Looking for a plant with a variety of qualities that can help it survive indoor conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, plenty of brightness, and periods where nobody is available to take care of it? There are hundreds of cacti and succulents that fit the bill. These plants come in a wide range of sizes and shapes to suit individual tastes and home décor. The varieties of cacti available today are not only easy to maintain but also enhance the ambience of your home. They can be placed both indoors and outdoors, depending on your preference.
Succulent plants store water in their leaves, which makes their leaves fleshier than those of other plants. Many succulents originate from the Tropics and Subtropics, including semi-desert and desert regions. In these environments, high temperatures and very low evaporation force the plants to collect and store water to survive longer in dry conditions. This makes them adaptable to severe conditions, including both water scarcity and poor soil. Succulents also thrive along seacoasts and saltpans, where they’re exposed to high levels of dissolved minerals. The best-known succulent plant is the cactus, which belongs to the family Cactaceae. While virtually all cacti are succulents, there are a few exceptions.
Succulents need plenty of light. A window greenhouse is an ideal place to accommodate these plants, as they survive in minimal soil. Large pots can make it difficult to control moisture levels, leading to a decline in the health of the plant. Succulents don’t require much attention, but they still add to the ambience of your home. These plants are easy to maintain, and even if you’re away on vacation, you can rest assured that your garden will remain healthy upon your return.
Three Most Common House Succulents: Aloe, Jade Plant, and Ponytail Palm
Aloe – Aloe Vera is one of the most famous ingredients used in the cosmetic industry for hair and skin care products. It is also highly medicinal, with aloe being a well-known remedy for treating burns. This plant is great to grow in a kitchen garden. Many sunburn lotions contain aloe. The name “aloe” is derived from the Greek word ‘allal’ and the Arabic ‘alloch,’ which mean “bitter.” Aloe typically has red or yellow flowers, but it usually doesn’t bloom indoors. While aloe is commonly grown in desert gardens with a mild climate, it can also thrive in a pot. Having aloe in your kitchen or terrace garden offers a self-grown, natural beauty therapy ingredient. Many people regularly consume the juice or sap of the plant.
Ponytail Palm – Beaucarnea recurvata is actually not a true palm. This Mexican plant was first classified under Beaucarnea and later under Nolina. However, it still shares many characteristics with palms. For example, it has a palm-like stem with an expanded, broad base. The leaves are 2 to 6 feet long and typically twisted, resembling a ponytail. Flowers and fruits are rarely seen. The ponytail palm has a moderate growth rate and is often kept as a potted plant. Indoors, it typically grows between 1 to 3 feet in height and 1 to 2 feet in width. When grown outdoors, it can reach up to 20 feet tall, with a flaring base. The plant is adaptable to both indoor and outdoor conditions and can thrive in most types of soil and water environments.
Jade Plant – Crassula ovata is the botanical name for the jade plant, derived from the Latin word ‘Crassus,’ which means thick or swollen, referring to its fleshy leaves and stems. The plant has beautiful, glossy green leaves, dark jade in color, which is how it got its name. Some jade plants even feature red margins, further enhancing their appearance. They produce lovely white or pale pink flowers. The plant grows moderately, typically reaching 1 to 2 feet in height and width. Because the plant’s top can become quite heavy as it grows, it requires heavy soil or a sturdy pot to prevent tipping over.
All cactus plants are considered succulents. The family Cactaceae is characterized by the presence of areoles. Even if a cactus lacks spines, it will still have areoles. Nearly all cacti belong to the Cactaceae family and originate from America. Unlike other succulents, only members of the Cactaceae family have areoles.
