If you’re a tiny bit neglectful as a plant parent, we’ve got the solution: Why not try succulents? These low-maintenance plants don’t need babied and come in an amazing array of colors, sizes and forms. With more than 10,000 species, these plants have adapted to harsh growing conditions by developing fleshy stems and leaves that retain moisture to survive heat and drought conditions. Many succulents make great houseplants and are equally sturdy in a sunny spot in your garden, too.
If you’re planting outdoors, read the plant tag or description to ensure the variety is perennial and can survive winters in your USDA Hardiness zone (find yours here). Or pot up and bring ‘em indoors before chilly temps arrive. Most importantly, avoid the biggest killer of succulents: overwatering. Succulents prefer to dry out— they do have their own water reserves after all—so don’t water them until the soil feels dry when you push a finger into the pot an inch or so.
Here are a few of our favorite succulents for home or garden:
