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.

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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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The Snake Plant, or Sansevieria, is one of the most beloved indoor plants around. And don’t get nervous: there’s no caveat here! What you have heard through the grapevine is all true: The Sansevieria plant family is full of low-maintenance wonder plants. With a host of varieties to choose from, you can be confident that whether you opt for a classic Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, or a more rarified Snake Plant, you will be in for a pleasant new plant friend. But there’s even more to love about the famed Snake Plant. If you’re considering buying a Sansevieria for your space, you’re already on the right track. All you need to know is what to look for as you shop (healthy, thriving plants only!) and how to care for your Snake Plant once you bring it home. So check out our simple guide, and prepare for a beautiful friendship with a gorgeous new Snake Plant!

Snake Plants Have Flexible Light Requirements

Here’s the first bit of great news: Snake Plants can thrive in varied degrees of light. That means that whether your space enjoys a steady glow of bright sunshine or revels in mysterious shadows, a Sansevieria can adjust to your environment over time. With a disposition this flexible, it’s hard to wrong: but not impossible. Keep in mind that when placed directly in the path of bright, direct sunlight, a Snake Plant’s blades can scorch. (Like us, they can be sunburned, and they don’t enjoy it either!)

When It Comes To Snake Plants, More Light = More Growth

This is true of most plants, but keep in mind that if you would like your Snake Plant to grow quickly and achieve great height, you will want to place it in a spot that receives consistent, indirect sunlight. This tropical plant has no problem thriving in low light, but it will not grow quickly without some natural sun. It’s the key to photosynthesis, after all.

How To Place Your Snake Plant

Now comes the fun part! Think about what you hope to achieve with your new Sansevieria’s placement. Are you seeking an air-purifying punch? Snake Plants are especially popular as bedroom accents for this very purpose. (The Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ is considered to be both the strongest air purifier of the Sansevieria family, and the most potent air purifying indoor plant in general in scientific studies.) Do you have your heart set on a sky-high Snake Plant? If so, you’ll want to place yours in a sunny spot a few feet from a window that receives natural light. It’s hard to go wrong with Sansevieria placement, but even so, investing in a new plant can feel daunting. Consult our illustrated Light Guide if you get stumped, and remember that more light = more growth. 

Your Snake Plant Has A (Good!) Reputation

Sure, they’re sometimes known as the “Mother-In-Law’s Tongue” Plant. But don’t let that moniker put you off: Snake Plants are actually renowned for positive properties in the feng shui tradition. In many cultures, Sansevierias are considered to bring good luck and positivity to the environments in which they’re placed. They are thought to protect homes from negative chi- a property that is considered to be even more potent when they are placed in a southeastern, southern, or eastern corner of your home.

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It’s Important To Avoid Overwatering Your Snake Plant

Snake Plants are so easy-going that it’s easy to think they can withstand anything. And that is almost true: but there is an exception to that rule. Overwatering is the number one cause of damage in Sansevieria health. It’s important to remember that your Snake Plant may not require water as frequently as other plants in your home. Overwatered Snake Plants can face a rough road to recovery, so prevention is the best medicine here. 

It’s Easy To Avoid Overwatering. We Promise!

Your Snake Plant is an individual, and several components affect the rate at which it uses the water you provide it. This means that Sansevierias should have their own watering schedule, tailored especially to them. But don’t worry, it’s a remarkably simple practice. Every 10-14 days, stick your finger two inches down into your Snake Plant’s soil to monitor its moisture. Provide water only when its topsoil is dry to the touch. You will likely find that you only need to water your Sansevieria every couple weeks, or even every month. Don’t worry: this is normal! Snake Plants process water at their own pace. This is not a plant variety that needs water every few days, so be sure not to treat it like one. Supplemental tools like moisture meters are also great for taking the mystery out of Snake Plant watering, by notifying you when soil is moist or dry.

Snake Plants Grow At Their Own Pace

If you’re looking for a tall and statuesque Sansevieria, consider your ideal size when you shop, not after. Snake Plants are not rapid growers in low to medium light, though they can grow quickly in brightly lit locations. All well-cared for Snake Plants will exhibit beautiful growth over time (especially when they receive ample light) but generally speaking, Sansevierias grow at a slower pace than other indoor plant varieties. The Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, it should be noted, is considered to be the fastest-growing Snake Plant of the lot. But generally speaking, if it’s a lofty statement plant you’re seeking, buy a Snake Plant that is already large. Sansevierias typically grow about two to three inches per season, with overall growth averaging about a foot in height per year, in prime conditions.

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How To Select A Thriving, Gorgeous Snake Plant

Once you’re ready to buy a new Snake Plant, it’s time to pick the healthiest plant possible. Select a Snake Plant that is in dry to nearly dry soil. A Snake Plant that has been overwatered before you bring it home can exhibit issues down the line which can easily be avoided. Choose a Sansevieria with healthy blades that are firm and exhibit vibrant, even color. Avoid specimens that show large areas of browning, dry patches, or soggy areas on its blades. Select a Snake Plant whose size you are satisfied with, and note that growth will take time. 

Avoid Purchasing Your Cactus From A Garden Center

Snake Plants are often available at garden centers and home improvement stores, but the plants at these retailers are not typically the pick of the litter. Remember that with living plants, as with so many things, you will get what you pay for. An attractive price tag can provide a momentary thrill, but a big headache often follows in its wake. Here’s why: garden centers are able to offer low prices for plants that are not sourced from premium growers. That means that the plant may have been mistreated or incorrectly watered. These issues may not be visible from the get-go, but plants exhibit stress overtime. You can avoid an unhealthy plant by purchasing from a reputable, premium supplier.

Plants sourced from premium growers will be grown in pest-free environments and prophylactically treated for insects as well. A well-tended new plant is a gift that will keep on giving. Or to look at it another way, a plant infested with insects is a problem that can leap from plant to plant at remarkable speed. That’s right, one insect-ridden plant can easily result in every plant in your home needing treatment. 

Snake Plants are a hardy plant variety, but no plant is impervious to damage or stress. So while it’s easy to buy a mop at a home improvement store and bring it home, the same cannot be said for living plants. Purchasing a Sansevieria from a retail location and getting it home forces the plant to endure undue stress, not just from being jostled, but also from factors like dry gusts from your car’s A.C. Set your new Snake Plant up for success by having it delivered by hand or securely shipped in well-insulated packaging that has been specifically engineered for plants.

A Note On Toxicity In Snake Plants

Many pet owners find that they have no trouble with Snake Plants: their plant structure does not contain leaves or blossoms that are typically attractive to animals. However, Sansevierias are considered to be mildly toxic to pets due to the presence of saponins in their blades.

Even The Healthiest Snake Plant Can Experience Stress

The sturdy and reliable Sansevieria is a gold-standard plant due to its resilience. But because they’re living beings, all plants can experience stress caused by things like environmental changes, over-or-under watering, or pests. When questions or challenges regarding plant health arise, it’s a relief to know that a supportive plant pal that has your back. Snake Plants purchased from Léon & George are paired with lifelong access to our Plant Doctor service: a responsive team of professional horticulture experts, here to support you, provide assessments of your plant’s health, and offer helpful guidance whenever you need. No fees are required: our Plant Doctor service is just one of many ways that we support new plant parents, and ensure that every Léon & George plant is set up for success.

We’ve compiled a thorough list of common issues that Sansevierias can experience, and have a detailed care guide available. Get ready to welcome home your new Snake Plant! Click here to learn more about all things Sansevieria, and how to keep yours in prime shape for years to come.

Snake Plant

A stunning and lush statement plant with an easy-care disposition, the Snake Plant is a low maintenance succulent that is adaptable to varied light levels and needs water only sparingly.

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