Succulents are a wildly popular plant family for indoor placement- and for good reason! Known for their juicy foliage structures, succulents have fleshy leaves, stems and roots that were designed to store water in the plant itself. In other words, succulents are about as self-sufficient as a plant can be in terms of water: they practically water themselves! Many succulent plants are also potent air purifiers, so these beauties do a lot of work while requiring very little care. Given their popularity, it’s possible that you’ve heard all of this about succulents before. But get ready for a little-known fact: there are a huge variety of succulents that you likely have not heard of. And when you’re ready to buy a succulent, you don’t have to settle for the same run-of-the-mill variety you see at big box stores. You have options, so read on. We’ve compiled a list of everything you need to know before you pick the perfect succulent for your space!

Which Succulent Variety Is Right For Me?

So you’re kicking off your succulent journey and ready to shop! We’re as ready as you are to let the fun begin. But before you buy, think about the aesthetic that you’re looking for from your succulent. Seeking a glossy succulent with tons of foliage? A Zanzibar Gem is the perfect fit. If you love the wild, jungle style of aloe varieties, a Snake Plant is ideal. Many of us are used to seeing petite succulents around that could fit in a teacup- and they’re charming! But they are the tip of the iceberg. You don’t have to sacrifice size when you choose a succulent. Plenty of succulent varieties can achieve great heights, like the Zanzibar Gem, Snake Plant, Ponytail Palm and Euphorbia Ammak.

Forever flowers: the Snowdrop Calandiva, a type of succulent, flowers year-round.

Flowering Succulents Exist- And They Are Gorgeous!

Succulents are already such a cheerful plant family that you could argue that they don’t need blooms. But who doesn’t love flowers (especially ones that can bloom year-round!)? Calandivas, also known as Kalanchoes, like the Snowdrop Calandiva and Sunshine Calandiva, are beautifully full, juicy succulents that blossom year-round. All they need is bright, indirect sun.

It’s Science! Air-Purifying Succulents

Just when we thought that NASA couldn’t get any cooler, we learned about their gold-standard Air Purifying Plants study. And you’ll be happy to hear that succulents come in on top, with varieties like the Snake Plant ranking especially high for their ability to eliminate toxins and convert carbon dioxide to oxygen. The Ponytail Palm is another great air purifier. Toxic gasses don’t stand a chance against the playful Ponytail Palm: it simply captures them in its canopy of blades, and converts them into fresh oxygen.

The Ponytail Palm is a stunning agave variety and a potent air purifier.

A Succulent For The Cactus Lover

We love cacti as much as the next team of avid horticulturalists, but we also know that you might be in the market for a cactus aesthetic without the ouch-factor. For your consideration: the Euphorbia Ammak! An air-purifying succulent with a classic, slender cactus structure, the Euphorbia Ammak is a gorgeous statement plant that can grow up to ten feet tall indoors. It still has the classic prickles that speak to iconic cactus beauty, but only a light amount, so you don’t need to worry about accidental injuries. As they say, moderation in all things: even cactus spikes!

The Euphorbia Ammak and Snake Plant Sansevieria are an air-purifying match made in heaven!

A Note On Toxicity In Succulents

Good news for succulent lovers that cohabitate with furry friends and curious kids: there are non-toxic succulent varieties! That being said, you’ll find that succulent varieties have some degree of toxicity more often than not. And many popular indoor plants across the board have some toxic compounds- it’s an evolutionary trait, adapted by the plant to deter wild animals from snacking on them. Ponytail Palms are non-toxic (just another reason to love them!) but Calandivas, Sansevierias and Zanzibar Gems can cause illness when ingested. Luckily, most creatures are disinclined to munch a succulent no matter how delicious they look, but you can always read up on the toxicity designation of any plant species when you’re ready to buy a succulent. If toxicity is an absolute no-go, don’t panic: you still have options!

Watering Succulents Is Simple

Succulents are such great communicators: they will show you when they need water. Because succulents store their water throughout their structure, they will appear plump, firm and yes, “juicy” when they have sufficient water in their system. Thirty succulents will let you know by exhibiting foliage that looks soft or limp, wrinkled, or puckered. In general, succulents can survive for one to three months with no new water at all- but the other side of this coin is that overwatering can cause health issues fast. So err on the side of underwatering, stick your finger into your succulent’s soil every ten days, and water only when the top few inches of soil are dry. If your succulent wants more water, it will tell you.

Zanzibar Gems and Snake Plants are among the most easy-care succulents around!

And Overwatered Succulents Can Be Healed

Of course, you’ll never overwater your succulent (just kidding, we’ve all done it) but if you do, it’s not the end of the world. There’s an easy set of steps to rehabilitate overwatered succulents, and we have found that this method works like a dream.

First things first: get the succulent away from the “wet.” That means removing it from its pot, dumping out any standing water that may have accumulated, and knocking any soaking-wet soil off of the succulent’s root system and overall form.

Secondly, trim off any parts of the succulent that appear seriously waterlogged, mushy, or discolored. It can feel dire to perform minor surgery on your succulent, but the plant actually loves it. Trimming off unhealthy parts of the plant sends it a big signal to push out healthy new growth.

Once you have trimmed the succulent of any areas that have lost viability due to overwatering, let the plant dry out. You don’t need to place the plant back in its pot for now- just place it in a spot that receives lots of bright light, but isn’t in the direct patch of scorching rays. The goal is to dry the succulent out, not sunburn it. After a couple days of generous light, you should see the succulent’s soil dry out entirely.

At this point, you should have a nice, dry succulent on your hands. You can return it to its pot, and after a few days of acclimation, resume a watering routine. This time, with a lighter touch!

How Much Light Do Succulents Need?

Almost all succulents need ample, bright light to thrive. Placing your succulent close to a sunny window is a good bet for keeping the plant happy, especially if it is a Euphorbia Ammak, Calandiva or Ponytail Palm. Sansevierias like the Snake Plant and Zanzibar Gems are more flexible and can tolerate medium light, but in general, you can look to the native habitat of succulents as your guide. The majority of succulents are native to areas on or around the equator, and you know what that means: sun!

How To Select A Thriving, Gorgeous Succulent

We know what an underwatered succulent looks like (wrinkly, puckered, with soft or limp leaves) and we know what an overwatered one looks like, too: overwatered succulents will appear mushy, discolored or brown. So as you shop for a new succulent, look for these signs of good health: plump, firm leaves that appear “juicy”, a strong plant structure that has little stem or branch breakage, and soil that is not soaking wet. Ensuring that your succulent has been watered correctly before you buy it will go a long way toward ensuring that you have a healthy new plant on your hands.

Avoid Purchasing Your Succulent From A Garden Center

We love a great deal, but when it comes to living plants, you’re better off directing your bargain-shopping prowess toward other purchases. With all the consideration that you’ve putting into buying a gorgeous new plant, there’s no need to sell yourself short by buying one whose quality is sub-par, and you can avoid this by avoiding your new succulent from a garden center or home improvement store. The prices at these locations are often low for a reason: specifically, the fact that the plants are not premium quality or purchased from trusted, reputable growers. Premium growers know their plants, and they tailor their care to that plant species’ requirements. All plants don’t need the same light or water (though we admit that would be convenient!) and if you purchase a succulent from a garden center, there is a good chance that it has received just as much water as the plant next to it- which may need wildly more water than succulents do. Additionally, premium growers treat and prevent pests on plants prophylactically, ensuring that the plant you bring home will not bring bugs along with it.

Another aspect to consider when you’re ready to buy your new succulent is transportation. The wonderful things about succulents: those juicy, abundant leaves, their delicate blooms, and more are all prime reasons to make sure that your new plant is transported to your home with special care. Transporting a new plant in your vehicle- especially one with delicate leaves- can result in structural damage to the plant if it is tipped over or jostled. Additional consideration should be given to the fact that succulents are susceptible to becoming stressed by forced air from a car’s A.C. or vents. Transit can be stressful, and can result in health issues that take time to recover from.

Plan on buying your new succulent from a premium supplier that offers doorstep delivery, or ships utilizing packaging that is specifically engineered for the transport of plants. When you buy from a trusted supplier who knows their stuff and takes plant health seriously, you are able to reap the benefit of their expertise, and bypass any negative effects that might result from improper care or transportation.

Even The Healthiest Succulent Can Experience Stress From Time To Time

With appropriate water and light, your new succulent will have no problem thriving and maintaining beautiful health. But any living plants can experience stress, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, issues can arise. (Accidental overwatering, anyone?) At times like these, having the support of a responsive team of knowledgeable horticulturalists makes a world of difference.

Plants that are purchased from Léon & George are more than just healthy from the start: they are primed to thrive throughout their life, and they come with lifetime access to our Plant Doctor service. Our Plant Doctor team is comprised of horticulturalists with decades of experience growing and caring for plants. They’re here to assess your plant’s health and growth, provide tips and treatment plans, and to offer supportive guidance as you green up your space and make your life just a little more succulent! No fees are required- the Plant Doctor service is just one way we work to ensure that every plant we sell is kept healthy and gorgeous for years to come.

Shop Blossoming Sunshine Calandivas from Léon & George

Discover the charm of the Sunshine Calandiva, a blossoming succulent variety that provides beautiful flowers year-round. Perfect for tabletop placement, the Sunshine Calandiva is ideal for for spaces that receive bright, indirect light.

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Preparing to bring a new Cactus into your life can be a bit confusing. We all have a friend that has a thriving cactus at home, and perhaps one that has seen their Cactus fail. Cacti differ from other plant varieties in many ways, and there are important steps for both selecting and caring for your cactus that will help enormously as you explore Cacti life! The good news? It’s simple to set yourself up for success. Read on to learn everything you need to know about selecting, buying and caring for a new Cactus. 

Your Cactus Will Need Bright, Direct Light

This probably sounds a bit obvious, but Cacti require bright, direct sunlight in order to thrive- and lots of it. Because these sun-loving plants are native to extremely bright, dry deserts, they cannot tolerate insufficient light or overwatering. It is common for plant owners to overestimate the amount of light that their space receives, but it is of paramount importance that you assess your lighting environment correctly before buying your new Cactus. Indirect sunlight, or rooms that receive only a few hours of sunlight a day, will not be sufficient for keeping your Cactus healthy. If in doubt, remember their natural environment : they grow in areas that are extremely sunny, experience very little rainfall, and are in rocky soil that is almost bone-dry. That level of bright light and very light moisture is what you are aiming to replicate in your Cactus’ chosen home. 

How To Place A Cactus In Your Space

It’s time to identify the sunniest spot in your home! In general, you will want to put an indoor Cactus as close to a window that receives ample, direct sunshine as possible. South facing windows are best, but west facing windows can also do the trick. Reference our easy and informative Light Guide to determine the light that your space receives.

Your Cactus Was Made To Create An Interior Design Impact!

If you’re buying a Cactus for your home, you are likely opting for this gorgeous plant variety because you are looking to make a stunning, organic statement. Place your Cactus in a spot where it can soak up tons of sun- and tons of attention. You would be selling these eye-catching plants short by tucking them into a corner! Be sure to consider safety as well- many Cacti have needles or thorns, and your Cactus should be placed in a location where children and pets will be safe from any pokes, and your Cactus will be safe from any risk of structural damage that might occur from it being jostled or disrupted.

Consider the Euphorbia Ammak

Although varieties like the Easter and Saguaro Cacti are common ornamental varieties, they can have requirements that make them a bit tricky for indoor placement. For instance, the Easter Cactus prefers cool temperatures that can be difficult to sustain. A Euphorbia Ammak, or Desert Cactus, is ideal for sunny indoor spaces. They thrive in indoor environments, have a beautifully tall, tree-like structure, and are exceptionally easy to propagate. At Léon & George, we offer the Euphorbia Ammak because they get our vote of confidence: their health is easy to maintain, they are non-toxic and safe for children and pets, they rarely experience pests and have gorgeous height and sculptural qualities.

It’s Important To Avoid Overwatering Your Cactus

Overwatering a Cactus can be an easy mistake to make, but a difficult one to recover from. Cacti generally require far less water than plant lovers assume, and large Cacti prefer to receive about one to two cups of water a time, every few weeks in the spring or summer, and even less frequently in fall and winter: typically every month.

But Don’t Worry- It’s Easy To Avoid Overwatering!

Your standard for Cactus watering should be to water it only when the soil is dry. Because Cacti store water within their plant structure, they do not need to be watered as soon as the soil of your Cactus dries out- the plant still has water within it to cycle through. But probing the soil with your finger, by sticking it two inches down and monitoring the moisture in that layer, is a simple way to determine whether it’s time to water or not. Don’t worry if your Cactus’ soil is dry for a few days or a week before you get around to watering: it still has water in reserve. Do be sure to avoid watering if this soil is already moist.

Healthy Cacti Can Grow Fast

Now here’s great news: a healthy Cactus can grow at a quick rate. This is something to consider when you are ready to buy your new Cactus, because you will want to select a plant of a size and structure you already find pleasing, but to also account for the fact that it will grow with appropriate light and care. Consider your ceiling height, as well as the fact that Cacti are heavy! Choose a size of Cactus that you will be comfortable with, so that you will not need to go through the process of moving it within your home. Trust us, you will be glad you did.

How To Select A Thriving, Gorgeous Cactus

There are few things to look for as you choose a new Cactus to buy and take home. Look for a Cactus that is in dry to nearly dry soil. If the soil of a Cactus is soaked, you likely don’t want it, because if it has been overwatered before you bring it home, this can result in health problems down the line. Additionally, choose a Cactus with a stature that you like. Leaning Cacti can have a beautiful, natural asymmetry. But if you prefer the linear look, opt for a Cactus that grows straight up and down. Correcting a leaning Cactus by rotating it toward its main ligh source at intervals is doable, but it takes time. If the Cactus that you are considering has spikes or thorns, examine them for healthy coloration. Additionally, ensure that the Cactus’ overall structure is firm, well-colored and does not have large areas of dry or soggy texture or browning.

Avoid Purchasing Your Cactus From A Garden Center

Cacti can be expensive, but as with so many things, you will get what you pay for. Obtaining a new Cactus at the lowest possible price can be appealing, but when it comes to living, growing plants, it is not always the best choice. Garden centers may have great price tags, but they often treat all plants the same, which means that your new Cactus may receive as much water as whichever plant happens to be standing next to it. This is not a recipe for exceptional plant health, and can result in health issues that could easily be avoided.  

Another aspect to consider is pests. When many plants are housed together, bugs have a chance to leap. And leap they do, from plant to plant, often leaving havoc in their wake! Buying your Cactus from a trusted, premium supplier will ensure that it has not been exposed to pests, and has been treated prophylactically as well. There is nothing more frustrating than buying a new plant, bringing it home, and noticing that insects hitched a ride on it. This creates an environment in which the pests can travel to all of your plants, necessitating a lot of unnecessary treatment and laborious troubleshooting. 

Cacti are delicate, and so are you! You can probably imagine that buying a large, statement Cactus from a retail location and then getting it home is a recipe for trouble. Heavy, spiky Cacti do not belong in our cars. Having your Cactus delivered by hand is the best option for your new plant and for you.

A Note On Toxicity In Cactus Varieties

You’ll be relieved to know that many, but not all, Cactus varieties are non-toxic. Simply put, many Cacti have evolved to deter predators in other ways, as their thorns will attest! However, a handful of very popular Cacti varieties are toxic, and should be avoided if you have curious pets or children in your home: including the Saguaro Cactus, Cholla Cactus, and Barrel Cactus. These plants can be toxic when ingested, and some produce toxic sap. The non-toxic nature of the Euphorbia Ammak is another reason we think it is the gold standard for indoor ornamental Cacti.

Even The Healthiest Cactus Can Experience Stress

Plants are not so different from us after all! Even a healthy Cactus can experience stress. Add to that the fact that user error does occur from time to time despite our best efforts (hello, overwatering), and you can see why buying your Cactus from a supportive supplier is key. Cacti purchased from Léon & George come with lifelong access to our Plant Doctor service: our team of professional horticulture experts, on hand to support you in your journey, assess your plant’s health, and provide tips and adjustments where necessary. And nope, there’s no hitch here: no fees are required. Our Plant Doctor service is just one way that we support plant parents and ensure that every Léon & George plant is set up for success.

We’ve compiled a helpful list of common issues that Cactus plant varieties can face, and have a detailed care guide available. Cacti paradise is right around the corner! Just click here to learn more about your new Desert Cactus and how to keep it in tip-top shape for years to come.

Desert Cactus

Make a statement with the ultimate extra-large floor plant: the Desert Cactus. Angular and resilient, the Desert Cactus has gorgeous green and yellow variegation and trademark thorns. Low-maintenance and attractive, the Desert Cactus requires ample bright, direct light to thrive.

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