Succulents are a popular choice for indoor plants because they are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. These hardy plants are native to arid climates, so they are well-suited to life indoors. With proper care, succulents can thrive and provide a beautiful addition to your home. Here are some tips for caring for succulent plants:
Succulent plants prefer to be grown in pots that have drainage holes, as this allows excess water to drain out of the soil and prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged.
Avoid using pots that do not have drainage holes, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
In general, a pot that is slightly larger than the plant’s root system is a good choice
2. Use the right soil.
The type of soil that you use can have a big impact on your succulent’s health.
Succulents prefer well-draining soil that contains a mix of organic matter and inorganic materials.
Avoid using potting soil that is too dense or heavy, as this can retain too much moisture and harm the plant.
Instead, look for a soil mix that is specifically designed for succulents or cacti.
3. Provide adequate light
Succulent plants need light to photosynthesize and grow, so it is important to provide them with enough light to thrive.
The amount of light that a succulent needs depends on the species, but most succulents do best in bright, indirect light.
Avoid placing your succulent in a location that is too dark or too sunny, as this can harm the plant.
If you are unsure about the light requirements for your succulent, you can consult a gardening guide or ask a plant expert for advice.
4. Water your succulent properly
Overwatering and underwatering are two of the most common mistakes that people make when caring for succulent plants.
To avoid these issues, make sure to water your succulent according to its specific needs.
Most succulents prefer to be watered deeply and then allowed to dry out completely before watering again.
A good rule of thumb is to water your succulent when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Avoid watering the plant too frequently, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
5. Prune and groom your succulent
Regular pruning and grooming can help your succulent stay healthy and look its best.
Pruning can remove dead or damaged growth and encourage new, healthy growth.
To prune your succulent, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut off any dead or damaged leaves or stems.
Groom your succulent by removing any yellow or wilted leaves, and dusting off the leaves to keep them clean.
This will help your succulent to absorb more light and look more attractive.
Are you looking to spruce up your living space with some greenery? Indoor plants are not only great for purifying the air, but they can also add a touch of style and personality to any room. In this blog post, we’ll share some playful DIY indoor plant decor ideas that you can easily make at home.
1. Macramé Hangers:
Macramé hangers are a stylish and versatile way to display your plants and add some natural beauty to your home. These plant hangers were popular in the 1970s and have made a big comeback in recent years, with their intricate knots and bohemian charm.
To create your own macramé hanger, all you need is some rope, scissors, and a pot. You can use a variety of materials for your rope, including cotton, jute, or even recycled t-shirts. Begin by cutting your rope to the desired length, taking into account the height of your ceiling and the length you want your hanger to be.
Next, tie a knot at the top of the rope, leaving enough room for the pot to sit comfortably. You can then start knotting your rope in a series of knots, either using a simple pattern or a more intricate design. There are many macramé tutorials available online to help you get started.
Once you’ve reached the desired length, you can add your plant pot to the hanger, making sure it is secure and balanced. You can create a simple knot or use a decorative wrap to tie off the hanger at the bottom.
Macramé plant hangers can be hung from the ceiling, a hook on the wall, or even from a tree branch outside. They are a great option for those who want to save floor space and add some natural beauty to their home décor. So why not try creating your own macramé hanger today and give your plants the attention they deserve?
2. Terrarium:
Terrariums are a delightful way to bring the beauty of nature indoors, especially if you have limited space. These self-contained ecosystems can be created in a variety of glass containers, including jars, bowls, and even light bulbs, and can feature a range of plant species, from succulents and cacti to ferns and mosses.
To create your own terrarium, you’ll need a few basic supplies: a glass container, some small rocks or pebbles, activated charcoal (optional), potting soil, and, of course, your favorite plants. Begin by layering the rocks or pebbles on the bottom of the container. This helps with drainage and prevents water from sitting in the soil and causing root rot.
Next, add a layer of activated charcoal if desired. This helps to filter the air and prevent mold from growing inside the terrarium. Then, add a layer of potting soil, making sure to leave enough space for your plants to grow. Gently plant your chosen plants, arranging them in a way that creates a visually pleasing composition.
Once your plants are in place, it’s time to add any decorative elements you like, such as small figurines, decorative rocks, or seashells. You can also add a layer of decorative sand or moss on top of the soil for added texture and interest.
Terrariums make for excellent conversation starters and can be displayed on shelves, tabletops, or even hung from the ceiling. They require minimal maintenance and are perfect for those who may not have a green thumb or who are short on time. So why not try creating your own terrarium today and bring a little piece of nature into your home?
3. Vintage Containers:
If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to add some personality to your indoor plant collection, consider repurposing old containers like teapots, mugs, or vintage planters. Not only is this an eco-friendly way to give new life to old items, but it also allows you to create unique and charming plant displays that reflect your personal style.
Teapots and mugs, for example, can make excellent planters for smaller plants like herbs, succulents, or small flowering plants. Simply fill them with soil and add your plant of choice, making sure to leave enough room for the roots to grow. This not only adds a quirky touch to your décor but also provides an unexpected twist on traditional planters.
Vintage planters, on the other hand, can be used to give your plants a nostalgic feel. Whether it’s an old tin can, a classic ceramic pot, or a retro metal planter, these repurposed containers can add a touch of vintage charm to your living space. Plus, they often have a unique character that newer planters just can’t match.
By repurposing old containers as planters, you can add a personal touch to your décor while reducing waste and giving new life to old items. So why not raid your cupboards or check out local thrift stores to see what hidden gems you can find? Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite planter that you never knew you needed.
4. Hanging Planters:
Hanging planters are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add some greenery to their home without taking up too much floor space. Whether you live in a small apartment or simply want to keep your living areas clutter-free, a hanging planter can be a stylish and practical solution.
To create your own hanging planter, all you need are a few basic supplies: a basket or mesh bag, some twine, and, of course, your favorite plant. Choose a plant that is well-suited to hanging, such as a trailing vine or a spider plant, and make sure it has enough space to grow and thrive in its new home.
Once you’ve selected your plant, gently insert it into the basket or mesh bag, taking care not to damage its roots or leaves. Then, tie the twine securely around the top of the basket, making sure it is strong enough to support the weight of the plant. You can also add some extra twine or decorative ribbon to the top of the planter for an extra touch of style.
Finally, it’s time to hang your new creation! Choose a spot in your home that receives plenty of natural light and is easily accessible for watering and care. You can hang your planter from the ceiling using a hook or anchor, or attach it to a wall using a sturdy bracket or hanger. Once your planter is securely in place, sit back and enjoy the beauty and freshness it brings to your living space.
5. Test Tube/ Bottles:
Test tube plants and bottle planters are not only practical, but they can also add a touch of whimsy to your indoor plant collection.
Picture a row of delicate test tubes holding tiny, vibrant plants that seem to dance in the sunlight.
Or how about a vintage glass bottle repurposed as a hanging planter, showcasing a cascading vine?
With some creativity and a little bit of DIY know-how, you can turn ordinary glass vessels into stunning plant displays that bring life and joy to your living space.
Whether you choose to display them on a windowsill or hang them from the ceiling, test tube plants and bottle planters are sure to add a unique and charming touch to your indoor garden.
With these DIY ideas, you can create your own unique plant displays that reflect your personal style. So go ahead, get creative, and bring some greenery into your home!
You may think that you just aren’t meant to be a plant owner. Perhaps you end up killing your plant every time you try to have a green thumb. Consistently asking yourself “how can I keep this plant alive?” while cursing into the air. Or maybe you just picked up a plant and want to know what you should do.
You may think that you just aren’t meant to be a plant owner. Perhaps you end up killing your plant every time you try to have a green thumb. Consistently asking yourself “how can I keep this plant alive?” while cursing into the air. Or maybe you just picked up a plant and want to know what you should do.
I started out thinking I was horrible with plants. That I could never be the person with a bunch of beautiful hanging greenery in my living room. Always thinking “how much do I water?” or “does this orchid need nutrients?”
I started out thinking I was horrible with plants. That I could never be the person with a bunch of beautiful hanging greenery in my living room. Always thinking “how much do I water?” or “does this orchid need nutrients?”
I’ve also talked to so many different people who just stopped trying because it seemed like too much.
So unless you are buying some rare finicky plant. You can do it. Have you ever thought you may be doing too much?
Stop Watering Your Plant Every Day
If your first step to plant care is watering it every day. STOP… Your plant most likely does not need to be watered every day. In fact, I can get away with watering some of my plants once a week or week and a half.
I know it’s time to water when the soil is dry. At least this goes for a lot of my plants. I treat my Monsteras, ferns, Alocacias, and other like this. They sometimes look a little thirsty and I make sure to soak the soil completely with water to fill that need.
Heck I have some String of Pearl, and two orchids that are healthy by just being in the bathroom shower mist.
My point is that; your plants will tell you when they need water. They won’t just die instantly.
On the other hand… If you water your plant too much it can lead to root rot, and fungus growth which can be a pain to get rid of.
A lot of people think that you need to water every day. Just avoid doing it. Set a reminder on your phone or something to check the soil dryness twice a week to start off.
Here is my article about overwatered plants in case you suspect it has been overwatered.
If your plant is recommended to have indirect light. It doesn’t mean keep it in the shade or closet. You can put your plant behind light curtains, or in the open. Just don’t let it get blazing direct sunlight all day. I have been able to tell when my plants get too much sun usually when the ends of their leaves get a bit crisp.
Don’t be afraid to find a spot that your plant loves.
I have one plant that hated to be moved. Every single time I moved it, the leaves would droop and it would look sad. Until I found the spot for it. It took some experimenting but it was worth it and now it’s thriving.
Don’t give up on your plant
You may be asking yourself “is this plant ever going to come back to life”. I say, give it as much of a chance as you can.
I had an alocasia in the corner of my office. It started dripping black stuff out of it’s leaves. Every part of it looked dead besides the little stem that was poking out. I didn’t water that plant for months. It was in the worst unlit area of my office.
One day I walk in, and what do I notice? About 5 little things poking up from the soil. Over the next few days, they grow exponentially.
I have no clue how that plant survived but it is a miracle plant, that survived against all odds.
My point is. Don’t give up on your plant until it gives up. Because it may just be your own miracle plant.
Have fun, Don’t get discouraged
Being a plant parent shouldn’t be a stressful thing. Plants are supposed to make your space look comfortable, and relaxing. Don’t get upset if it doesn’t work out the first time.
Start out small, don’t go overboard. Once you know how to take care of one or two plants, get another.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Whether it’s with different areas in the house, or perhaps supplemental lighting. If your plant doesn’t like what you are doing, it will tell you. And then experiment some more. If worse comes to worse, you have to get another plant and try again.
But please… Stop overwatering your plants as the first sign of an issue.
I wanted to release something else about plants before I released this one. However I burned my hand over the weekend, and had this already typed, so I figured I would release this while I heal because I can’t type very well at the moment. I hope this is a good enough read from me for the weekend.
I think about Involving people more with Plant Dummy in some way is what currently is on my mind. Realizing that I love my plants, and other people love their plants is something that I think all of us have in common with one another. I don’t see why it couldn’t be a thing in some sort of context, but finding the right way of doing it is eluding me at the moment.
Never having built an online community, it makes me curious of the best ways to do so. I know that I want to be able to feature what people are excited about, in a way that other people will get excited about as well. What’s the point of sharing something that no one will see? At least that’s my perspective on that. Having a community that learns and you can see the progress or something that has helped them would be exciting to me.
One of the ideas that I have would be to feature someone’s plant on the front page for a week and on the Instagram. I love being able to share my posts on Instagram because it seems like the plant world can be so much more focused. Right now on the blog it seems like I am in an ocean of blogs trying to build my island or something. Which is kind of exciting to me because it has a lot of unknowns.
If you want to check out some more of my home pictures, and what I think looks awesome you can check out the Instagram as well
Anyways, I have been constantly doing research of different things that I could be doing, and improving on. Which honestly I won’t be able to genuinely tell for a long time and that is okay with me. But I think that this is a constant process, with an importance in sticking with it. Realizing that a lot of people fade out of the interest. I feel like if I start fading out of the interest in a particular area, I may slightly expand towards another. For me thinking of different possibilities is important to stay creative and share interesting content.
Obviously I am very new to this. But sometimes it surprises me what posts get views and what don’t. Or what posts get likes and what don’t. You may think you wrote the best yet, but it isn’t received as well as one that just came super easy to you.
It’s fun to try to see what people will like. Or maybe I am just bad at guessing. I just know I have been having fun trying to come up with ideas, and learning along the way. Sometimes it scares me though if someone who is really into plants looks at my blog and I get something wrong. That is why I try to always make a note of saying that if I got anything wrong, to please let me know.
This last article I wanted to be sure on the succulent names that I had so I looked in depth of the pictures to make sure that is what I had. But I still feel like there is a possibility that my Echeveria picture may be a slight variation of something else. Please let me know if I am wrong. I know it’s a stupid thing to worry about because it can just be changed and doesn’t hurt anyone.
The Echeveria of Doubts
I guess we all have certain things that we worry about for little reason. Maybe it will change, maybe it won’t. But there is one thing that I got from that worry. It makes me more confident on the things I am able to write about because I don’t want to look dumb, and I don’t want to give the wrong information. So I try to research with resources that are trustworthy, or back up my ideas with other evidence of why.
That’s just my thought of the day. I am happy, I was able to write and use a lot of my own pictures today! I will hopefully be able to add more of my own in the future.
Honestly, I think that there are a lot of cool succulents that you can get in the store, garden shop, or your local Facebook plant dealer. They shouldn’t be too hard to take care of, but I wanted to show my favorites and perhaps suggested ones that I would look out for.
I wanted to use this picture because I thought it would showcase the prettiness of the succulent, but also demonstrate the heartiness and fight the plant has. This was taken today from the side of my house. Yes I know I need to weed, but its been winter and cold.
However I forgot this had even existed to be completely fair as I had a couple growing last year, and thought I accidentally killed it when I cleared the area. There is another pup next to a different one, but that didn’t look as pretty because I think some bugs got into it. I may have to get that pup and bring it inside soon.
Hens and Chickens grow alright in bad soils and horrible conditions. This is because they normally grow in mountain climates. However, they will do best and have a preferred temperature of around 70 degrees. Which is around what most people keep their indoor areas at.
Zebra Haworthia
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Zebra Hawathia – Plant Dummy
The Zebra succulent is a pretty common succulent to get in a pack from the store. They may be common, but they look really beautiful and striking when they get wider.
These guys are a bit more particular than the Hens and Chicken, as they don’t seem to do as well in the cold. However unless you are keeping the house below freezing you should be fine. When looking for a spot for this succulent, you should look for a place where it can get some indirect sun.
if you keep your house hotter, you will need to water them more often. But still they don’t require too much water.
You will want to wait until the soil is pretty dry, because Zebra plants won’t do good if you over water them. If you under water the Zebra plant it will usually make the leaves look kind of saggy. You also will want to soak the soil all the way through, then wait until it feels dry again before watering. Don’t worry if it isn’t growing enough for your liking. These take a lot of time to gain some growth.
Echeveria Succulent
Echeveria – Plant Dummy
There are so many different types of this plant it will have you amazed (150 types). There is a hue of color that would make anyone happy. That is probably one of the reasons they are so popular.
You will want to have the Echeveria in a pot that will allow for drainage, as you will want to avoid having moisture stick around for too long, because they are desert plants. This is good for you though because if you plan on keeping them inside, like the other ones. I would assume they would be warm enough.
The Echeveria plants are also slower growing plants. You can’t expect them to grow over night, or even over the month much. Patience is key for succulents. As long as you aren’t killing them, you are doing something right. Watering succulents properly is one of the more important things in keeping them growing healthy. for the Echeveria you will want to make sure that you keep from over watering. You can do this by letting the soil get dry before you water again, allowing for the roots to have a break, remember these are used to desert like conditions.
Bonus to the Echeveria: is that like a lot of other succulents. They produce pups, which you can propagate. This is like getting a bonus for doing a good job.
Burro’s tail
Photo by María Álvares de Carvalho
I have a Burro’s tail, and it wouldn’t be plant dummy if there wasn’t a nice looking plant that can be in a basket and hang.
Burro’s tail, Donkey tail, or Sedum Morganianum. Whatever you prefer to call it, is pretty darn easy to grow. It also looks wonderful spilling over the pot/ basket it is being held in.
These things are pretty hard to kill, so as long as you are keeping a decent eye on when to water it, and being careful to just focus on watering the soil in a pot that allows for drainage. You should do alright. You will however want to be careful when you move the plant. The leaves are going to want to come off easily. Just try to avoid it. I personally think that losing at least one is most likely inevitable unless you are sliding it.
Look, Aloe has made it once again as a strong contender in the plant world. I don’t pick it for just no reason though. For me I think that I choose Aloe because of the factors that it is pretty hard to kill, looks pretty, and has uses for skin, as well as eating if prepared properly.
My sister and I were talking the other day, and she was wondering how she was killing her Aloe plant. She wrote it off as just being a dead plant. In the next few weeks, it started showing signs of life and was once again happy to be back as well. They are pretty amazing plants.
You will want to pick a pot that allows drainage so the soil can dry out and give it the feeling of it’s natural habitat. Indirect sunlight is preferred for the Aloe Vera. Indoor temps that are comfortable to humans are going to be comfortable to the Aloe as well. Just try to keep it above 55, and below 80 degrees. When you water, make sure that you get the soil watered. Then allow for the soil to dry out before watering again. For succulents you really want to avoid root rot, and by allowing for the soil to dry, you are taking a precaution.
If you are unsure of what kind of succulent you should get. You can get a sample pack. They are generally pretty cheap, and normally have some easy to care for succulents inside of them. If you want to browse a cool place that has a pretty big variety of sample packs and you live in the U.S you can check out SucculentsBox.com
The succulents are placed at a pretty good price as well. Similar to what I would pay at a store, but I get a bigger option which is really refreshing. Below is my referral link, so if you want to just check it out I think you would like the variety too. They are really cool.
Another nice thing about SucculentsBox.com is their policy for quality. If your plant gets really damaged or there is something really wrong with it they cover a lot of issues from root rot to visible damage to pots/planters even infestations. That was something that I was curious about when I first read up on this company because I wasn’t sure how they would offer it, because obviously there can be issues when it comes to shipping a plant.
Bonus tip: Okay this really isn’t a bonus tip, I just wanted to mention again how important it is to get your watering down for succulents. Don’t drop water in the middle of your succulent, or else you are going to get some issues. Don’t use the pot as a bucket for water, let it drain and get dry. Avoid root rot by allowing the soil to dry out.
Thank you for reading the article, it means a lot. If there is anything that should be updated please let me know. I really do try to get accurate information and useful information. – Plant Dummy
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