These beautiful houseplants are tough and survive even if you forget to water them for a while.
Indoor succulents are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason.
There arehundreds of unique varietiesto choose from, and just about anyone can grow thembeginners included.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Their special water-storing tissue allows them to survive in environments that are too dry for most other plants.
Even if you forget to water them for a while, succulents will hang in there.
These tough houseplants thrive in dry air and warm temperatures, which most homes already have.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Native to Mexico, burro’s tail prefers bright, indirect light for best performance.
Let the soil dry out between waterings, especially in winter when its growth slows down.
Christmas Cactus
Unlike other cacti, theChristmas cactus(Schlumbergeraxbuckleyi) doesn’t have sharp spines.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Keep this cactus in bright, indirect light near a window andfertilize it at the correct time.
It should reward you by blooming in winter with showy pink blooms.
It is closely related to the Christmas cactus and the care instructions are similar for both.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
It has tiny, star-shaped flowers.
EcheveriaandSempervivumhave similar needs when grown as houseplants.
They’ll do best in bright light near a window.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
When grown as a houseplant, jade plants usually don’t exceed one foot in height.
The key to keeping a jade plant happy is to let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Some gardeners only water jade plants when the leaves start to pucker or lose their shine.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Aloe Vera
Aloe veragrows as a cluster of long, slender leaves on a short stem.
The plant is well-known for its healing sap used for centuries to treat wounds and sunburn.
Aloe vera is a forgiving, easy-to-growhouseplant that’s tough to kill.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Avoid moving it abruptly into a hot, sunny window where itsleaves can get burned.
They very slowly grow about 2 feet tall as a houseplant.
Give the panda plant bright, indirect light by a window and let the soil dry between waterings.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
When you water the plant, make surenot to get any water on the leavesor they may rot.
While snake plantstolerate low light, they do best in medium to bright, indirect light.
They also benefit from a little water whenever the soil feels dry.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Its upright, branched stems are lined with short but sharp thorns.
The tips of the green stems also have small leaves with a reddish tinge.
Plenty of bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil is the key to keeping this plant healthy.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Frequently Asked Questions
Succulents are best watered with a “soak and dry” method.
Let the soil dry out completely, then soak it to saturation.
The most important consideration when potting succulents is drainage.
When choosing a pot, be sure to pick one with ample drainage at the base.
Terra-cotta or clay is often preferred because it wicks away excess moisture from the soil.
