• Photographed and written by Maria Bougioukos Why...

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Photographed and written by Maria Bougioukos

Why Succulents Are So Awesome:

1. They hardly need any attention; water them a bit, make sure they don’t sear in the sun if they aren’t in the “hardy” class of succulents, and you’re good to go! You don’t have to worry about drip systems, sprinklers„ or making a watering schedule. Not to mention you get the added bonus of saving money on your water bill, and making the earth a bit happier :)

2. They are amazing spectacles of nature’s architecture. They come in so many shapes and sizes, and their symmetry is captivating. Its amazing that a succulent can have the plush, shiny, round leaves of the Jade plant, the distinct white spikes of the Golden Barrel Cactus, or the wispy appearance of the Air Plant.

3. You can mix and match them in endless combinations. You don’t have to be too worried about pairing all sorts of amazing succulents. For the most part they have very similar watering needs. Some may need more shade than others, but for the most part, you can let loose.

4. Succulents can grow in soil that would be toxic to most other plants. These hardy buggers are true survivors. You’ll often find these glorious plants growing in coastal areas in soil that is caustic to other plants due to the concentrated levels of dissolved minerals.

5. They can grow out of just about any container. Like rusty buckets? Go ahead and throw a succulent in there. Old tires? Baskets? Shoes? A fabric pocket hanging on a wall? Yup…succulents are cool with those too.

5. PRETTY COLORS. Succulents never fail to impress with their myriad of intense colors. Some of them flower as well, and they are almost neon in vibrance. These plants pack a whole lot of Color Ka-pow for your money.

6. They are cute. They have swollen, chubby stems, leaves, etc, because they hoard water. Adorable.

7. They have medicinal uses. You shouldn’t try to smoke a succulent, but they have ancient uses for pain relief, irritated skin, and upset stomach.

8. They’re affordable. You can buy them in bulk online, or from a nursery, or slowly acquire one plant at a time, either way, you’re saving money on what might normally be a sizeable expenditure. You can find succulents online for as little as $1.00 per plant.

9. They are unique. The popularity of succulents are on the rise, but I’m convinced that not enough people are aware of the pure magnificence of these underestimated plants. As a Landscape Architecture student, I found a way to utilize succulents in just about every design I created-each landscape from a unique set of environmental conditions. Add a elegant and environmentally friendly punch of amazing to your office, home, or garden. You won’t be disappointed.