CORVALLIS, Ore. — About 10 years ago, succulents began an extraordinary rise in popularity. They showed up on windowsills, in wreaths and centerpieces, arranged in frames — even dyed. Today, they’re more popular than ever.
Marcia Sherry, a former Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener, has been growing succulents since the 1970s. She keeps around 50 different varieties. Her first was a donkey tail (Sedum morganianum), a plant she still treasures.
“Succulents are forgiving,” said Sherry, a retired architect. “If you forget to water them, they don’t die like other plants would.”
What makes succulents so appealing
Succulents — plants that store water in their leaves — come in a wide range of forms, colors and textures. Many originate from Africa, Mexico and Central and South America. Some tolerate temperatures as low as –20°F, while others thrive indoors near bright windows.
They share one defining trait: they’re low-maintenance.
Sherry’s personal favorites include:
- Pregnant onion (Albuca bracteata)
- Firesticks (Euphorbia tirucalla ‘Sticks on Fire’)
- Jade plant
- Aloe
Firesticks delivers vivid green, yellow and red stems. The pregnant onion sends up long, arching leaves from a softball-sized above-ground bulb.
Growing succulents indoors
Sherry places her indoor succulents in north- or east-facing windows for bright but indirect light.
Her care routine includes:
- Watering once a month.
- Checking soil moisture before watering.
- Avoiding overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Using pots with drainage holes.
- Planting in cactus mix or a potting soil blend lightened with perlite or peat moss.
“They aren’t bothered by pests,” Sherry said. “They’re pretty perfect.”
Growing succulents outdoors
Hardy succulents can be planted outside with little fuss.
To plant outdoor succulents, Sherry recommends:
- Allowing new plants to rest in shade for a day or two.
- Removing dead outer leaves.
- Making a small hole with a pencil and planting in full sun.
- Watering once after planting.
“The outdoor plants take care of themselves once they’re established,” she said.
Easy propagation — even from broken pieces
Succulents are known for how easily they propagate. When Sherry’s cat knocked over a potted donkey tail, she used the broken leaves to start new plants.
To propagate succulents, she suggests:
- Filling a seed tray with well-draining mix.
- Inserting broken leaves into the soil.
- Watering lightly.
- Waiting several weeks for new growth.
- Transplanting once plants mature.
“That’s all you have to do,” Sherry said. “They really are the easiest plants you can grow.”
Previously titled Carefree succulents continue to grow in popularity
