It was my first apartment and someone gifted me a lovely potted plant. There were a few varieties planted in the base and soon, they all died, except for one.
I couldn’t identify it, but I knew it was not only unique, but hardy. While all the other plants had tall stems and leaves, this snuggled the ground, perfect for a brown thumb girl like me.
I came to find out it was a succulent, hen and chick to be exact, and it lasted for years. It didn’t need much water, which was right up my alley since I forgot to water it most weeks. It just needed a little TLC every once in awhile.
Many things have changed since that first apartment of mine, but growing and maintaining gorgeous indoor plants is one thing that’s stayed the same. I’m challenged.
That why my love of succulents touches many aspects of our home. For the most part, once you understand them, they’re easy. Now some varieties are a bit fragile, but most super hardy. Definitely seek those out.
I planned on naming this post: “The Plant You Can Never Kill” and then one of mine died. I overwatered it, which is the biggest no no in the world of succulents. They must have excellent drainage and you only water them when the soil is completely dry. I love using little tea cups and votives to display them. It just makes me happy, but you need to make sure the bottom either has a small hole for drainage or in this case, the soil must be elevated, so put pebbles or rocks down first before the root ball.
There are hundreds of varieties. Don’t you just love God’s creativity?
(Well, and a little Ikea creativity too, since that plant in the middle is a $5 fake and I love it to pieces.)
While the weeks I displayed this succulent underneath my cloche were delightful, the plant didn’t really think so. I was fairly certain it would not work due to the excessive moisture that would built up, but I used a plate to elevate it enough so that enough air would come it.
It didn’t.
Great for a few days of company, but not a realistic long term plan. 🙂
My island ends up being a catch all for all the little pretties that I want to see daily. Yes, it might get a little full, but I love the word reminders.
I can’t tell you what a few dollars worth of succulents in the kitchen, plus shopping our home for the containers and using some of my favorite Daily Grace sugar bowl (since I know you’ll ask), can do to brighten up our home and make it such a happy space.
So Brown Thumbs Unite!! There’s hope for us all and it comes in the form of succulent love.
Have any of you used Succulents throughout your home? What have you done?
P.S. For those that asked, the Live a Grateful Life Bowl and Grace for today items are from Dayspring’s Daily Grace line. Use coupon code SAVE20GIFTS for 20% off anything.
So simple, yet so elegant looking.
Thanks Elaine – I just love when things are so easy, yet make such a difference.
I love this post! I feel like in most ways I am successful and creative, yet I too have a VERY brown thumb! So glad to hear I am not alone! I have been wanting some natural green in my house though, so I will definitely give succulents a try. Your arrangements are so pretty!
Oh yes, you are NOT alone. Definitely give them a try. I’ve really been enjoying them (well, except the one that died. ;))
@Jen, ha! Nothing is foolproof for me!
Love the sugar bowl! Super cute.
People often give me plants at work… I always joke that it really isn’t a gift… it is merely a stress to see how long it takes me to kill it. lol
I love that you found some cute plants that you can keep alive 🙂
I do believe I’ve got to go look for some of these sweet little plants. I have a bunch of pretty little glass bowls and odds and ends stemware that would make great little pots. These would make nice little gifts as well. Thanks for the idea!
I read this a few days ago and it inspired me to go by some succulents. They are so cute! I’m placing them around my house and gave some away to my daughter. I especially liked them in stemware – you know, imitation IS the sincerest form of flattery!
Oh Val – I am so glad you are enjoying them!! Aren’t they so fun? 🙂