Not all of us have a natural green thumb, and that's OK. Succulents, for many of us, are the answer: low-maintenance and visually pleasing, these small houseplants provide greenery without extensive care requirements, and Martha Stewart concurs that they are winners.
'If you like growing plants, but don’t really have the time to care for them properly, I encourage you to consider growing succulents,' Martha says. Caring for succulents is easy. In fact, you could go as far as saying they thrive on neglect –making them the perfect option for those who spend long periods away from home.
'Succulents are so easy to maintain and are able to survive prolonged drought because they store moisture in their fleshy stems, roots, and leaves,' Martha explains on her blog.
The original influencer explains that she recently sourced some new ones and has walked us through the repotting process.
Shop Succulent Accessories
Concrete
This bowl planter is timeless. With a shallow depth (measuring 6.3x19x19 inches) it's an ideal vessel for shallow-rooted succulents. It has drainage holes for excess water to drain away.
Essential
This fertilizer is a special nutrient-rich blend to support succulent growth. It makes 32 gallons of succulent feed, mixed with water. Apply during spring and summer.
12-piece set
This set of indoor garden tools is perfect for succulent care. It includes everything to repot them, aerate soil, and clean foliage. The 12 tools come in a canvas bag.
Comes with Saucer
Succulents have shallow roots, so this planter is the perfect size and shape. It has a drainage hole and saucer to remove excess water.
Assorted Pack
This pack of 8 mini succulents is great value for kickstarting your succulent collection. It includes string of pearls, echeveria, and more.
Funky
This unique glass watering can has a wiggly handle and purple hue. In between use, it brings a pop of color to shelves or coffee tables.
First, you need a good soil mix. 'The right soil mix will help to promote faster root growth and provide quick anchorage to young roots,' Martha explains. 'I use Miracle-Gro potting mix [available at Walmart] specifically formulated for succulents. This mix contains sand and perlite to help prevent soil compaction and improve drainage.'
She says that choosing a pot with a drainage hole (like this one from Amazon) is key to the succulent's health. 'A clay shard is placed over the hole to help with drainage,' she says. 'I also like to use clay pots because they allow proper aeration and moisture to penetrate through the sides and to the plant.'
Placement of the potted plants is also critical for their growth. 'My porch is a lovely space for displaying potted plants,' Martha states.
'The floor-to-ceiling windows allow lots of light. Most succulents need at least half a day to a full day of sunlight. They’ll do beautifully in this space and will be a joy to watch grow and thrive.'
Once you've repotted, you won't have to do it again for another two years: low maintenance, indeed.
In short, these plants are the perfect bridge between beauty and simplicity. With the right soil for succulents, a well-chosen pot, and a sunny spot, these resilient plants can thrive with minimal attention – proving that even the busiest or least green-fingered among us can enjoy the satisfaction of a thriving indoor garden.
Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, succulents offer a touch of nature and a sense of calm, all without the stress of high-maintenance care. We're not going to argue with Martha.
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