With fleshy leaves in a range of shapes and hardy by nature, a succulent is the perfect indoor plant for a beginner looking to add some greenery to their living space.
During lockdown, our obsession with houseplants grew by a whopping 400% and isn’t showing any signs of stopping anytime soon. With working from home and having more time on our hands to spend pruning, watering and admiring our green and leady friends, we’ve finally been able to give our ever-growing collection of plants the TLC they deserve.
Thanks to the variety of plants available online and continuing to deliver throughout lockdown, we’ve been adorning our homes with all the greenery we could ever want, and if you’re anything like us, you’re not finished yet!
Right now, we’re obsessing over succulents. Not only are they easy to care for (and hard to kill!), also because they also come in a variety of shapes, colours, and sizes, making it easy to find one that suits your living space.
Succulents, like cacti, are found naturally in dry, bright climates. Remember this and you should have little trouble with their care. They will be at their happiest and healthiest in a bright, well-lit spot but avoid placing them in direct sunlight as this can burn their leaves.
Like with all desert plants, they like their soil to dry out completely between watering. They want a good soak, allowing all the water to drain through the soil, every 2 weeks instead of regular mini waterings. Try your best to avoid getting their leaves wet - use the nozzle attachment on your watering can to water just the soil.
Check out our selection of soils we have available here: Potting Soil | Memento Floral Design
Give them a feed with some liquid fertiliser once a month during the spring and summer season, this will help them grow healthily. Make sure to use feed specifically formulated for succulents and cacti like this blend from Growth Technology Cactus & Succulent Focus - Plant Nutrition | Memento Floral Design
Do you feel ready for the responsibility of jumping on the succulent bandwagon? Here are five of our favourites to get you started.
Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
Notoriously bad at keeping plants alive, but still fancy adding a leafy friend to your home? Grab yourself a snake plant and never look back.
These tall, leafy plants require the least amount of effort to make them look great, making them the perfect plant for beginners. All you need to do is give them a drink when the soil begins to look dry, and stick them in a place where they get some light (anything but a pitch-black room will do). Yes, it is really that easy to look after!
Get one of your own here: Sansevieria (Snake Plant) | Memento Floral Design
Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis is a genus of epiphytic flowering plants in the cactus family, typically known as mistletoe cacti. They are found in parts of Central America, the Caribbean, and the northern regions of South America. In terms of appearance, they are not typical cacti. The growth is usually hanging or overhanging and you usually look for spines in vain. Rhipsalis also do not hibernate. However, they are as easy to care for as most cacti.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during its growing season (early spring to late summer). Never allow it to sit in water but do let the top soil dry out but never the sub soil.
Get one of your own here: Rhipsalis | Plant Shop Belfast | Memento Ormeau Road (mementofloraldesign.com)
Sedum Burro’s Tail
With their trailing, fleshy leaves the sedum burro’s tail is perfect for drawing a bit of interest to a boring and dull corner. A native to Southern Mexico, sedum burro’s tail occasionally produces pink or red flowers during the summer at the tip of its leaves, making for a seasonal surprise for its owner.
To look after these succulents, simply water when their soil feels dry to the touch and keep them in indirect, bright light.
Get one of your own here: Sedum Burro's Tail | Memento Floral Design
Aloe Vera
Aloe's are particularly stylish with its towering, pointed leaves which look amazing. This guy also offers a range of medicinal and health benefits. As we approach the summer season and get the occasional case of sunburn the gel released by the aloe vera leaves is perfect for soothing your skin.
If you Keep your aloe vera in a light spot, water them when their soil is dry, they’ll give you lots of love and clean air in return.
Get one of your own here:Aloe Vera | Memento Floral Design
For more plant care advice please check out the plant care section of our website here:
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