The Truth About Succulents: Are They Really That Easy?

If you have been shopping lately, chances are you’ve seen those picture-perfect succulents sitting in sunny windowsills or stylish pots at various local shops and offices. From Boone to Ankeny, Marshalltown to Story City, houseplant lovers across Central Iowa can’t seem to get enough of them. But here’s the real question: Are succulents truly the low-maintenance dream plants everyone says they are?

At Holub Greenhouses, we talk to gardeners of all experience levels, from seasoned growers in Nevada and Huxley to Iowa State University students picking up their first plant. There is a lot of great information out there about succulents, but there is also a lot of bad information as well. The experts at Holub Greenhouses are here to help you get the correct information before you jump on the succulent bandwagon.

What Makes Succulents So Popular?

Succulents are a diverse group of plants known for their thick, water-storing leaves. They’re often celebrated and sought after for being:

• Low maintenance
• Drought tolerant
• Aesthetic and trendy
• Compact, making them perfect for small spaces

Add to that the fact that they look great in a variety of settings (including social media), and you’ve got a recipe for plant parent obsession.

But popularity doesn’t always mean simplicity…

So, Are Succulents Actually Easy to Care For?

Mostly, but not entirely.

While they don’t need daily watering or complicated feeding schedules, many succulent species are more particular than people realize. Here’s what you need to get right to be a good succulent owner:

Light Requirements

Succulents love sunlight, ideally six hours of bright, indirect light per day. In Iowa winters, that can be a challenge with our all too short days. To make succulents happy, try placing them in a south or west-facing window.  While a few varieties tolerate lower light, most will become leggy and weak without enough sun. If you notice your succulent is growing a bit weary, try supplementing existing sunlight by using a grow light.

Watering Schedule

The biggest mistake we see? Overwatering. Succulents want a good soak, but only after their soil has dried completely. If your succulent’s leaves are mushy, you’re watering too much. If they’re wrinkled, water more often.

Soil and Drainage

Succulents need well-draining soil. Because of this you should use a cactus or succulent mix instead of general potting soil. Also, never plant them in pots without drainage holes. Root rot is real, folks.

Common Succulent Myths (Busted!)

• “They thrive on neglect.”
  Not quite. They thrive on informed care, they don’t want your water every day, but they do want your attention once in a while.
  
• “Any container will do.”
  Decorative pots without drainage are a trap. Beautiful? Sure. Deadly? Also yes.
  
• “Succulents don’t need feeding.”
  Occasional feeding during the growing season (spring/summer) can promote healthier growth and color. Just don’t overdo it.
  

Are They Beginner-Friendly?

Absolutely, with the right information. That’s where Holub Greenhouses comes in. Whether you’re just getting started in your first student apartment in Ames, or managing a full-fledged indoor jungle in your Central Iowa home, we’re here to guide you.

We carry a constantly changing inventory of popular succulent varieties like:

• Echeveria
  
• Jade Plant
  
• Haworthia
  
• Aloe
  
• Zebra Cactus
  
• String of Pearls
  

Come visit us often! We get new varieties arriving often and our inventory is always changing.

Other Important Succulent FAQs

Q: Do succulents clean the air?
A: Some do, but not as effectively as other houseplants like spider plants or pothos.

Q: Can I keep succulents outside in the summer?
A: Yes. Just ease them into direct sunlight gradually and bring them in before temps drop below 50°F.

Q: Are succulents pet-safe?
A: Some are, but many (like jade and aloe) are toxic to pets. Ask our staff if you have furry friends at home.

Your Local Succulent Resource in Central Iowa

At Holub Greenhouses, we’re more than just a plant shop, we’re a community hub for plant lovers in Ames, Story County, and all of Central Iowa. We’ll help you choose the right succulent, troubleshoot issues, and teach you how to keep your indoor plants thriving season after season.

Whether you’re in Madrid, Boone, Marshalltown, or just down the road in Ames, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to answer all your questions and inspire your plant journey.

Ready to Grow Your Collection? Come Visit!

Visit Holub Greenhouses today to explore our full selection of succulents, houseplants, and garden must-haves. Whether you’re looking for low-maintenance greens or show-stopping statement plants, you’ll find something special, and someone to help you make it thrive.

Family owned and located in Ames, Iowa, we’re proud to serve the entire region.

Stop by, say hello, and grow with us!