There are many reasons why succulents have become so popular over recent years. Firstly, they make ideal houseplants because they are low-maintenance. They also require minimal watering.
Plus, their appearance is very distinctive and their form leads to many interesting uses in interior design.
Our 9 reasons Why Succulents Are So Popular
1. Perfect Plants For Beginners
If you’ve never cared for a plant before, a succulent is an ideal start. These endearing plants seem to thrive on neglect. They only have to be watered every so often and don’t require much pruning or even fertilizing.
Even someone who doesn’t have a green thumb can happily grow and care for a succulent. And, once they build their confidence, they might add more to their collection.
2. Succulents Require Minimal Water
One of the biggest benefit of growing succulents is that they don’t require a lot of water. In fact, over-watering them can be detrimental. It’s much easier to revive a succulent that has become dry than to resurrect one that has become water-logged.
The most important thing to remember is to water deeply and then let all the water drain away. Then, don’t water again until the soil has become completely dry.
This makes succulents the ideal house plants for people who have to be away from home for weeks at a time. You can give your plants a deep soak before you go away and when you come home, they’ll still be thriving. Just make sure to never leave your plants sitting in water.
3. They Require Very Little Fertilizer
Succulents will thrive quite happily with only one or two applications of fertilizer during the year. And, you never have to fertilize them in winter if they go dormant.
If you’re growing them in pots, just add a small amount of slow-release fertilizer in early spring and your plants will be happy for the rest of the year.
4. They Will Happily Grow Almost Anywhere
As long as succulents receive at least 4-6 hours of bright light every day, they’re happy to grow almost anywhere.
You can keep them indoors in pots on a windowsill. They also lend themselves to being planted in terrariums for a more striking display. Some even do really well in hanging pots.
Succulents are also happy growing outdoors in your garden as long as they’re planted in well-draining soil. Some species are a great addition to hot, dry garden areas where other plants would fail. You can see many instances of rock gardens featuring different species of succulents.
There are even succulents that are happy to grow in shady areas of your garden. This makes them ideal for planting around trees.
Plus, their structure and form can add an interesting dimension to any ornamental garden.
5. Succulents Are Prized For Their Decorative Value
Interior designers love using succulents as accents in their designs. They come in many shapes and colors and can add a touch of whimsy to any room.
Plus, you can pot them into anything that you can think of. Therefore, they make ideal table center pieces and add a spot of color to any room in the house.
6. They’re More Affordable Than Other House Plants
Succulents are budget-friendly plants that are ideal for anyone who wants to decorate their home on the cheap. They’re ideal for first-time apartment dwellers as they add a touch of warmth to the décor without stretching the budget.
7. Succulents Are Easy To Propagate
Let’s face it, you can’t have just one succulent. Right? The good news is that succulents are easy to propagate even for beginners. You just need to follow some easy propagating steps and you’ll have many more plants in no time.
Because they’re so easy to reproduce, propagating succulents has become a hobby for many people. There’s something special about seeing new plants develop from a simple leaf or stem cutting.
Plus, it’s a fun way to make your own gifts for family and friends.
8. You Can Grow Them All-Year-Round
While some succulents will go dormant over winter, there are others that will continue to grow and even bloom in the colder months.
And, even in their dormant stage, succulents still look amazing and will continue their growth once the weather warms up again.
9. They Make The Perfect Gift
We all have those people in our lives who are hard to buy gifts for. Succulents are the perfect solution. You can choose a pretty pot, pop a succulent into it and you have the perfect gift for almost anyone.
Because succulents are so easy to care for, the gift recipient can enjoy your thoughtfulness for many years to come. And, if you become obsessed with propagating your own succulents, you’ll always have a gift handy whenever you need one.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s so special about succulents?
The main advantage of growing succulents is that they require minimal watering and care. Succulents have the ability to store water in their leaves and roots to survive longer periods of dry soil.
Why are succulents important?
Succulents make the perfect house plants. Having plants in our homes helps to keep the air fresh and clean. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen which they then release into the air.
Do succulents like to be touched?
You should avoid touching the leaves of your succulents as they are delicate. Any damage to a leaf will be permanent. Also, if you wipe off the powdery coating, it won’t grow back.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever asked the question, why are succulents so popular, you now know the answer. These lovely plants are easy to care for and make ideal plants for beginners.
They don’t require a lot of water which makes them ideal as houseplants for people who are away a lot. Plus, they add a spot of color to any home décor.
Do you enjoy growing succulents? Are there interesting ways that you use them in your home? Please feel free to share your stories with us in the comments below.