For seniors who don't want pets or would like their space to feel a little more lively, plants can be an excellent option. Plants give a senior something to care for and a hobby without the larger responsibility of a pet. Many great plants can be easy to manage for seniors, with one of the most popular being succulents.

Continue reading below to see how succulents can make great houseplants and how to take care of them.

What is a Succulent Plant?

A succulent plant is a type of plant that stores water in its leaves to survive. These plants are easy to spot by looking at their leaves, which will be fleshy and thickened in appearance.

Although, some species of the succulent plant have even thicker leaves than others. These plants prefer warm temperatures because the water contained in their leaves can freeze and cause the plant to get mushy or die. The warm temperature requirement makes them excellent indoor plants.

Succulents are quite low maintenance, and as long as they are watered properly, they can thrive quite well indoors.

How Often to Water Succulents?

As with any plant, the important question is how often to water succulents. Typically, succulents should be watered every other week during the warmer months when the temperature maintains above 40 degrees. Succulents are dormant during the winter, so they only need to be watered once a month. While it is important to water succulents that can survive quite some time without them because of the reserves in the leaves.

Of course, just like any other plant, succulents can also be overwatered. If the roots or part of the plant is sitting in a pool of water, it is too much. Seniors should be careful to avoid this, as it can cause the plant to die if it goes too long.

Tips for Succulent Care

To allow succulents to grow and thrive, it is important to know proper succulent care. The first step is of course proper watering as mentioned above, though it is important to get sunlight as well. Succulents can change colors depending on the level of sunlight exposure. If they are lacking sunlight, they will appear simply green or very dull.

When given sunlight or more than the plant is used to, it causes it to “blush,” or change colors. Succulents can have a wide range of colors in full blush, including pink, orange, purple, red, and nearly black. Succulent owners do need to be aware because blush can also be caused by a lack of water or temperature extremes as well.

Growing New Succulents

One of the cool things about succulents is that they can propagate very easily. If there is a leaf that has fallen off the plant, a whole new plant can often be grown from it. This allows seniors to grow new ones off of their current plants if they would like. There is a lot of knowledge and tips for propagating succulents out there for seniors who want to try.

Searching for High-Quality Senior Living Services?

If you are looking for a high-quality senior living residence for you or your loved one, consider Symphony Senior Living. We have several locations around Canada and they can accommodate the needs of nearly any senior. Our goal is to treat residents like our own family and we show this in our care. If you have any questions about our services or facilities, please contact us at 437-214-1608.

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