Succulents are amazing plants that can help bring in the much-desired ambiance to a home. However, this can only be possible by not only choosing the right succulents but also understanding the best position for your succulent at home.
The best position for your succulent in the house will be dependent on a number of factors. These may include the size of the plant, amount of light needed and its growth pattern. You want to ensure that your plant serves its purpose by complementing the overall décor of your room.
So, where should your succulent sit in the house? In most cases, succulents are positioned by the window where enough sunlight can be achieved. This is especially so for succulents that need good lighting. Placing a succulent in a Southeast facing window helps it tap maximum light within the day. However, succulents can also be positioned by the entrance, balcony or anywhere within the house by providing grow lights as complementary light sources.
Positioning succulents by the window
One of the greatest characteristics of most succulents is their constant need for light. When grown indoors, the best place for these desert plants to sit would be by the window. Ensure that you place your succulent in a southeast-facing window as this is the best position for access to natural sunlight. I
n cases where a southeast-facing window is not available, find the ideal window where the succulents will get access to sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
East or south-facing windows are ideal sources of light for your succulents because they filter in just the right amount of light for the survival of your succulents. Through these, your plants will receive indirect bright sunlight all through the day.
In cases where there is little space by the window, you may consider using a table attached to the window. This will provide enough space for a couple of plants within the same window space.
Common succulents to grow by the window
Zebra cactus – This is a small, zebra-like succulent native to Africa. Considering that it takes a small space, the succulent thrives best when placed by the window. Use a small, shallow pot since its roots do not grow deep into the soil. Take care not to expose it to direct sunlight as it may easily wither and eventually die off.
Aloe Vera – This medicinal plant that has been used to treat sunburns and other conditions for centuries works best when paced by the window thanks to its love for maximum sunlight. Considering its prickly nature, however, ensure that your windows are high enough and out of reach for children and pets.
Crown of Thorns – Otherwise known as Euphorbia Milii, this little flowering succulent is native to Madagascar, and its blooms can last all year long provided it gets enough sunlight. Placing it by the window helps it tap this light source while ensuring that it gets your attention on matters of watering and fertilization.
Placing your succulents on the balcony
In most cases, you may realize that your balcony has enough space to do a bit of gardening. As such, succulents will be the best fit to thrive here. Planting your succulents by the balcony will not only help it achieve sufficient light but also improve the overall outlook of your balcony and the house as a whole.
When planting succulents by the balcony, ensure that they are out of reach from children and playful pets. These could easily destroy the plants and hinder their growth pattern and speed. The balcony offers a safe space for large succulents that may not fit by the window as this would usually be a spacious area of your house. To access light, ensure that your balcony has access to sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
Common succulent to plant by the balcony
Christmas cactus – The Christmas cactus portrays a unique growth pattern that your balcony can best accommodate. With time, it spreads out and produces attractive flowers, especially during the holidays.
Ponytail Palm – Being among the large succulent category, the ponytail palm is ideal for your balcony. Otherwise known as the Elephant foot palm, this succulent features a swollen stem base where it stores its water during dry periods. This means the plant can easily thrive even under neglect.
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana – This is one of the best flowering plants you can get for your balcony. It thrives best in warmer climates and comes in a variety of colors. For better blooming, ensure the succulent gets at least 6 hours of sunlight.
Positioning succulents by the entrance
As they say, first impressions last. If you believe succulents should make a statement about your home, then you may want to position them near the entrance of your house. Here, they become more noticeable, especially for visitors. This would work best for flowering succulents as they can be used to complement other flowering plants by the entrance.
Even so, always ensure that your house’s entrance area has enough light access. In cases where access to light is limited, you may consider moving your succulent to a good light source for a couple of hours every day.
Growing succulents in the living room
Your living room is one of the most important spaces in your home, and it deserves some love. So why not bring in a little piece of nature to the heart of your home by using succulents? Succulents will effortlessly add beauty to your living space, thanks to their unique growth patterns and tolerance to neglect.
For this space, you can grow small-sized succulents to help maximize the little space available. Being the heart of the home, your family and visitors will appreciate the sight of such plants within the room. Growing succulents in the living room also help offer them enough attention in terms of watering, fertilization and access to enough light.
Growing succulents in hanging pots
Succulents grown in hanging pots can be placed anywhere in the house as long as they get access to enough sunlight. This is especially so in cases where you have limited space within your house. However, it is important to note that growing succulents in hanging pots or baskets depends on the plant’s growth pattern.
Some of the common succulents you can grow on hanging baskets include:
String of bananas – This indoor succulent stands out with its banana-like leaves and long tendrils. Regular pruning is, however, advisable to keep prevent it from overgrowing.
String of Pearls – This is an exceptional houseplant that thrives best in hanging baskets by the entrance or in the living room. Always ensure it gets access to enough light.
Burro’s tail – This succulent native to Mexico stands out with its fat trailing stem. Its pretty gray-green or gray-blue leaves can grow to 2 feet.
For hanging baskets, you need succulents with shallow rooting systems. However, you can always repot your plants in cases where you notice they have outgrown the pot.
Growing succulents with grow lights
Grow light is an artificial source of light that helps replace the need for sunlight. With this, you can position your succulents anywhere within the house without worrying about light sources. Grow lights also come in handy during the winter season when sunlight is hard to come by.
Currently, there are various types of grown lights, thanks to technology. Some of the common types include fluorescent grown lights, light-emitting diodes and high-intensity discharge and metal halide.
After picking your preferred type of grow light, find an ideal space in your house where you can install the lights and position your plants accordingly. While at it, ensure that there is a reasonable distance between your light source and the plant. Too far and the plant may suffer from insufficient light, too close and you risk burning your succulent.
Succulents are interesting plants, both in their natural environment and indoors. This is especially considering their drought resistance and adaptation to arid areas. When growing succulents at home, it is important to ensure that you replicate their natural environment as much as possible.
This is especially so in regards to access to sunlight or light in general. Other conditions that need to be taken into consideration include soil and watering. Based on these, it is important that you take time to identify ideal positions for your succulents in the house.
These ensure that they are not only noticeable easily but also make it more convenient to tend to them. With the right positioning, your succulents will thrive and give you that pealing look that compliments your overall home décor.
Last update on 2023-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
