If you’re a low-maintenance gardener, then the resurgence in the popularity of succulents is sensational news.
Succulents are a perfect solution for owners who are preparing their homes for sale with a minimum of fuss.
They’re ideal for either an apartment balcony or a dedicated area of a garden, where colourful of varieties really pop against surrounding grey gravel that’s used to retain soil moisture.
Agave and yucca are larger succulents that contrast beautifully with ground-covers like echeveriais and stonecrops. Local grasses and natives, such as kangaroo paw, make great companion plants. They love north-facing positions that catch the sun but have shelter from the rain. Aeriated, free-draining soil on a slope is their idea of heaven.
If all this sounds like too much work, consider growing succulents in pots and placing them strategically along paths, near doors and under windows for create an amazing first impression with prospective buyers.
Succulents have become popular because all they need is sunshine and watering every couple of weeks. They’re definitely a set-and-forget plant that’s almost impossible to kill. They’ll brighten any balcony, entertaining area or court yard whether in terracotta pots or more colourful containers.
There are a couple of watch-outs. They’re not keen on frost and hate being over-watered.
From a property sales perspective, be aware succulents are bad feng shui because many varieties are spikey and can catch your skin or clothing. If your potential buyers put store in feng shui, this might be an issue, so ask your agent for advice before going ahead.
That aside, succulents with shapely leaves are usually the most popular succulents. Look out for varieties such as sumpervivum, haworthia, echeveria, crassula and kalanchoe.
Here are some sensational succulent tips.
- Use succulents in pots. Brighten the balcony of an apartment, offering a touch of nature to prospective buyers without the hassle of high maintenance.
- Create a feature. If you’re preparing a house for sale, consider creating a feature using succulents and light grey gravel that’s used to retain moisture. It’s elegant and memorable – the perfect impact on buyers.
- Make an entrance. When positioned around the exterior of a house, succulents are stunning. Use them to make a feature of an entrance or pathway. Alternatively, put them in window boxes.
- Succulents love sunshine. Bright light is essential for them to thrive.
- Autumn or spring – when the weather is warm rather than hot – is perfect planting time.
- Use specifically designed potting mix for succulents and slow-release fertiliser.
- Drain well. Make sure your succulents are in well-drained soil, as they only take the water they need. The rest must drain away.
- Don’t over-water. Once every couple of weeks in summer is enough. You can leave them alone in winter. If the leaves wrinkle, they’re thirsty. When in doubt, don’t water.
- They’re easy to propagate. Plants that make good candidates for propagation have a woody, slightly light-depraved appearance. Again, be careful not to over-water the new plants.