Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves and stems so that they can tolerate dry conditions. Most of them have thick leaves and stems that act as water storage tanks, but many succulents can also reduce water loss through transpiration due to their waxy leaves or thin layer of hair.

Echeverias are hard to resist when shopping. Not only do they come in all different kinds of colours, but they are very decorative (which is especially appealing if you are shooting tabletop pictures for Instagram, *wink wink*) and very affordable, too. The plants usually look really nice when we purchase them, but watch out – they often change their shape and colour in the following weeks and months.

Small decorated cups and vases are perfect for Echeveria succulents and a mini cactus .

Go wild! Here, plant pots and a glass dome are mixed and matched, and a String of Pearls plant grows from a drawer .

Some succulents, like certain kinds of Sedum, turn red to protect themselves from the cold or too much sun. A natural sunscreen!

This Senecio rowleyanus grows in a glass plant hanger with a leather strap .

Succulents stretch out when they don’t get enough sunlight. A lack of sunlight also tends to make the plant grow faster. You will first notice the succulent starting to turn and bend towards the light source. As it continues to grow, it will get taller, with more space between the leaves. Most of the time the leaves will become smaller and the colour will lose its intensity – which is particularly disappointing if you have purchased a purple, pink or red Echeveria!

Generally, you want your succulents to get as much indirect sunlight as possible. Especially in dark winters, it is almost impossible to grow them without some stretching. You could use a grow light to give your plants more light; there are lots of options on the market, like the stylish lights from Bulbo.

DID YOU KNOW

that the pearls of a String of Pearls plant are actually its leaves? Just like any succulent, they store water in their leaves, but these happen to look particularly cute. And while the leaves look delicious, like peas, they are somewhat poisonous to humans and animals. Make sure to hang them out of reach of children and pets .