 to 8 hours a day.
2. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants are resilient houseplants that can survive extended periods of neglect making them perfect for home decor. They are miniature tree-like plants with thick oval-shaped leaves. Jade plants grow well in very bright light indoors. They will love sitting near a window where they can get direct sunlight for 6 to 8 hours a day. Jade succulents don’t like to be sitting in water. Water only when the top couple of inches of the soil dries out completely.
3. Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
The fuzzy Panda plant is a hardy succulent that makes a great addition to indoor houseplants. The thick leaves of the panda plant store water and help the succulents to tolerate drought. Panda plant needs moderate watering, and it must be allowed to dry out between waterings. Place the plants in a bright spot where they can receive plenty of sunshine. Panda plant is very sensitive to cold temperatures, so they do perfectly well indoors during winter . Remember, panda plants can be poisonous to pets when ingested. It’s important to keep them in raised places preferably on shelves or windows.
4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The most indestructible snake plant is recognized by its evergreen sword-shaped leaves. If you have pets, please choose carefully, snake plants are poisonous to pets. It requires very low maintenance which makes it the best houseplant for indoors. Snake plants can even survive in the darkest place at your home. It can survive for weeks without light and water. However, they do best in medium to bright light and moderate watering. If you often forget to water your plants, then snake plant is the best choice for you.
5. Zebra Cactus (Haworthia fasciata)
Zebra cactus features dramatic clusters of green leaves with bold white stripes that give them a zebra-like appearance. This incredible succulent takes a very small space and needs little to no care. They do best in a bright spot and must not be exposed to direct sunlight which can cause sunburn. Allow the succulents to dry out between watering spells. Repot the zebra cactus every 2 years to provide them with a fresh potting medium.
6. Aloe vera
Native to tropical regions, Aloe vera is a medicinal succulent that makes for a great indoor companion. Its sap has been used to treat injuries and bruises for decades. It grows as a cluster of thick lush green leaves on a short stem. Aloe has a highly forgiving nature that makes it an easy-to-grow houseplant. It doesn’t like to sit in damp soil and requires moderate watering only when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely. Aloe vera does best in bright light and its leaves get burnt easily under hot direct sunlight.
7. Hens-and-Chicks
The perennial Hens-and-Chicks are low-growing succulents that reach about 4 to 5 inches tall. With their flat bloom-like rosettes, they can brighten up any living space. Like other succulents, they require low care and moderate watering. The cactus soil mix must be dry between waterings since overwatering can cause root rot. They need infrequent watering during winter dormancy. Set aside these succulents in a bright sunny location. Hens-and-Chicks can be easily propagated by removing small leaves.
8. Burro’s Tail
With fat trailing stems Burro’s tail is a heat and drought tolerant succulent that needs a little care. Burro’s tail does best at a spot that receives bright sunlight. Water moderately during summer and infrequently during winter dormancy. Fertilize once in summer when the plants are actively growing.
9. Echeveria (Echeveria cv. Blue Apple/ Blue Elf)
Echeveria Blue Apple has slender leaves with pointed tips which turn red. It is a slow-growing succulent that requires indirect bright light to maintain its shape and color. They like cactus soils mix with excellent draining and moderate to little watering. Water only when the soil dries out because they don’t like damp soils.
10. Christmas Cactus
Christmas cactus displays a profusion of exotic-looking bright pink blooms only in winter. Unlike cacti, Christmas Cactus doesn’t live in a hot environment such as dessert. The plants should be kept in bright indirect light near a window. Water only when the top of the soil dries out and always avoid overwatering. Click here to learn how to care for Christmas cactus.
11. Cotyledon Tomentosa
The adorable Cotyledon tomentosa has thick fuzzy plump green leaves with red-toothed margins. It adds a unique texture to any space where it is kept. Keep them in a place that receives indirect sunlight preferably near a window. It likes moderate watering and must be allowed to dry out.
12. Othonna Capensis/ Ruby Necklace
Othonna capensis is a great choice for those who are looking for indoor draping succulents. They have fleshy leaves and stems that store water and allow the succulent to go for a considerably long period without being watered. Grow them at a bright location and water them moderately by using the soak and dry method.
13. Living Stone-Lithops optica
Lithops are small drought-resistant succulents with a pink-colored body and a pair of club-shaped leaves. Make sure the lithops get plenty of sunshine and avoid exposure to hot direct sunlight which can cause the burning of leaves. Water moderately and let the succulents dry out between watering spells.
14. Graptopetalum
Graptopetalum care hinges on providing a natural environment that mimics the succulent's native habitat. They appear in rosettes of grey to pink to green leaves and bloom merrily by giving off pink star-shaped flowers. Like all other succulents, it needs little care and is easy to maintain. Set out Graptopetalum succulents in well-draining soils and water moderately. They do best in full sun, but they can also do well under bright indirect sunlight.
15. Aeonium
Aeoniums are versatile low-light succulents that are arranged in rosettes. They bloom by producing small star-like flowers. They flourish well in full sun to partial shade preferably near a south-facing sunny window. Water only when the soil dries out.
CONCLUSION
These striking succulents give a heavenly display to your homes, offices, or wherever you place them. Plus, they are highly flourishing and thrive on neglect. Fortunately, new gardeners or people with ‘Black thumb’, can succeed in growing these amazing succulents. Bring any of these indoor succulents at home and spruce up the interior of your homes and offices.
Enjoy the divine experience of gardening!