Succulent indoor plants have recently become a fad because of the mandatory lockdown due to the pandemic caused by the Coronavirus. For most people with so much time in their hands, it is unusually satisfying to channel their energies to care for these types of plants. Undeniably, these pretty succulents add more life to a dull interior and improve the air quality inside our homes.
If you're planning on becoming a plant parent, succulents may be one of the best plants to start on. Finding a suitable type for your home can sometimes be a hit or miss, but we're here to help you. Read on below to know some of its benefits with a basic buying guide and succulent plant types to buy online.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
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.
From ₱171
The Jade plant is considered by many as a symbol of good luck. That is why many homes and businesses love having this succulent. It is native to South Africa and gained popularity because of low-level care and could survive indoors in most conditions. Also referred to as the Money tree, it can be easily propagated from clippings or even stray leaves.
This succulent doesn't need plenty of water and could be grown on porous mediums with good drainage. A red tinge might appear on its leaves when exposed to direct sunlight. If subjected to a different temperature, dryness, or nutrition, the leaves can change its colors.
From ₱699
Lithops is a type of succulent plant whose name was a combination of the Ancient Greek words "lithos," meaning stone, and "ops" for face. This plant can be found in the driest area in South Africa, wherein most of these plants have never tasted rain. In the wild, they grow at ground level, making them indiscernible from rocks and sand.
These plants should be put in a well-lit location because of the intense sunlight in the wild. They are also known for dying because of different climates and situations; it's either by overwatering or inadequate light.
From ₱510
Peach Eggs or Lavender Pebbles, call it whichever you want. This succulent is a rare species that looks like a moon rock than a plant. Its plump leaves display different lavender, pink, and green shades with a powdery coating that adds a matte look.
Related to the Jade plant, this succulent is a sight to behold especially when grown on a hanging planter or trailing along the ground, mimicking a stream of colored pebbles. A fast-draining soil mix is preferred to grow and adequate water to keep the leaves plump and full of color.
Be careful not to knock the plant as its leaves or stems will break easily, especially when already sagging from the pot.
From ₱280
Characterized by its dark green leaves with white horizontal stripes, the Zebra plant is an eye-catching succulent for your living space. Most amateur gardeners won't go wrong in growing it because of its versatility and resiliency. It is a slow-growing plant that rarely blooms, especially when kept indoors.
At least four hours of bright indirect sunlight is needed to maintain its color. Just be careful not to expose to direct sunshine for long hours, for the leaves will turn in an unsightly red or purple. Watering it once a week is enough, but still, overwatering will often cause the roots to rot.
From ₱120
The Echeveria imbricata is a small evergreen succulent with tight rosettes in an overlapping circle. Accented by its blue-green saucer-shaped leaves, this is one of the oldest hybrids which resulted from a cross between two types of Echeverias. It is also considered the hardiest of the same species and could grow on sandy soils in direct sun or partial shade.
The Imbricata easily complements floral arrangements on rock gardens or containers. Propagation is easy-peasy through a leaf or stem cuttings, and once established, it only needs water occasionally. The plant is disease-free and has no known pests, but you might watch out for some aphids or bugs.
From ₱542
A slow-growing cactus originated from Mexico, the Bishop's Cap has a star shape -- thus the scientific name Astroyphytum, the Greek word for star plant. It commonly has five vertical ribs that define the shape of a star when young, and the ribs could increase up to seven as it matures. When aged, the diameter of the plant expands up to eight inches.
The surface of the plant can sometimes be covered with hairy scales or just plain naked. You must be patient with this plant as it will only bloom its beautiful flower in its sixth year. Growing this plant is only through seeds after the fruit has already matured.
From ₱199
The Ghost plant is a small evergreen succulent that has a pinkish-yellow color in hot conditions to blue-gray in partially shaded locations. It is closely related to the Jade plant and has thick, fleshy leaves that grow spirally around the stem. The delicate leaves can be detached easily, so it is nicknamed "porcelain succulent."
Like most hardy succulents, it doesn't need regular watering. Just make sure that the sandy soil drains off water efficiently and is completely dry after watering to avoid root rotting. If you're planning on putting up a mini succulent garden inside your home, this will be a great inclusion to that list.
From ₱259
Maybe one of the most famous succulents around the world, the Aloe Vera plant is an evergreen perennial that could be grown under multiple conditions. It is commonly found on many consumer products such as beverages, skin lotions, cosmetics, ointments, or gels, a widely grown as an ornamental plant.
Aside from being an "oxygen bomb" as it gets exposed to sunlight during the day, it absorbs carbon dioxide at night. Just give it some four to six hours of morning sunlight with just enough water to dampen the soil. It also helps clear the air of carcinogens such as benzene and formaldehyde.
From ₱130
Many varieties of Kalanchoe grow in the wilds of Africa, but the Kalanchoe tomentosa is endemic to the island of Madagascar. In the wild, it has a woody base that could reach up to several feet. However, when planted indoors, the plant is limited to the size of the container. It has a green hairy leaf with brownish-red markings around the edges.
It's a good practice to provide a balance between direct and indirect sunlight to keep the color and velvety texture. Many places mature Panda plants on a hanging basket as it looks great with the stems dangling around the main trunk. It is also a good idea to keep it hanging as it is toxic to cats and dogs.
From ₱200
The Prickly Pear is a bushy cactus plant that has a woody trunk, which is often cultivated in many warm areas for its edible fruits and leaves. It loves the arid, dry condition, and rocky substrate. It can also propagate in sandy but very well-drained soil. A very hardy, slow-growing plant that has numerous prickly hairs that could get stuck to the skin.
From leaf pads, one can easily grow it by leaving it in a sunny place for a couple of days to ensure that the base is completely dry. Primarily grown as a fruit crop, it is as economically important as the maize or blue agave in Mexico.
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
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Beauty
Body care, Makeup, SkincareCameras
Camera supplies, Digital cameras, Drones and multirotorsHealth
Beauty supplements, Medical supplies, Feminine careHousehold goods
Air treatment, Bath and shower supplies, BlanketsPCs and laptops
Computer accessories, Computer components, Desktop pcsHome appliances and electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, Air treatment, Blenders, mixers, and food processorsFood and drinks
Alcoholic beverages, Baked goods and desserts, BakingKitchen supplies
Baking tools, Coffee and tea accessories, Food containersClothing
Brands and shops, Men's coats and jackets, Men's innerwearShoes
Men's shoes, Other shoes and footwear, Outdoor footwearAccessories
Bags, Accessories and jewelry, BeltsMom and baby
Baby books and toys, Baby food and snacks, Baby suppliesInterior and furniture
Beds, Carpets and rugs and mats, ChairsHobbies
Animes, Arts and crafts, Board gamesOutdoor
Camping beds and cots, Camping stoves, CoolersDIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Accessories, Badminton, BasketballPets
Cat supplies, Dog supplies, Fish and aquarium suppliesBooks, CDs, and DVDs
Books and magazines, CDs, Linguistics, dictionaries, and phrase booksGames
Console accessories, PC and console gamesCars and motorcycles
Car accessories, Car seats, Car suppliesGifts
Christmas-related gifts, Gifts for kids, Gifts for menHome improvement and tools
Door hardware and locks, Electrical, Gas stovesSmartphones and tablets
Smartphone accessories, Smartphones, StorageBanking and finance
Credit cards, Debit cards, Services and appsInsurance
Car insurance, Life insurance, Medical insuranceAudio
Earphones, Gaming, HeadphonesSmartphone applications
Business apps, Dating apps, Education appsOthers
Others, Merch, Recreation