Top 10 Best Indoor Succulent Plants in the Philippines 2020 ( Haworthias, Lithops, Echeverias, and More)

We often see succulents used as home decors or interior accents, but that is not the only value they add to your home. Most people are impervious as to what these beautiful plants can provide for any living space. Today, let's cover some of the amazing benefits to reap from keeping them inside your homes.

Plants naturally emit oxygen in the air and absorb our respiratory waste, which is carbon dioxide. This process supplies our home with abundant fresh, breathable air. Oftentimes, when removing toxins in the air, we rely on air purifiers, but indoor succulents could easily eliminate these pollutants as they also absorb benzene and ammonia.

Succulents also humidify the air, improving the air quality by releasing water vapor during photosynthesis to provide extra moisture. Dry indoor air is unpleasant to some people, which causes throat irritations and dry skin.

Throughout history, succulents such as Aloe Vera or Agave have been used to treat medical problems. Cuts, burns, or stomachaches are no match to the healing powers of these succulents. The aloe vera juice has been known to reduce digestive tract inflammation so many people with stomach problems like drinking this.

The Yucca plant is now used for the treatment of arthritis, where its saponins, together with other antioxidants, help reduce inflammation and ease joint pains.

The feeling of calmness and being closer to nature is what a desk plant brings to your mind. It may be the color or texture makes us feel relaxed and changes our mood. Your productivity is dictated by your own volition, but with a small addition to your work station, the possibilities are boundless.

Tons of research has already been conducted on the effects of having a plant while at work, and it yielded positive outcomes. In a test, a group of people was given a reading task on a blank wooden desk, while the other group was given the same task, but with plants around the desk. 

Surprisingly, the group surrounded by plants performed better than the other group. This study has since been repeated many times, and yet, it still has the same results.

After a long day at work and coming home with a lot in your mind, tending to these gorgeous beauties will surely take away your stress. It relieves your subconscious from all those mental tasks throughout the day and allows you to refocus. 

Succulents are easy-peasy to handle and they could live anywhere as long as you don’t neglect it. This reduces your stress even more since you won't get frustrated by killing a plant. Succulents don't require high maintenance, and the shallow root system can allow you to repot, redecorate, or reorganize them to bring out the artistic side in you.

To guide you on some vital points, a list of usable guides is provided below. Transform your home into an energy-boosting space in no time.

You can opt to have a Snake plant or a Lithop for your living space but there are other popular succulent types that you might not know about. Around 60 plant families fall under the succulent category, but the list below are popular types are commonly found in homes or at a plant store.

One of the most recognizable types of succulent is the cactus plant. Because of its native desert habitat, it could withstand extreme cold or heat with little water. Many cacti can bloom colorful flowers that could beautify any living space. The most common are Bunny Ears, Christmas cactus, or Moon cactus. 

The Aloe plant loves sunshine and is happy to be potted. Your kitchen will benefit from this plant as it absorbs toxins and emits huge loads of oxygen to improve air quality. In cases of minor burns because of cooking accidents, you can easily pluck out a leaf and directly apply the gel inside to the burnt part.

Frequently confused with Aloes, a Haworthia belongs to the same family but are smaller and very slow-growing. The famous Zebra plant is one of its types that has been recently circulating on the internet among plant parents. It requires bright light but not direct sunlight, so it's the perfect center table piece for the living room.

These succulents come in many shapes and sizes. It could thrive with a lot of sun and little moisture which could be grown indoors or outdoors. The Burro's Tail is one of the famous types that are usually hung to showcase its dangling stems.

These plants hate the cold temperature, so it will enjoy a window sill that receives early morning sunlight and afternoon shade. The classic rosette shape of the leaves identifies this succulent type. They are hardy and could come in a variety of colors depending on maturity, temperature, exposure to sunlight, and other factors.

Choosing the right succulent size will greatly depend on the space that you are willing to give up inside your home or office. Larger plants are hardier and don't require as much water as smaller species. The smaller the succulent, the more care it needs. The price will also come into play as the size of the plant dictates a different price range.

If you opt to purchase a succulent at its adult stage, it's your choice. But growing a succulent from scratch means you will either use cuttings or plugs. 

Cuttings are plant parts that don't have roots and much cheaper than rooted ones. It might need more attention since more work needs to be done. Whereas, plugs start growing much quicker than cuttings and are costly. 

Most succulents are non-toxic to humans. In fact, an aloe or prickly pear is used as ingredients in many dishes or medicinal concoctions. The spines on a cactus that could puncture the skin or the eye which poses danger to small children or playful pets around the house. Other than that, there is little risk.

Echeverias, Haworthias, Sedums, and Sempervivums aren't toxic, whether to humans or pets. However, there are some varieties that might be harmful to your young ones or fur babies. Aloe veras, Jade plants, Euphorbias, or Kalanchoes could cause digestive problems when ingested, rash on the skin, and sickness to pets.

If you still want to enjoy the beauty of these mildly toxic succulents, just remember to keep it away from your little ones and pets.

The uprooting, packaging, and transport process poses a health threat to any type of plant. It induces stress while it is out of its natural condition and the movement might cause breakage to any of its parts. The lesser time it is out of the soil, the better chance of it surviving.

Although succulents are generally hardy since they can go long periods without water, there are some factors to consider during transport. The proper temperature and airflow should be observed during transport. 

Some imported succulents come in bare root or containers. A bare root is preferred for long journey shipping. It prevents rotting because it doesn't have a water content in the soil. Succulent in containers is only beneficial when shipping on short distances, which is favorable.

The wait is over! In this section, we’ve rounded up the top plant options where you can choose from. Scroll down to read more.

Want some must-know tips for succulent beginners? Here are the “6 Must-Know Tips for Succulent Beginners” by Succulent Box.

1. Choose the right succulent. As a newbie on succulents, choosing the right plant can be tricky. Research on the types of succulents before purchase.
2. Watering. Only water when the soil is completely dried up, and only water the soil, not the leaves.
3. Choose a breathable pot with a drainage hole. Terra cotta pots keep the soil cool and drain quite fast.
4. Using soil mix for succulents and cactus. Never use a normal soil mix since it retains water that can rot the roots easily.
5. Light and temperature. 4-6 hours of morning sunlight is ideal. Move the plant when it gets too sunny or hot.
6. Groom your plants. Remove dead leaves to prevent insects and pests from getting attracted to the plant.

Don’t limit yourself to succulents. There’s a myriad of indoor plants to make your living space more inspiring and habitable. Check out the following articles via the link below to find your new plant baby soon.

Caring for succulents may a fad now, but for serious individuals trying to make it a hobby, our buying guide will be essential. 

One could opt for a beginner-friendly succulent or a colorful exotic type, yet careful research and due diligence on its needs is necessary. Equally, the sense of fulfillment and enjoyment that you reach when caring for your plants is valuable.

Author: Chafi Lacson

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