How to Select a Perfect Succulent for Your Home
There are so many varieties of succulent plants in all shapes, sizes, and colors. So when it comes to choosing the right one for your home, the options can be overwhelming. Of course you’ll want to select a succulent that is visually appealing to you, but it is also important to be sure that you’re choosing a healthy specimen and that it can thrive in the conditions in your home.
Environmental Conditions
To grow any type of plant indoors, it is important to understand the plant’s needs and to balance those with what you can reasonably provide in your home. The light levels, humidity, temperature, and air circulation can all affect a plant’s chances of survival, as do your watering habits and choices of soil and container.
Light
Before purchasing a succulent, it is a good idea to evaluate your indoor environment.
Many homes don’t get enough sunlight for succulents to thrive. Succulent plants require at least six hours of sunlight each day. Confirm the light levels throughout the day to determine if your preferred location can support a succulent.
Temperature and Humidity
Succulents prefer a less humid environment than many other houseplants. They may not do well in kitchens and bathrooms, where the air tends to hold more moisture. Normal indoor temperatures should be fine for succulents, as they can tolerate anywhere from 40-80 degrees fahrenheit.
Choosing a Healthy Succulent
Soil
When shopping for succulents, there are a couple of main ways to determine if you’re choosing a healthy plant. First, make sure the plant hasn’t been overwatered. Overwatering can cause problems in the root system that aren’t immediately obvious, so you may not be able to tell that anything is wrong right away. Check the soil and lift the pot, if possible. If it feels heavy or the soil is overly wet and dense, there’s a good chance that this succulent is suffering from too much moisture. While it could be salvageable, it’s safer just to move on to another choice.
Pests and Disease
The second consideration is whether there are any insects present. While different insects create different symptoms in plants, you will probably be able to see the insects themselves on the plant if you look carefully. Webs, sticky residue, and spots on the leaves are also indications that there may be pests.
