25 Surprising Health Benefits of Growing Succulents

Did you know that there are several surprising health benefits of growing succulents? These low-maintenance plants are decorative beauties that offer a world of wellness options. It makes all the difference when you keep some in your home! Enter the realm of these resilient, water-storing wonders that have become a symbol of modern botanical fascination. 

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Jump to:

• Benefits of Succulents
• Science-Backed Benefits of Houseplants
• What is a Succulent?
• Varieties of Succulents
• Where to Find Succulent Plants
• Conclusion
• Comments

From enhancing air quality to fostering mindfulness, each succulent nurtured assists wellbeing in a multitude of ways.

I've always been intrigued with these tiny plants, so I began to learn more about them. As it turns out, there are so many amazing benefits of succulents and other houseplants!

Benefits of Succulents

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1. Air Purity: Succulents like snake plants and aloe vera are great plants that serve as natural air purifiers, eliminating toxins and promoting enhanced indoor air quality. This, in turn, supports respiratory health and contributes to lower stress levels.
2. Skin Relief: Aloe vera's natural anti-inflammatory gel swiftly soothes skin irritations, minor burns, and insect bites, providing immediate relief and aiding skin health.
3. Immune Fortification: Vitamin-rich succulents, including dragon fruit and sea beans, lend powerful support to the immune system, bolstering the body's defenses against illnesses.
4. Stress Resilience: Cultivating succulents introduces a sense of calmness, reducing stress levels and nurturing mental well-being. A serene environment contributes to alleviating stress and mitigating high blood pressure.
5. Joint Ease: Succulents such as aloe vera possess compounds that alleviate joint pain and discomfort, reducing inflammation and supporting overall joint health. This may result in having to take less pain medication and improving overall health.
6. Digestive Comfort: Aloe vera, when consumed moderately, lends relief to stomach ulcers and eases digestive discomfort, promoting gastric wellness.
7. Holistic Balance: Engaging with succulents nurtures mindfulness and emotional equilibrium, fostering a profound sense of overall wellness.
8. Aesthetic Elevation: The captivating beauty of succulents can uplift moods and positively impact mental health.
9. Hydration Source: Water-retaining succulents like the prickly pear cactus offer a natural hydration option, supporting optimal moisture levels in the body.
10. Anti-Aging Allies: Succulents are often used in beauty products due to their rich antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, which combat free radicals, contributing to youthful and vibrant skin.
11. Skin Nourishment: Succulent extracts like agave possess moisturizing properties, alleviating dry skin and aiding various skin conditions.
12. Migraine Comfort: Certain succulent aromas, diffused into the air, can provide relief from migraine symptoms, promoting relaxation and soothing discomfort.
13. Aromatherapeutic Bliss: Diffusing essential oils from succulents like lavender or eucalyptus fosters relaxation, promoting psychological stress reduction and aiding sleep improvement.
14. Enhanced Focus: The presence of succulents heightens concentration, mental clarity, and cognitive performance in diverse tasks.
15. Natural Respiratory Aid: Succulents introduce moisture into the air, offering relief from a dry cough, irritated airway, and sore throat. Aloe vera may also soothe sore throats when ingested.
16. Allergy Support: Certain succulents, such as eucalyptus, emit compounds that ease allergy symptoms and respiratory discomfort, contributing to enhanced indoor air quality.
17. Nurturing Fragrance: Aromatic succulents like lavender infuse living spaces with delightful scents, fostering relaxation and a serene ambiance.
18. Restful Slumber: Succulents enhance air quality, potentially leading to improved sleep and overall restfulness. This makes it an ideal plant choice for your bedroom.
19. Learning Experience: Nurturing succulents imparts responsibility and patience, creating an engaging educational journey.
20. Artistic Expression: Succulents offer infinite decor possibilities, enabling unique and personalized arrangements that resonate with your space.
21. Connected to Nature: Engaging with succulents cultivates a deeper bond with nature and green living, even within indoor environments.
22. Holistic Integration: Infusing succulents into daily routines aligns with holistic wellness principles, fostering a well-rounded sense of overall well-being.
23. Sanctuary of Healing: Designating a tranquil space for succulents fosters relaxation, introspection, and rejuvenation, becoming a haven for healing.
24. Complete Wellness: Succulents encapsulate a comprehensive approach to health, addressing physical, mental, and emotional facets of well-being.
25. Enhanced Mood: The vibrant and visually appealing nature of succulents can boost happiness and emotional well-being. Interacting with indoor plants like succulents has been shown to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, promoting a sense of tranquility and joy in your living space.

Science-Backed Benefits of Houseplants

The presence of plants within our living spaces extends beyond mere decoration, offering benefits that contribute to our overall well-being. Houseplants, whether small or sprawling, have the remarkable ability to enhance our indoor environments in a variety of ways.

One of the most well-known advantages of houseplants is their role in improving air quality. Through a process known as photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release fresh oxygen, enriching the air we breathe.

Moreover, houseplants can effectively filter out volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are often emitted by household products and materials. By reducing the levels of these harmful compounds, plants create a healthier indoor atmosphere.

Different arrangements of houseplants can be strategically placed to complement various spaces, even those with limited room. You don't need an expansive area to enjoy the benefits they offer. Even small plants can make a substantial impact on air quality and ambiance.

Houseplants are particularly adept at mitigating the effects of indoor pollutants, such as cigarette smoke and common chemical compounds. A number of studies have shown that certain plants, like snake plants and spider plants, are effective at removing pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and nitrogen oxides from the air.

This positive effect on indoor air quality can contribute to a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

Moreover, houseplants have been found to have a positive influence on our psychological well-being. The simple act of nurturing and tending to plants can reduce stress levels and promote a sense of mindfulness.

The visual presence of greenery has also been linked to improved mood and increased feelings of tranquility.

What is a Succulent?

Succulents, those captivating indoor plants, have transcended their humble origins to become symbols of resilience, beauty, and adaptability. These unique plants belong to a diverse group characterized by their ability to store water in their fleshy leaves, stems, or roots.

This water-storing adaptation allows succulents to thrive not only in arid regions and harsh conditions but also as charming indoor plants, making them well-loved choices for plant owners worldwide.

Succulents hail from various plant families, showcasing a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures. From the symmetrical elegance of the Echeveria to the spiky allure of the Agave, succulents offer a visual feast of diversity that effortlessly complements any indoor or outdoor space. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of succulents is their exceptional water efficiency. Their ability to store water allows them to thrive with less water compared to other plants, making them popular choices for those seeking low maintenance plants.

With proper care, succulents can endure extended periods of drought, making them drought-resistant plants that can thrive even in challenging conditions.

Originating from regions as diverse as Central America and arid landscapes worldwide, succulents have evolved to withstand heat and limited water availability.

This adaptability and resilience have made them hardy plants that can flourish in various environments, whether it's a sun-soaked desert or a cozy corner of your living space or home office.

Interestingly, many succulents can be propagated from stem cuttings, making them not only beautiful but also relatively easy to propagate and share with fellow plant enthusiasts.

Varieties of Succulents

From the iconic prickly pear cactus to the graceful yucca plant, succulents come in an astounding range of forms, each with its unique qualities.

The jade plant, with its plump, glossy leaves and symbolic significance in many cultures, stands as a popular choice.

This resilient plant not only adds a touch of elegance to any space but also serves as a great way to introduce the benefits of succulent plants to your home or office space.

As the holiday season approaches, the vibrant colors of the Christmas cactus add a festive touch to indoor landscapes. This plant can thrive in varying conditions and is exceptionally resilient.

Succulents, renowned for their water-storing capabilities and thick leaves, offer a multitude of benefits beyond their captivating aesthetics.

They require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for busy individuals or those new to plant care. (Like myself! My family and I love succulents, and we live in Arizona!)

Additionally, succulents have the unique ability to improve indoor air quality by filtering out toxins and releasing oxygen, making them excellent choices for combating excess moisture and enhancing the dry air often found indoors.

Snake plants, known for their striking appearance and air-purifying properties, further expand the succulent market's diverse offerings. These hardy succulents thrive in various conditions, making them a popular choice for both experienced and novice plant owners.

Leafy succulents like the areca plant and the dragon fruit plant bring a tropical touch to the succulent world. The areca palm's feathery fronds and the dragon fruit's succulent stems add to the variety of shapes and textures found within this plant family.

Where to Find Succulent Plants

Once you decide to bring succulents into your life you will find that they come in diverse shapes, colors, and textures. These captivating plants can be discovered in various locations, ensuring you can easily welcome them into your home or garden.

Local nurseries and garden centers offer a wide range of succulents and guiding care. Attending plant and flower shows unveils unique varieties. Online retailers bring the succulent world to your fingertips, delivering them to your doorstep.

Local markets, farmers' markets, and botanical gardens provide charming and community-oriented ways to acquire succulents. Chain stores specializing in home and garden decor also offer options to complement your spaces.

Networking within the gardening and succulent community can lead to exciting opportunities to exchange or acquire these plants. 

Workshops and classes teach succulent care and propagation, empowering you to grow your collection.

Engaging with gardening groups on social media and online forums can connect you with fellow enthusiasts for sharing and trading.

Local plant swaps and exchanges offer a chance to connect with plant lovers and acquire new additions.

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Conclusion

Succulents, with their diverse array of health benefits, stand as nature's generous offering to our well-being. From purifying the air we breathe to alleviating stress, nurturing our skin, and fortifying our immune systems, these remarkable plants have woven themselves into the fabric of our holistic wellness journey.

As we tend to our succulents, we engage in a dance of reciprocity, where their presence enriches our lives physically, mentally, and emotionally. Their soothing touch and the positive effects they impart are a gentle reminder of the intricate connection between nature and human health.

So, let us continue to bask in the beauty of succulents and explore the many ways they contribute to our vitality. By integrating these plant wonders into our lives, we create an oasis of well-being that uplifts us in both subtle and profound ways. 

As we savor the health benefits of succulents, we embrace a harmonious union of nature and self-care, nurturing ourselves and our surroundings in perfect harmony.

What are your favorite succulents? Let us know in the comments below! Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more holistic wellness information and deliciously healthy recipes. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.

​Happy Growing!

Natalie