Ultimate Guide to Succulents for Beginners

Succulents are among the most popular types of indoor plants in the world. There are a lot of reasons why people love them. They come in different sizes and shapes and require little care in terms of pruning and watering.

There are succulent species that don’t need lots of natural light to grow and thrive. And this makes them the ideal choice for succulents that are devoid of natural light. Indoor plants have lots of benefits. They beautify rooms, freshen the air and help you relax especially when you are anxious or stressed out.

Succulents have gained immense popularity in recent years thanks to their unique appearance, low maintenance, and versatility. These hardy plants can store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, making them well-suited to survive in arid or drought-like conditions. 

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete novice, succulents are the perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor garden. Put them in pots or in soil, and you will get the sprouts you want in your space either way. Plus, you get to save a lot of water! You can find good starters by checking out TheYardable and many other trustworthy gardening sites.

Here is a beginner guide that will help you understand everything about succulents.

succulents guide

Defining a succulent

Why are succulents called succulents? Succulents are a category of plants with fleshy leaves containing sap. Why are they called succulents? It’s because they have these leaves to hold moisture as much as possible. While they are mostly found in dry areas, they can also grow in different places across the world.

Succulents cover a wide range of plants. Are orchids succulents? Some of the most popular types of succulents include orchids, aloe plants, and cacti to name a few. If you don’t have time to look after your plants, you can seek help from medical research paper writing service using your mobile phone or computer.

Are succulents inside or outside plants? They are both because they can thrive anywhere. Succulent plants are popular because they require little maintenance, little pruning, watering, and light to grow and thrive.

Why are they called succulents?

These plants were named succulents because they have thick, sap-filled and fleshy leaves. The name itself comes from the Latin word ‘succus,’ meaning juice or sap. The term is now used to describe various plants with this characteristic, including cacti, aloe, agave, and many others. These leaves help them hold water more effectively than other types of plants with thin leaves.

Where did succulents come from?

Succulents are native to many parts of the world, including Africa, North and South America, and Asia. They have adapted to survive in various environments, from deserts to mountains to tropical regions. 

Some of the most well-known succulents, such as cacti, are native to desert regions of North and South America. Other succulents, such as aloe and agave, are native to Africa and the Middle East.

In most instances, succulents grow in dry areas such as deserts. Some succulents like orchids get adequate rainfall. However, they also grow in areas where rain or water is not easily accessible. Most succulents grow in Africa and other regions that have long dry spells or where plants have developed capabilities in storing and using water efficiently and effectively.

Reasons for the popularity of succulents

Succulents have existed for thousands of years. And are used by millions of people across the world in the office and gardens. However, their popularity has grown over the years due to a wide range of reasons. They include:

  • Low maintenance: They don’t require regular watering and pruning.
  • They are available in different shapes, sizes, and colors: You can grow them in small pots that you can place on your desk or in the garden.
  • They attract few pests: In most instances, plants attract pests since they need to be watered regularly. Since succulents don’t need to be watered regularly, the chances of attracting pests greatly decrease. Their thick leaves are also difficult for pests to penetrate and get food.
  • They are easy to sell: Succulents can last for months without water. They can survive on a truck for days thus making it easier for them to be transported. Most succulents are tiny. And this allows growers to transport them in large numbers at low freight costs. Some of them can be shipped in plastic bags. They can be stored in the garden for several months and last longer.
  • They hardly overgrow: One of the biggest challenges of having regular indoor plants is that they overgrow. And this leads to high maintenance costs. And this can inconvenience lots of people.

The best place to purchase succulents

Succulents are one of the most popular types of plants in the world because they can be found and sold in most areas of the world. Most grocery stores have a wide selection of succulents.

If you’ve been thinking of adding succulents to your space but don’t have the time or energy to do the work, you should consider seeking help from landscaping professionals.

How are succulents different from other plants?

Succulents are different from regular plants. One of the biggest differences between succulents and regular plants is leaves. The leaves of succulents are usually thicker than regular plants and they have a rubber-like feeling.

They also have a shallow root system and don’t thrive in wet soil. They are available in different shapes, types, and colors. If you cannot identify them, you should consider asking an expert or reading the labels before making your purchase.

Conclusion

One of the biggest reasons why people love succulents is they are easy to look after. They don’t require a lot of water or pruning since they grow slowly. Plus, you can always repot them.

You should keep in mind that these plants thrive in dry areas. Therefore, if you decide to grow them indoors or in your garden you should avoid overwatering them.

Apart from that, succulents are safe for everyone including pets. However, their large pointed stalks can result in physical injury. Always place them in a safe place to help your loved ones and pets avoid danger.