Ready to decorate with succulents? Or excited to grow your current collection? There are 5 things to consider when buying succulent [plants online. 1. Domestic or Imported. Research the growing location before you buy. By that, we don’t mean the plant’s native origin over the millennia. Rather, where are the plants grown and propagated today? After all, If your succulents made the long haul from Mexico or beyond, they’ve already spent untold days inside trucks, probably without sunlight, water, or continual care. Domestic growers take pride in delivering farm-fresh plants (and you ..read more

  The world of succulents offers a world of options -- namely 10,000 different species! Most all are eye-catching in form, texture, and color. Most all are practically indestructible and probably inexpensive, too. So how do you decide which succulents to buy? This overview should help!  ALOE. Oooh, those rosettes! They’re formed by serrated, sap-filled leaves that might be rubbery or stiff, smooth or rough, brownish green or pink tinged, speckled or striped. Non-woody stems produce those leaves, as well as spikey flowers. But beware: Most aloes are toxic, causing diarrhea in pets wh ..read more

  Not backyard dirt. Not rich organic soil. And definitely not clay. Nope, these can pose problems and sap the health (and life!) right out of succulent plants. So what’s the best soil for succulents? A mix that mimics the soil of their origin (environment where they first grew wild), as well as their unique needs (based on their adaptions over time). This is a big deal because the right soil is the first step in maintaining good health and growth of all plants — especially succulents. With this in mind, the best soil for potted succulents is actually a blend that is . . . 1. Well-d ..read more

  “All at once, summer collapsed into fall.” —Oscar Wilde Why make autumn crafts with succulent plants? Well, succulents' endless hues reflect nature in autumn: jewel-tone leaves boasting brazen burgundies, sun-kissed golds, flaming reds, and heathery purples. These endless color combinations, coupled with succulent plants' mesmerizing forms and intriguing textures, are sure to inspire the artistic interest and DIY talent of most everyone! So, why not celebrate the change of seasons by making these 6 autumn crafts with succulents? You’ll not only enjoy the hands-on crafting exp ..read more

  What's a sececio? Well, first it's a plant that's pronounced "sen-ess-ee-o" or  "sen-ess-she-o" -- depending on who you ask. Second, it's a plant with . . .  Nifty nicknames. Pickle plant. Pickle cactus. Candle stick plant. These are none other than the Senecio Stapeliaeformis, a succulent whose common names hint at its stop-and-stare appearance. Slender stems sprout up from the plant base as a product of underground rhizomes. At first glance these side-by-side, vertical growths resemble a batch of upright pickles or speckled candle sticks, hence its strange nicknam ..read more

  Fine furniture and dazzling decor have their purpose and place, but there are 5 reasons why decorators recommend succulent plants for our home and office. 1. SUCCULENTS SOFTEN HARD LINES. Buildings typically are a series of vertical and horizontal lines constructed of wood, concrete, and tile. These many hard surfaces simply beg for soft touches. Furnishings help, especially soft goods like high-pile carpets, comfy bedding, cozy pillows, and cuddly throws. But they’re only the first step in creating a warm and welcoming environment. One of the most important finishing touches is the ad ..read more

  Be aware. Be advised. Be alert. That’s the warning for folks who have these 7 toxic succulents living alongside their children and pets. Granted, MOST succulent plants are benign, beneficial, and beautiful. They provide landscape solutions, decorate homes and offices, clean indoor air, serve as a growing hobby, and more! Some are even admired for their medicinal properties, and lo and behold, their tastiness. But admittedly there are a few succulents that have potential to be hazardous or downright poisonous to people and pets. Those are the ones we’ll deal with here: 7 toxic succulent ..read more

  Our obsession with succulents may start with beauty and ease of care, but it doesn’t end there. Succulents are good buys for good health, too. What are the top 5 health benefits of succulent plants? Fresh air. Carbon dioxide in, oxygen out. That’s photosynthesis as its core. Plants absorb our waste gas and return it as a gift of fresh air. However, unlike most houseplants, succulents offer an added bonus: They continue the process all night long. According to NASA, succulents also remove volatile organic compounds (like formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, and toluene) that lurk in plastics ..read more

  As springtime temperatures rise, so do garden succulents. They seem to grow a half inch a day, like miniature beanstalks eager to reach their full potential. But then, just as quickly as they surface, sometimes they start reducing in size as one leaf is munched at a time, or perhaps one stem is decapitated a day. Before you realize it, your succulents are gone. What ate my succulents? Well, here are some answers as to what ate your succulents --- plus the 3 things to do when succulents start to disappear. 1. INSPECT THE SITE. Look carefully at your succulent garden for telltale signs o ..read more

  We cheer for eco-stewardship, yet some of our most popular plants, ornamental trees, and sod are not eco-friendly . . . or even gardener-friendly! In fact, many houseplants and traditional landscape plantings are just plain greedy. Demanding. Finicky. And at constant risk for pesky pests and devastating disease.    If you’re an eco-enthusiast who wants only the best for your gardens and environment, look no further than the world of succulents. Likewise, if you prefer low-maintenance plants that tend to give as much as they take, consider succulents. You see, succulents are e ..read more