A Guide to Popular Succulents for Your Home
Succulents are small plants that have recently risen in popularity, used as decorative pieces for both indoors and outdoors. These plants store water in their leaves much like a cactus, and can endure extended periods of drought.
Succulents thrive in dry climates, which make them perfect to have in the Philippines. They prefer warmer temperatures, but like any other plant, they will need proper watering to ensure their growth.
So if you’re looking to up your homes with low maintenance plants, here are some of the most popular succulents in the country that you should consider!
Zebra Cactus
Coming from its name, the Zebra Cactus is a succulent known for its horizontal Zebra-like stripes. This dainty, slow-growing plant can grow even in small containers like teacups, which is why it’s often used as a windowsill decor.
Note that you will need to have a good drainage and diluted fertilizer for your zebra cactus. Remember to re-pot it after two years or when it outgrows its container!
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is considered to be one of the most popular succulents. Apart from being a decorative plant, it has a number of healing and beauty benefits. It’s ideal to plant outdoors as it can grow too slow inside.
You can use Aloe Vera for burns, skin irritations, facial moisturizer, and even as a hair mask. To harvest, you can take a whole leaf off or cut just a part of it with a sharp knife. However, it’s recommended to do the former because removing just a part of a leaf might cause a big scab to appear. Do take note that Aloe grows slowly so you might have to wait for a while before you can use it.
Hens-and-Chicks
Also known as Houseleeks, Hens-and-Chicks has a distinct rosette shape and produces numerous babies. The “mother plant” and the “chicks” are attached to each other by an underground runner—and they grow very well both indoors and outdoors!
As long as it gets full sunlight and well-drained soil, hens-and-chicks doesn’t need fertilizer nor does it have to be watered regularly. It’s recommended that the chicks are divided from the mother plant every two years to prevent overcrowding.
Burro’s Tail
With its thick stems looking as if they’re plaited with leaves, the Burro’s Tail is well suited for warm and temperate regions, looking absolutely amazing on a full sun garden bed or on your patios. What’s interesting about it is that it can grow nicely even in mixed succulent containers or as a hanging plant.
Snake Plant
Probably one of the most common in Filipino homes, the Snake Plants are quite low maintenance compared to other succulents. They can be left alone with low light levels for a few weeks while still retaining that fresh look. Not to mention that they also help clean the air inside the house!
There are at least 70 different species of this plant that you can choose from, with the Mother’s Tongue as among the most popular ones.
Echeveria
Echeverias, in general, are like most succulents that can thrive on brief periods of neglect, including low water and nutrients. They can grow well in individual containers or in tepid garden beds. These plants stem from thick-leaved rosettes with fleshy leaves and waxy cuticles on the exterior. However, they grow a bit slow and can only be up to 12 inches in height.
Like the Snake Plant, there are many types and colors of Echeverias that you can choose from.
Crown of Thorns
Crown of Thorns is mostly an indoor plant as it adapts well to dry indoor environments. Consider placing it somewhere near a window where it can have access to sunlight.
Further, this plant needs to be fed with liquid fertilizer and be re-potted every two years in soil that drains quickly. Remember to keep it out of reach as it can be poisonous to pets. Its sap is also known to cause skin irritations, so be sure to wear gloves when working with it!
Panda Plant
The Panda Plant is popular indoors, especially as a decor in a child’s room. Its growth is limited to the size of its container, usually only reaching 1 to 2 feet.
Although these plants can survive in room temperature, it’s recommended that their soil is allowed to dry between waterings.
Pincushion Cactus
Coming in ball or barrel shapes, the Pincushion Cactus can only grow up to 6 inches in height. It is commonly found indoors, but can surprisingly tolerate colder temperatures. Plus, it’s beginner friendly, so you might want to consider getting this one to start your collection!
Jade Plant
Jade Plants are widely considered as symbols of good luck, so a lot of people enjoy growing them in homes and offices. While similar to most succulents in plant care, this one may require a bit more attention especially when it comes to light, water, and fertilizer.
They don’t try out completely but it’s also important to water them just enough when the topsoil is dry. They also need full sun to properly grow, or else they may become laggy and stunted. As for fertilizing, once every six months is recommended.
Would you consider getting one of these succulents for your home? Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
