Succulents as Table Décor

Even light-loving succulents can be pulled into the mix if it’s for a short stint as tabletop décor. Succulents love sun—the more the better, especially if grown indoor. But most won’t mind a low light spot for a couple of weeks. Well, as long as that spot doesn’t come with high water. And this is another good reason for keeping plants in separate pots. Each contains a plant and its own little microclimate. You can combine jungle-lovers with desert dwellers. And if one of the plants overgrows its spot or doesn’t like its home, you can switch them out.

For the long-term though Hancock says bright light (even direct sun) is key. “If you have a bright spot indoors, you should be able to be just as successful with your succulents inside as you were out,” he says. “If you don’t have a bright window, then grow your succulents under a light. It doesn’t need to be a fancy plant light — a regular old inexpensive shop light will do just fine.”

Hancock stresses the need to be careful with the water as well when it comes to succulents. “Indoors, most succulents use less water than they did outdoors,” he advises. “We find an average is about 10-14 days (between waterings)—but that really depends on how much light the succulents get, the temperature, the humidity, the size of the pot, and the type of potting mix they’re in.”

Whether you just want a couple of plants to brighten a windowsill or are planning an ambitious lighting set-up, it’s best to get your plant cuttings and starts as soon as possible. Having their roots separated and their stems cut forces plants to go into overdrive in order to grow roots and survive. Putting them through the shock of moving from a cool and humid environment outdoors to a forced air-heated spot indoors will make them have to work all the harder.

Plants that are easy to start from cuttings:

Fuchsia ‘Autumnale’

Hemigraphis exotica variegated (waffle plant)

Pelargonium (annual geranium)

Plectranthus ciliatus ‘Troy’s Gold’

Plectranthus coleoides ‘Cerveza ‘n Lime’

Plants that can be dug and repotted:

Ferns:

Microsorum musifolium (crocodyllus fern)

Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Tiger Fern’

Oxalis ‘Plum Crazy’