Houseplants are the perfect way to brighten up a room and your mood. Succulents are perhaps one the most popular types of indoor plants and have quickly become a fashionable choice for their appearance, low maintenance and sustainability. With so many types to choose from, we thought we’d round up the best indoor succulents in the UK that can be delivered straight to your door, as well as a few tips on how best to care for them.
What are the most popular type of succulents?
With a wide species of succulents out there, finding the right one to add to your home can be hard to navigate. To help, here are some of the most popular types of indoor succulents that might inspire you.
Sempervivums: These distinct succulents are identified by their petal shaped leaves, and sometimes even contain shades of red. They're a hardy type, and their name comes from the Latin of 'forever alive.' Quite fitting, we think.
Aloe: Identified by their long, fleshy leaves that grow upwards. These plants have been used in medicine and cosmetics for centuries. The Aloe plant stores its water content in its leaves in a form of a gel.
Snake Plant: The Snake Plant has many other names its known by. However, it's also known by its distinct leaves that reach upwards. The leaves are tall, spindly and thinner than you may expect for a succulent plant.
Agave: These plants generally have evenly distributed, fleshy leaves that grow upwards and outwards. They're not dissimilar in look to an aloe plant, but their leaves look more like spines.
Jade Plant: Can be identified by its rounded leaves that appear in clusters close together. Sometimes, this plant will contain pigments of red. When flowering, it produces pink star-shaped flowers that branch off.
How do you look after succulents?
As well as being an attractive addition to your home, succulents require very little fuss. Their thick, fleshy leaves and enlarged roots allow them to retain water so they do not need watering as frequently as other plants. A generous amount of water once their soil is bone dry is all that’s needed.
Succulents are famed for their ability to adapt and tolerate indoor climates; this means you can find a succulent suited to any room in the house. They also ‘play nice' with other plants, allowing you to pot a few together. When doing this, though, be sure to use succulent potting soil and check they have even levels of sunlight and comparable watering needs.
So, when it comes down to it, all your succulents need are a fair amount of sunlight and a few drops to drink every few weeks. Now you know the benefits of succulents and have an idea of how to care for them, which are the best indoor succulents in the UK?
The best indoor succulents
1 of 7Franky Aloe Vera plant
It's no surprise Aloe Vera is one of the most popular indoor succulents. They're as stylish as they are easy to care for. Make sure to put Franky in a spot with bright light, though not too much direct sun and avoid shaded areas. Franky the Aloe Vera plant comes with eleven different potting options to choose from, too.
Review: "Delighted with our experience with Patch, we now have four plants from them. Each has arrived very well packed in excellent condition with care advice and all continue to thrive. Highly recommended."
2 of 7Set of 10 Different Succulent Plants
This set of succulents contains some of the most popular varieties ranging from 8cm-15cm in pots. These make for excellent gifts for friends, or for you to scatter around the house to add a splash of greenery to your indoor space. Great value for money from Amazon.
Review: "They arrived promptly, well packaged, and the plants were both healthy and varied. They have flourished superbly, not lost one plant. I planted them in a large trough indoors and made a feature of them to brighten up a dull space, they have not failed to thrive and delight."
3 of 7Jade Plant in 12cm Pot
The Jade Plant, also known as the Crassula Ovata, is often associated with luck, wealth and good fortune. If you're looking to bring good vibes into the home, along with a fuller-looking succulent plant, this one is for you.
Review: "My plant arrived today on time and was very well packaged! This is the first time l have ordered a plant from the internet. The plant is in first-class condition and I am so impressed! she is so healthy with new growth buds. I must submit that I was a little bit dubious about ordering a plant from the Internet however, I am so pleased with this little plant that I would have no hesitation in recommending the company and I would also be getting back to them to order some more indoor plants!"
4 of 7The Little Botanical Succulent Plant Gang
This super stylish miniature set of succulents from John Lewis is a great way of introducing plants into your home without any hassle. Potted in signature black and gold pots, these look great individually or grouped together anywhere in your home.
Review: "Love, love, love the styling and quality of these plants. They last so well and are a lovely feature in my home."
5 of 7Agave 'Shaka Zulu'
Delivered in a nursery pot, this Agave plant from Waitrose is yours to nurture and pot how you want it depending on your decor. A lovely decorative plant, it looks great in a contemporary setting. Be sure to place it in a nice sunny environment, not direct sunlight, for it to thrive.
6 of 7The Snake Plant
For a plant that's delivered to your doorstep in 100 per cent compostable packaging with a pot included, this super low-maintenance plant is easy to look after, even for beginners. Thriving when left to its own devices, the Snake plant needs a sunny spot and a bit of water every now and again.
Review: "I ordered a plant as a gift to myself. The plant and pot are great quality, delivered on time with care instructions, and packaging fully recyclable"
7 of 7Set of 10 Sempervivum Mix
This selection of small indoor Sempervivum plantscomes with a maximum of five different Sempervivum varieties in pots measuring 15cm. Collections are carefully hand-picked depending on quality and availability, so you'll only get the very best.
Review: "Have to admit the plants were smaller than I was expecting but having said that there was a decent selection and all plants very healthy."
FAQs
Can succulents live outside?
In the UK, there are certain succulents that can withstand the unpredictability of British weather and cold winters.
During the winter months, water your succulents once a month provided there's no snow or frost on the ground. Keep them in a sunny location, but also be wary of keeping them in direct sunlight as this could cause them to burn. Hardy types of succulent that can live outside include Agave, Sempervivums. Euphorbias and Sedum, to name a few.
Are succulents poisonous?
Thankfully, to humans, the majority of succulents are not poisonous. There are two types of succulents that can cause harm to humans when touched or eaten and these are the Euphorbia and Kalanchoe succulents.
Unfortunately, there are a number of succulents that are poisonous to cats, dogs and other pets. These include Euphorbia, Kalanchoe, Aloe Vera, Jade Plant, Snake Plant and String of Pearls to name a few. Always research when introducing new plants around pets, as they could potentially be fatal. Contact your vet if your pet has come into contact with a plant and is showing symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea or lethargy.