Julia Kell

You may have heard of the succulent, an indoor plant that is becoming increasingly popular.  These plants are native to desert regions but can also be found in forests and mountains.  Succulent means ‘full of juice,’ an apt name given a succulent’s ability to conserve water by storing it in its leaves.  After owning succulents for a few months, I’ve come to believe they are a plant everyone should consider adopting.  Not only are they beautiful, they are simple to care for and have mental and physical benefits as well.

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Shop Set of 6 Faux Succulent Decorations here!

Succulents are resilient and easy to care for.

One of the first steps in caring for a succulent is to provide it with well-draining soil that mimics the conditions of its natural environment.  Cactus, palm, and  citrus potting mix, which can be found at most gardening stores, will ensure your succulents stay happy and healthy.  Unlike some plants, succulents don't have to be watered frequently and can live for a couple weeks without water.  I typically water my succulents once a week when the soil is dry, but you may have to water more frequently if you live in a drier climate.  I also mix fertilizer (I use Espoma Organic Cactus Plant Food) with the water every 2-4 weeks.  

One of my favorite parts of owning succulents is picking out the perfect pot.  You can buy pots for succulents at stores like Wal-Mart and Home Depot and choose from a variety of designs and materials such as terra cotta, wood, ceramic, and plastic.  Your pot should have a half inch of room so your succulent has a little space to grow.  If the pot is too big, the succulent may not grow much because the plant will focus on spreading out its roots rather than getting larger.  Also, it’s important that pots have a drainage hole so the roots stay healthy and you don’t have to worry about rotting.  If you want to use a pot that doesn’t have a hole, you can drill a hole in the bottom with a masonry or glass and tile drill bit.  

Lastly, make sure to keep your succulents near a window where they'll get plenty of light each day.  

They are inexpensive.

While it depends on how many you buy, which types you choose, and where you buy from, splurging on succulents won’t break the bank.  Buying online can be more expensive because of shipping costs, but you can still find them online for reasonable prices.  For example, I was able to buy three succulents for four dollars each on Etsy.  Though succulents can be more expensive than this, particularly if they are bigger or rarer, most do not cost more than ten dollars, whether you shop online or at the store.  The website Succulent Box has a wide variety of succulents for good prices.  If you subscribe to Succulent Box’s mailing list, you can receive 15 % off your first order, and succulent shops on Etsy also have special deals!

There are many different colors and types of succulents, and you are sure to find one you like.   

Succulents come in every color of the rainbow and then some.  There is also a large assortment of species available for purchase – two of my favorites are the haworthia, otherwise known as the zebra plant, and the Echeveria Morning Beauty.  They can brighten up any room and are a great decoration for apartments, houses, or offices.  A colorful pot with a beautiful plant is always a striking addition to any living space.  If you feel like something is missing from your workspace, think about getting a plant.   

They provide mental and physical health benefits.

Houseplants themselves have a variety of benefits such as purifying the air, making it easier for you to breathe and focus on your daily tasks.  Succulents, along with other plants, have been shown to improve productivity.  A University of Michigan study even discovered that memory retention increased by 20% when plants were present.  The act of caring for a plant can also help give you a sense of purpose, reducing stress and loneliness.  In regards to physical health, certain succulents can be used to treat injuries.  The aloe plant can be used to heal sunburns or cuts, and agave can be used as an antiseptic.  According to a research study at Kansas University, plants can also aid in the recovery of hospital patients.  The study surveyed 90 patients and found that the 45 patients who had plants in their room improved much more quickly than those who did not.  

They can teach you valuable lessons.   

Succulents are good practice when it comes to caring for living organisms.  While they do not require large amounts of your time, you may have to be patient in waiting for them to grow.  You also may have to persevere and try a different watering system if your plant isn’t doing well.  However, succulents are strong and quite forgiving if you make a mistake, and this is a reminder that we can be the same way.

 

Julia Kell is an English major at Radford University who intends to work in book publishing after graduation.  Since childhood, she has enjoyed writing and is the author of multiple novels.  She also loves Broadway musicals, animals, and the outdoors.   

 

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