Green Succulents

In arrangements, green succulents give a lively, verdant look when grouped together. You can also achieve eye-catching contrast by pairing them with complementary colors such as Red Succulents.

Dark green tones indicate that a plant has lots of chloroplasts, which are full of the green pigment, chlorophyll. Plants with a high density of chloroplasts can grow and thrive in lower light conditions. This is why dark green succulents like Gasteria, Haworthia, and Jade Plants make such easy houseplants.

Soft, pastel greens tend to be the result of a natural wax called "farina". This powdery coating covers the foliage of many succulents to help them tolerate harsh sun and drought. It also gives an elegant, matte finish to the plants. Avoid touching or watering the leaves of these powdery types if possible. Farina rubs off easily and once removed it will not grow back on old leaves.

Many succulents also experience seasonal color variation. Some of these green succulents will get blushes of color in response to the long, sunny days of summer or the short, cold days of winter.

Additionally, infrequent watering can bring out non-green highlights. Succulents are adapted to long droughts and like to be watered in a cycle of soaking and drying periods. Only water when the soil is completely dry and the leaves start to feel limp. Then, deeply drench the plant and don’t water again until the soil is completely dry.

Succulents of all colors thrive in well-draining pots and soil. Use a gritty soil mix with a high proportion of coarse sand, perlite, pumice, or other mineral grit. A lean soil like Bonsai Jack's Gritty Mix helps a succulent develop strong roots and prevents rot. Pair it with a container with a drainage hole to help your succulent thrive and show its best coloration.